The merger between the Football Association of Ireland and the eircom League was rubber-stamped at an extraordinary general meeting in Cahir, Co Tipperary on Saturday afternoon.

Twelve ruled changes were up for discussion, and delegates unanimously elected to adopt all 12 in order to complete the merger in time for the FAI to take charge of the domestic leagues next season.

A new-look Premiership will be put in place in 2007, although the make-up of the top flight has yet to be decided, with off-field matters set to be taken into consideration as well as the final standings in the 2006 season’s Premier Division and First Division tables.

FAI chief executive John Delaney said: “This is a momentous day for Irish football because it brings the senior game under the direct control of the FAI.

“Over the past few weeks members of the board and the executive have travelled around the country briefing all our stakeholders on why this merger needed to happen and we received full backing from all strands of the game.

“We can now direct the resources of the FAI towards the senior game and we look forward to the challenge ahead as we strive to improve all aspects of the league.”

Next Fixture

Cork City / October 3rd @ 7:30pm
Competition: FAI Cup
Venue: Turners Cross
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Team	Pld	Pts
Shamrock Rovers	30	60
Bohemian FC	31	50
Derry City	31	50
St Patrick's Athletic	31	46
Drogheda United	31	46
Shelbourne	30	43
Sligo Rovers	31	34
Waterford FC	31	34
Galway United	31	31
Cork City	31	23