Fans point out one potential faux pas with FAI's new sponsorship
The FAI have announced a new title sponsorship deal with Club Soda, starting this season.
The four-year deal will see Club Orange become the title sponsor for both the men’s and women’s Cups.
‘From this season, Ireland’s leading domestic Cup competitions will be known as the Club Orange Men’s FAI Cup and the Club Orange Women’s FAI Cup with the Road to the Aviva Stadium and Tallaght Stadium getting underway soon,’ the FAI said in a statement.
FAI and Britvic representatives, from left, Mark Hogan, Head of Marketing for CSD & Energy, Britvic Ireland; League of Ireland director Mark Scanlon; Stephen Cramp, Marketing Director at Britvic Ireland; FAI director of marketing and communications Eadaoin Keane; and FAI commercial director Sean Kavanagh; at the Club Orange Men’s and Women’s FAI Cup sponsorship announcement at the Aviva Stadium. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
‘The agreement follows on from the announcement of Club as the Official Soft Drinks Partner of the League of Ireland and Official Soft Drinks Partner of Men’s and Women’s National Teams.’
Commercial Director Sean Kavanagh said: ‘We’re delighted to welcome Club Orange as the new title partner of the Men’s and Women’s FAI Cups in what is a landmark four-year partnership for Irish football.
‘This agreement represents a significant investment in the domestic game and reflects our shared commitment to growing domestic football in Ireland.’
The Club Orange Men’s FAI Cup. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
He added: ‘The Club Orange Men’s and Women’s FAI Cups are two of the most prestigious and historic competitions in Irish sport, and with Club Orange’s support, we are confident we can further elevate its profile, enhance the experience for players and supporters, and create memorable moments through the drama and unforgettable games we’re sure to see.
‘We look forward to working closely with Club Orange to bring this exciting new chapter to life.’
Now, you may have noticed the portmanteau of Club Orange Men’s FAI Cup, and you wouldn’t be the only one, as many League of Ireland fans pointed out the faux pas and linked the name to the religious Orange Order group, known for their marches on July 12 every year in Northern Ireland.
BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND – JULY 12: Members of the Orange Order and their supporters take part in the Twelfth of July parade on July 12, 2017, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The annual 12th of July parades mark the anniversary of the protestant King William of Orange’s victory over the catholic forces of King James at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
On account posted on X, ‘Orangemen’s FAI Cup? Oops, didn’t think that one through!’ ‘Sorry the club what men?’ posted another.
‘Club Orange Men’s FAI Cup ??? This might just be the worst possible name I’ve ever heard in League of Ireland folklore.’
Meanwhile, some people saw the funny side of it. ‘Can we get them to do a Club Orange march down O’Connell Street when they win it?’
‘Good sponsor. Hope they’ve bottles of club orange for the winners to shake and spray all over each other, champagne style.’
