The IFA has worked closely with Irish Premier League in developing an assessment criteria which has been approved by the IFA Executive Committee.

Clubs were invited to submit applications to join the new League with comprehensive details in respect of their sporting achievements, infrastructure, finances, business plan, personnel and match attendances all considered.

Their applications have been assessed and scored by an Independent Assessment Panel who submitted a report of their findings and a list of Interim Rankings to the IFA Chief Executive, Howard Wells.

An Interim Board was then established to consider the next steps and prepare for the new League with 3 representatives appointed by the IFA Executive and 3 representatives appointed by the Premier League Committee.

The IFAP Board at its inaugural meeting on Tuesday, 7 August 2007 determined that the new League will commence in Season 2008-09 and that 12 clubs will make up the League.

The Interim Rankings (listed below) have been furnished to clubs prior to the commencement of Season 2007-08 at their request understandably they are keen to learn what they must achieve in order to make the grade.

One thing is certain that clubs who do not acquire a domestic club licence will not be permitted to take part in the new league irrespective of their ranking position.

At the end of the coming season in May 2008, a final ranking of clubs will be conducted and at that time, subject to domestic licence conditions, the top 11 clubs will be invited to join the League.

The final position will be determined by way of a play off involving the 4 clubs ranked 12-15 contesting this event in an exciting finale to the Season.

INVITATIONAL LEAGUE ASSESSMENT PANEL
FRIDAY 29 JUNE & FRIDAY 6 JULY 2007