Sky Sports has acquired exclusive rights to show all the Republic of Ireland's home internationals over the next four years.
The new deal comes into effect in time for the start of the European Championship qualifiers in September.
Speaking on RTE television this evening the FAI’s treasurer, Mr John Delaney, said that the deal offered to the FAI by Sky Sports was "simply too good to turn down" and insisted that the Association was acting in the "best interests" of developing Irish soccer.
It is understood the deal will be worth more that €7.5 million over the next four years.
The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Mr John O'Donoghue, while acknowledging the right of the FAI to enter into such deals, expressed his disappointment saying that it would deprive many Irish soccer fans the opportunity to watch the national team play live.
In a statement he added that he had no doubt his sentiments would be shared by fans of "this great Irish team throughout the length and breadth of the country".
