Cadbury expands FAI partnership to back both Ireland senior football teams

Cadbury has extended its sponsorship of Irish football to cover both the Republic of Ireland men's and women's senior international teams, marking a significant commercial milestone for the sport in Ireland. The expanded deal, announced alongside the "Paint March Green" campaign, arrives at a pivotal point in the international calendar for both squads.

Sport for Business reported that the campaign is designed to rally nationwide fan support as both teams enter decisive qualification phases for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup respectively.

Cadbury first partnered with the Republic of Ireland Women's National Team in 2021, subsequently backing initiatives including the "Become A Supporter & A Half" campaign, FAI Cadbury Kick Fit and the Grounds For Change programme.

Seamus Harahan, senior brand manager for chocolate at Cadbury Ireland, said there is great excitement around both national football teams as they prepare for some of the biggest tournaments in the world, adding that the brand is encouraging the nation to get behind the teams in green together.

FAI commercial director Sean Kavanagh described Cadbury as an outstanding partner, noting that the expanded collaboration will play an important role in promoting Irish football through to 2029.

On the pitch, the men's team face Czechia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Play-Offs on 26 March, with a potential final at the Aviva Stadium on 31 March. The women's team face Poland in back-to-back Women's World Cup qualifiers on 14 and 18 April.

Men's head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson welcomed the backing ahead of the play-offs, while women's head coach Carla Ward said continued commercial support has made a real difference to the growth of women's and girls' football across the country.

Catch the full story on this expanded partnership and what it means for Irish football.