The GPA have released a statement this evening to clear the air surrounding some of the questions raised in the aftermath of the GAA’s Congress last weekend.

Despite their opposition to the Super 8 proposal, the motion was passed by Congress.

The GPA have stated that they will accept the result, despite the fact that 70% of teams were opposed to it.

The Gaelic Players Association would like to clarify a number of points made in the wake of last weekend’s GAA Congress and the passing of Motion 4.

The GPA has engaged extensively with our members with regard to competition reform over the past 18 months…

The most recent consultation with all inter-county squads was to ascertain a consensus as to how the sole GPA vote at Congress would be employed.

Over 70% of squads expressed a wish to vote against this proposal. The reasons for the player opposition to this proposal have already been outlined.

Following the initial release of the ‘GAA’s Proposal on The Revised Format of the All-Ireland Championships’ last year, the Players’ body actively sought opinions of all squads and reconvened the steering group who considered the proposals.

It should also be noted that following extensive work in bringing forward a new competitions model, the Players’ own proposals were dismissed by the GAA partly on the basis that they contained more games.

While the players’ body accepts the decision of Congress, we will continue to consult with all inter-county players whose views will determine the next course of action for the GPA in relation to structures in both hurling and football. The players’ views will also be represented through the GAA/GPA Player Policy Forum, a newly established committee arising from the 2016 GAA/GPA Agreement.

The following is an outline of the GPA engagement with players on competition structure reform over the past 18 months:

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