Irish League Floodlit Cup

The Floodlit Cup (more commonly known as the Budweiser Floodlit Cup, Budweiser Cup or Coca-Cola Cup for sponsorship reasons) was an annual football competition organised by the Irish Football League in the late-1980s and 1990s.

By the mid-1980s all Irish League clubs had installed floodlighting at their grounds, largely through grants awarded by the Football Trust. This presented the opportunity for the founding of a new competition with the prospect of much needed sponsorship revenue. Budweiser was announced as the sponsor of this new competition, presenting a total prize fund of £12,000 for competing teams and administration. A distinctive trophy was produced, featuring the sponsor's name, and this was awarded for the first time on December 15, 1987 to Glentoran.

Budweiser remained sponsor of the Floodlit Cup until 1994/95 with Portadown winning the trophy for a record third time. With Budweiser's withdrawal as sponsors the competition was immediately replaced by the Coca-Cola Floodlit Cup (the Budweiser branded trophy ended at this point). The Coca-Cola Floodlit Cup was a new trophy, and in the years that followed the term "Floodlit" became less prevalent. The Coca-Cola Floodlit Cup itself lapsed in 1998/99 with the remainder of the company's six-year sponsorship deal transferring to the Irish League Cup as the number of competitions open to Irish League clubs was reduced.

Open to all 14 Irish League clubs. Played on a single match, straight knock-out basis with extra-time and a penalty shoot-out if required. Semi-finals and final played on a neutral ground. Top two teams from the previous season’s Irish League given a bye to the second round.

Entrants increased to 16 with the inclusion of B Division teams, Omagh Town and Ballyclare Comrades (who were due to join an expanded Irish League in 1990/91). First round played on a two legged, home and away basis using the away goal rule, followed by extra-time and penalties if the aggregate score was level. Quarter-final and semi-final matches played as a single match with extra-time and penalties, with semis and final again at a neutral venue. Final match open to a replay if scores remained level after extra-time.

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