Shamrock Rovers will officially field a second team in the First Division in 2020.
The FAI have confirmed that 'Shamrock Rovers II' will enter the second tier of the SSE Airtricity League, despite criticism of the proposed entry in recent weeks.
"Shamrock Rovers II have been accepted into the SSE Airtricity League First Division for the 2020 season," read a statement from the FAI.
"The National League Executive Committee approved the proposal and the decision was ratified by the FAI Board."
Rovers last fielded a second team in the First Division in 2014, with the Tallaght club's reserves finishing sixth.
The Hoops finished second in the Premier Division last season behind champions Dundalk, beating the Lilywhites in the FAI Cup final.
Confirmation of Rovers' reserves being admitted to the second tier is likely to be met with a huge backlash from other First Division clubs, with some reports even suggesting that other clubs will refuse to field a team against the Hoops.
STATEMENT | @ShamrockRovers II Shamrock Rovers II have been accepted into the SSE Airtricity League First Division for the 2020 season. The National League Executive Committee approved the proposal and the decision was ratified by the FAI Board. #LOI pic.twitter.com/PHMZWNap6H — SSE Airtricity League (@SSEAirtricityLg) January 9, 2020