The drop in prize money for this year's Airtricity League left many surprised, including Bohemians general secretary Gerry Conway.

It was announced last week that the allocated prize money would drop off this season with a total of €700,000 spread out amongst the Premier Division teams.

For Bohemians, it means that they will receive €200,000 - a 20 per cent drop - if they retain their title, so no wonder Conway is baffled by the FAI's decision.

"We've been given assurances for the last couple of years that prize money would remain constant or go up, it came as a complete surprise that there was no consultation or talks, no nothing after four months of a gap between the seasons," Conway told the Irish Independent.

"We had a letter at lunch-time (on Friday), the day the season is starting, that prize money, first prize, is down 20 per cent.

"Airtricity have come in with what seems to be a very substantial sponsorship based on all the branding that is being delivered to all the clubs."