Minister considers publishing advice into football funding decision

Minister for Communities Gordon Lyons has said he would consider publishing advice into decision-making over a funding announcement for football clubs.

Earlier this month 20 clubs were told that they would progress to the next stage of the Northern Ireland Football Fund.

There was criticism from some politicians after clubs from the north west missed out on a share of the £36.2 million funding.

During questions at the Assembly, SDLP MLA Mark Durkan raised the issue with Mr Lyons, asking whether he would publish in full the options and advice he received from officials.

Mr Lyons said: “I am happy to consider doing that. It wouldn’t be what we normally do, simply because of the process and the names involved in the rankings in the clubs and out of respect to them, we wouldn’t normally do this.

“However, some have questioned the process so much, some have tried to inject uncertainty into that process as well that it may be necessary for us to do that. I will be taking advice on that, and we will see where that goes.

“But let me be clear, I will robustly defend the process that was put in place. I will robustly defend my officials against some of the slurs that have been directed towards them, and also the clubs, which have also been called into question. Those that were successful.”

Mr Durkan said: “Well, I certainly didn’t slur any officials, nor did I slur any clubs. Obviously, any and all clubs that were unsuccessful will be unhappy, but there is a common consensus across all clubs and across all communities. Institute and Ards have been particularly hard done by in this process.”

Clubs such as Institute FC and Ards FC were among those to miss out on funding.

Institute Football Club applied for more than £6 million in funding to replace the Riverside Stadium.

Mr Durkan questioned the minister over what his plans were for these “homeless clubs” which will not receive funding across Northern Ireland.

Mr Lyons said: “I fully recognise and understand the concern that those involved with those two particular clubs face, and I do recognise the concern that has been expressed.

“From my point of view, we have put through the process that’s currently in place, and there was obviously a different marking scheme for those that did not have their own club when it came to football in need.

“But I will meet with those clubs. I’ll be meeting with them shortly. We will look at options. We’ll talk about the future, but ultimately, it would be great if we could get more investment in football so that more clubs can be taken forward.

“And that’s certainly something that I will be calling for, and I hope to be able to talk to Executive colleagues about that, because football is now £50 million behind in terms of fairness.”