IFA opts for Maze stadium plan

At an Executive Committee meeting, the IFA have backed the development of the proposed new multi-purpose stadium at the Maze site.

Voting for the proposal, the soccer body said that they were prepared to "progress the matter with Government" on the basis that two other sports also found the stadium proposal attractive.

The IFA held a meeting in Belfast to discuss the Maze proposals, as the Government said it wanted a decision to be reached by the end of January. Two other possible sites, Maysfield and Ormeau Park, both in Belfast City, were turned down last year.

The IFA is also seeking assurances that all aspects of planning for the site would provide the necessary infrastructure that will be required for football to be promoted effectively both in the stadium itself and on the entire Maze site.

An IFA spokesperson said that IFA President Jim Boyce and the committee knew that the "best interests of football in the Province are very much at stake".

Final backing remains subject to the business plan being found acceptable to the IFA, and that the necessary commercial support is in place to help sustain the project.

The IFA also want an agreement acceptable to Linfield Football Club and the soccer body expect the Government to demonstrate that these issues can be addressed before the IFA commits to a legally binding decision.

Sports Minister David Hanson MP has welcomed the IFA's decision to give their commitment in principle to the multi-sports stadium.

The Minister said: "This is very good news. It has been a tough decision for the members of the IFA Executive but I am delighted that they have got to this point.

"I am now looking forward to hearing formally from the IFA. Undoubtedly there will be a number of issues that they will want to discuss with me and my Department. I look forward to that dialogue."

While the GAA and the IFA have now given their commitment in principle to the Maze plan, the Rugby body has yet to make its decision.

(SP)