NI football's governing bodies set to merge

Northern Ireland's football's two ruling bodies have agreed to amalgamate in a move that is expected to open up millions of pounds worth of financial aid for the ailing local game.

The decision to merge the Irish Football Association (IFA) and Irish Football League was made at a meeting last night at the IFA's Windsor Avenue headquarters where leading officials from both organisations agreed to go forward with the historic move.

The move follows pressure applied by the government's Soccer Strategy Report whose advisory panel was headed by former Northern Ireland international Billy Hamilton. The panel was originally set-up by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) under the guidance of the then minister, Michael McGimpsey.

Commenting on the historic decision, IFA President Jim Boyce said: "'I'm glad to say the meeting to consider the recommendations of DCAL were agreed.

'My understanding is that DCAL will recall the Advisory Panel and I would be very hopeful they will accept the recommendations.

'I now sincerely hope that they recommend to the minister Angela Smith that the funding badly needed for football here is made available."

It is hoped that millions of pounds worth of government grants will now be made available to the local game which has seen dwindling attendances over the past few years.

As a result of the decision, Northern Ireland football, both international and domestic, will be run from the IFA's headquarters with a newly appointed chief executive in charge.

(MB)