SDLP Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA has called for a transparent and thorough review of the Northern Ireland Football Fund following the Community Minister’s recent funding decisions.

Speaking during Members’ Statements in the Assembly today, Monday 15th September 2025, the MLA for Foyle said:

“There's a lot of disappointment, a lot of anger across and beyond the football fraternity in the North West, at the Community Minister's announcement last week on the Northern Ireland Football Fund. The decision not to fund Derry City and Institute football clubs has caused cross community consternation and concern and makes a mockery of this Executive's Programme for Government claims on regional balance.

“And it was a decision, a political decision, coincidentally made in the same week that the DUP leader threatened funding to Derry. Since the announcement, which should have been made in this Assembly, we've heard Minister Lyons do his best to distance himself from it. Where clubs have been disappointed; it was ‘an independent process. 'It was nothing to do with me,’ but clamour for credit from those who are content.

“While the Minister will point to the application criteria and the assessment process, how can he expect us or anyone to believe or accept that he had no say in how £36 million of public money is to be allocated?

“This is the same Minister who is spending public money challenging another Minister in the Executive over spending £150,000. It’s right that MLAs should get clarification and assurance. It would be a naive dereliction for MLAs not to scrutinise criteria weightings and the working application. The SDLP is demanding a VAR like review of this diabolical on field decision and we will be canvassing for cross party support for such a review, be it through Petition of Concern Communities Committee or the Executive itself.

“This decision cannot stand. Derry clubs deserve better. We all deserve better and we all demand transparency.”