21 September 2025

SDLP Opposition Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA has launched a petition to refer the Northern Ireland Football Fund (NIFF) to the Executive for reconsideration.

The petition, which requires 30 signatures to succeed, would compel the Executive to scrutinise Communities Minister Gordon Lyons’ handling of the process amid widespread concern about fairness and transparency.

Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said:

“It is clear that there are serious concerns about the way this fund has been handled. Football clubs and entire communities are up in arms, while the Communities Minister tries to distance himself and shift responsibility onto his officials.

“This is a significant amount of Executive funding – money that clubs have been waiting on for more than a decade. Major clubs like Derry City FC and Coleraine have been left with nothing without explanation, while clubs like Institute and Ards, who don’t even have a ground, faced an uphill battle from the start with criteria that stacked the deck against them.

“We are not detracting from the need or merits of those clubs who have been successful - when decisions around funding are made, there will always be disappointed parties, but the handling of the NIFF goes far beyond that. The Minister has totally failed to answer questions about the process, and the lack of transparency has left multiple clubs considering legal action.

“I have launched this petition because I believe it's an issue of public importance; and to get much-needed scrutiny of the NIFF from the Executive, restore trust, and deliver fair treatment for clubs. I am calling on MLAs from every party to sign this petition.”