FOOTBALL: Tempers flare within the IFA
THE ongoing in-fighting at the Irish Football Association continued last night.
Junior and Senior members of the Executive Council once again clashed over the running of local football's governing body during a crunch meeting at Windsor Avenue.
One of the discussion items that sparked heated scenes was the government's continuing calls for an independent review to be carried out at the IFA.
Members have been repeatedly warned that funding in the region of 23m remains under threat as the fall-out from President Raymond Kennedy's protracted departure continues.
A proposed 'vote of confidence' in the Executive Board was proposed last night, but was aborted at the last minute following appeals from Portadown director Bobby Jameson.
Jameson claimed the vote – which was expected to be defeated – was designed to add further chaos to the IFA.
The Premier League representative last night hit out at the ongoing rift between junior and senior members, and urged Northern Ireland's football community to speak out over the current impasse.
"Senior clubs would urge all true fans of football in Northern Ireland, and all fans of clubs throughout the province, to lobby their IFA representative – whether junior or senior – to make sure the Association
follows the request of the Government and has this independent review," he said.
"This is not government interfering with football, it is the government making sure public money is spent wisely.
"This is more than just an IFA Council decision, this is a decision for all fans throughout Northern Ireland. They should be vocal and have their say.
"We have the opportunity to get an 18,000-capacity state-of-the-art venue, but it is being jeopardised by a number of small-minded people who are thinking of themselves and not the footballing good of
this country."
Meanwhile it appears Raymond Kennedy will remain in power until October 18.
That's the new date when Council members will vote in their new office bearers, including that of president and vice-president. An AGM will be held on October 8 for nominations to be finalised.
Meanwhile an EGM will take place on September 23 to discuss Dunloy Football Club's controversial proposals to restructure the IFA.
The proposals – if ratified – will dilute the powers of the senior clubs in the association.
Representatives of all 12 Premier League clubs met last night and are set to counter the motion.
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North west
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Temperature: 5 C to 10 C
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