Bleak future predicted for Irish League clubs unless help is given

One of the Irish League’s most prominent figures has given a stark warning about the future of the local game.
By Steven Crawford
Published 28th Sep 2020, 13:00 BST
Gerard Lawlor, NIFL Task Force Chairman, is worried about the financial perils ahead for clubsGerard Lawlor, NIFL Task Force Chairman, is worried about the financial perils ahead for clubs
Gerard Lawlor, NIFL Task Force Chairman, is worried about the financial perils ahead for clubs

Cliftonville FC Chairman, Gerard Lawlor, is heading a Northern Ireland Football League Task Force which is currently collating data from member clubs to assess the potential damage to the game and preliminary talks have started with the Irish FA about a strategy to mitigate against disaster.

A business case for support will be drawn up and presented to the IFA to make a proposal to the Minister for Sport, Caral Ni Chuilin, with Lawlor warning the future is looking “very bleak” and that some clubs could face extinction without help.

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“Ultimately, we have to prepare for a worst case scenario, which is looking likely. That is our duty and responsibility,” said Lawlor.

“Looking at the possible restrictions on attendance, it’s only going one way, it will affect attendances and I do believe all our member clubs are planning for it.

“In talks with a number of clubs – well run clubs – the future is looking very bleak and some could be forced out of business, that is the reality.

“This is not scaremongering. Players on contracts are legally bound employees and right now many contracts are static, meaning they cannot just be torn up.

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“We have seen instances before of players taking clubs to court over breach of contract issues and that is a consideration clubs take seriously. We are due to start the new season for Premiership, Championship and Premier Intermediate League clubs in a few weeks, so we need to act quickly.

“This is not an Irish League problem, this is a problem in Scotland, League One, League Two, the National League and elsewhere.

“I’ll say this, running a football club was hard enough in a free market and made infinitely more difficult because of coronavirus.

“The risks are real, we are staring into the abyss and we are trying to solve the problem with two hands tied behind our backs.

“We need help. I know the government is under pressure from all directions so our job is to put forward a case to the government and the public to say we need help also.”

Related topics:National LeagueScotland

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