Mid-Ulster left without ‘a voice’ after Irish FA row over code sign-up

Refusal by a majority of Mid-Ulster Football Association representatives to sign up to an IFA Code Of Conduct/Code Of Ethics has resulted in nominations refused to the IFA Council.

Two appeals against the IFA decision to reject nominations have been lodged by the Mid-Ulster FA but, as it stands, a body which represents over 150 clubs across senior, intermediate and junior levels remains frozen out.

The refusal of most Mid-Ulster FA members to sign up to a Code Of Conduct/Code Of Ethics introduced last year and considered mandatory by the IFA is centred around what it calls required “minimal but essential change”.

One key objection relates to specific wording of the IFA principle of ‘selflessness’ within the Code which includes “you should take decisions based solely on the interests of the IFA”.

“Over a number of months dating back to last year our members have asked the IFA to consider minimal but essential change that we believe will bring the Code Of Conduct/Code Of Ethics into line with FIFA and other Home Associations in England, Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales,” said a Mid-Ulster FA source. “We have made it clear we are completely behind a code in line with FIFA.

“Members unable to sign the IFA code in its present form, many with decades of experience and across half the divisional associations, have now had council nominations refused.

“A Mid-Ulster Association that includes prominent NIFL, Mid-Ulster League and Newry and Carnbane League clubs does not have representatives with a voice at the top level of our men’s national cup committees.”

An Irish FA spokesperson said in relation to the Code Of Conduct/Code Of Ethics: “The Irish FA believes in good governance.

“Our code of conduct incorporates that of football’s world governing body, FIFA.

“Article 21 of our Handbook states members of Council or any Association committee shall carry out their duties in accordance with the Association’s policies and procedures including any code of conduct adopted by the Board.”

The Irish FA, in a further statement, also stressed that “anyone who wishes to be a member of council or a committee needs to sign up to this code which has been approved by Council”.

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