The Department for Communities has confirmed the Northern Ireland Football Fund’s Performance Programme remains “subject to a judicial review” – with a judgement yet to be delivered as Irish League clubs await crucial finances to upgrade infrastructure.

In September 2025, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons confirmed 20 projects put forward by Irish League clubs were progressing to the next stage of the process.

The Northern Ireland Football Fund is made up of three strands – Performance Programme, Grassroots Facilities Programme and the creation of a National Football Centre.

First promised in 2011, football clubs in Northern Ireland are still awaiting the delivery of £36.2million to make improvements to facilities.

placeholder image — Gordon Lyons (centre) with officials and players after providing an update on the Northern Ireland Football Fund in September 2025. (Photo by Pacemaker)

The 20 Performance Programme projects approved for progression to the next stage were valued at around £82 million – Glentoran are in line to receive £28million to upgrade The Oval while Cliftonville's plan to develop Solitude stood at £11.8million.

However, the Department for Communities has confirmed to the News Letter that they’re still awaiting an outcome on a judicial review before being able to move forward.

A spokesperson told the News Letter: “The Northern Ireland Football Fund’s Performance Programme is currently subject to a judicial review.

"The Department awaits a judgement.”

A judicial review is a type of court proceeding in which a judge reviews the lawfulness of a decision or action made by a public body.

Crusaders FC and Derry City FC challenged their omission from the investment programme with their case heard in the High Court in May.

The Performance Programme was split up into three tiers based on value of projects with Tier 1 for applications up to £1.5million, Tier 2 between £1.5million and £6million, and Tier Three for over £6million.

Eight Tier Three applications were received with Glentoran and Cliftonville the only two clubs to prove successful.

Lyons has previously spoken about his desire to acquire further finances for the Northern Ireland Football Fund and that he wanted to see work begin to improve facilities “as quickly as possible”.