Loughgall win Sunday football appeals

LOUGHGALL have had two appeals against NIFL decisions relating to Sunday football upheld.

The local club claimed they would be discriminated against over their refusal to play on Sundays.

The IFA Appeals Board in giving its decision pointed out: “This decision deals with the specific factual situation in relation to both of the appeals. It is not a discussion or decision on the rights or wrongs of Sunday football, and nothing contained herein should be construed either way.”

In its findings the board pointed out, “Reference was made to religious beliefs and other factors such as Sponsorship, which would be removed if they agreed to play football on a Sunday," said the IFA Appeals Board.

One appeal related to a ‘Participation Agreement’ which saw increased payments to Premiership clubs, from broadcasting revenue, who were willing to play on Sundays.

It was argued by Loughgall representatives not only would they lose out on extra payments but they would lose £2,000 in money already received from the NI Football League ubnder the proposed arrangements.

Loughgall’s second apeal related to the BetMcLean Cup - with the NIFL stating, after holding the final on a Sunday, it planned to “extend the right to reserve scheduling League Cup matches on a Sunday, to now include the potential to schedule semi-finals on that day”.

The NIFL said clubs “confirming entry agree to waive any restrictions with Irish FA regulations in regard to Sunday football for this competition from the semi-final onwards”.

Loughgalls appeals were upheld on the basis of an IFA regulation which states: “No match shall be played within Northern Ireland on a Sunday, unless the two participating clubs and competition organisers agree to do so.

“No sanction may be taken against any Club, combination of Clubs or individual player not agreeing to participate in Sunday Football. Any complaint or allegation of discrimination shall be referred to the Board for determination.”

The appeals board stipulated that the relevant section of the Participation Agreement “is returned to the League for their reconsideration”.

In relation to the BetMcLean Cup, ithe board stated Loughgall “should be free to enter the Competition, for all stages, without any requirement to waive its position in not agreeing to participate in Sunday football”.

Loughgall FC was represented by Sam Nicholson (Chairman), John McCann (Treasurer) and David Johnstone (General Manager)

The NIFL was represented by Michael Ward (Barrister-at-law), Ciara McReynolds (Director) and Steven Mills (Chief Operating Officer).