Mid-Ulster members excluded from Irish FA Board elections

Northern Ireland football’s second-largest divisional association has been largely blocked as a contributing voice following a refusal by most Mid-Ulster FA members to sign up to the Irish FA Code of Ethics and Conduct introduced in 2019 “due to concerns that it contradicts that of FIFA”.

Monday’s IFA Council meeting included Cheryl Lamont joining as the Board’s first-ever women’s football representative. Co Antrim FA members currently hold all elected Board positions.

“We have significant concerns over some wording within the Code and what we view as serious potential implications,” said a Mid-Ulster FA source. “A number of requests to meet over the issue have been made without success.

“A Mid-Ulster nominee was ruled out of the elections given the IFA currently do not consider our nominee as a sitting IFA Council member, due to the Code dispute.”

An Irish FA spokesperson said: “The Irish FA believes in good governance. Our code of conduct incorporates that of football’s world governing body, FIFA and all members of council have signed up to it.

“The Mid-Ulster FA is entitled to eight places on the Irish FA Council, however, a number of nominees have declined to sign the Code of Ethics and Conduct. We hope that the matter can be resolved soon so that Mid-Ulster FA is fully represented on the Council.”

In response to Monday’s elections, a Mid-Ulster FA spokesperson stated: “Firstly, congratulations to the new Board members, and we are delighted with Cheryl’s election, a progressive step that we have supported.”

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