January 4, 2021
Anderson meets minister over all-Ireland soccer league

Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson will meet the Minister for Sport this week to discuss growing calls for the establishment of an all-Ireland soccer league.

The talks with Minister Deirdre Hargey take place on Wednesday amid mounting support for soccer to be reorganised on an all-island basis. 

The Foyle MLA said: “The past year has been hugely damaging for all sports, given the loss of gate receipts and other revenues. 

“Having two soccer federations on an island this size never made commercial or sporting sense and there had already been significant support, North and South, for existing proposals to create an all-island structure.

“However, in the wake of the Covid pandemic and the impact it has had on the game, more and more soccer clubs are assessing their long-term sustainability and finding that the appeal of an all-Ireland league is obvious.

“Structured proposals are already in place and significant progress has been made regarding potential sponsorship of an all-island league.

“It is also abundantly clear from the success of other all-Ireland sports such as rugby, boxing, golf, GAA, hockey and cricket that we can achieve great things when we work on an all-island basis.

“This should not be a politically sensitive issue but rather one of what makes best economic and sporting sense to soccer clubs throughout the island. That is the basis on which we will pursue our discussions with the minister and as we continue to progress this issue in the time ahead.”

Follow us online

Latest Tweets

I welcome tonight’s statement from the Ceann Comhairle and her acceptance of the position set out by Sinn Féin and the combined Opposition - you cannot be in government and opposition at the same time.

This was a stroke too far on the back of a grubby deal and everyone knows…

One year ago today, history was made as I took up the position of First Minister.

Every day since, I’ve worked to ensure all our people are fairly represented and to meet the needs and aspirations of workers, families and communities.

I remain determined to do everything I can…

Sinn Féin National Chairperson Declan Kearney has welcomed the passing of a motion in the Assembly supporting greater north-south co-operation.

@DeclanKearneySF

👋 Meet your new Sinn Féin ministerial team.

Our strong Sinn Féin team in the Executive will work to continue leading positive change and improve the lives of workers, families and communities.

4

Load More

Statements