IFA upholds Loughgall appeals over Sunday matches

Loughgall have won two appeals against NIFL decisions relating to Sunday football.

The Lakeview Park club argued that they would be discriminated against over their stance of not wishing to play on Sundays.

"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.

The other concerned the BetMcLean Cup - for the 2024/5 competition NIFL stated that, 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.”

NIFL added that 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”.

Loughgall's 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, it stated that 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.”