Minister responds to IFA resignations

Commenting on today's Irish Football Association (IFA) statement which announced the resignations of the IFA President Raymond Kennedy and Vice President David Martin, Sports Minister Nelson McCausland said: "I recognise the immediate steps that have been taken today by the IFA to reassure all those with an interest in local football that the first step to progress is being made to address issues within the structure of the Association.

"The IFA is the body responsible for the development of football in Northern Ireland. Deficiencies in the IFA's governance arrangements have resulted in significant payouts, which inevitably ! diverts resources from those who play and support football at all levels.

"It is important that Government has confidence in the IFA and today's developments represent helpful evidence that our concerns regarding governance arrangements are being acknowledged.

"Given the seriousness of these issues I would expect the IFA to progress this as a matter of urgency in the coming days and weeks ."

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