CLUB LICENSING DECISIONS ANNOUNCED
As part of the Irish FA’s continuing implementation of Club Licensing policies, the Licensing Committee met via video conference on Thursday 23 April 2020 to consider applications for the award of UEFA, Premiership, Promotion and Championship Licenses for season 2020-21.
In line with the current UEFA, Premiership, Promotion and Championship Licensing Manuals, applicant clubs were assessed in five key areas: Sporting, Infrastructure/Safety, Personnel and Administration, Legal and Financial.
Based on these entirely objective criteria licences were granted / refused to the following clubs:
UEFA CLUB LICENCES GRANTED
Ballymena United FC
Cliftonville FC
Coleraine FC
Crusaders FC
Dungannon Swifts FC
Glenavon FC
Glentoran FC
Larne FC
Linfield FC
UEFA WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CLUB LICENCES GRANTED
Linfield (Ladies) FC
PREMIERSHIP CLUB LICENCES GRANTED
Ballymena United FC
Carrick Rangers FC
Cliftonville FC
Coleraine FC
Crusaders FC
Dungannon Swifts FC
Glenavon FC
Glentoran FC
Institute FC (Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Derry)
Larne FC
Linfield FC
Warrenpoint Town FC
PROMOTION CLUB LICENCES GRANTED
Ards FC (Bangor Fuels Arena, Bangor)
Ballinamallard United FC
Ballyclare Comrades FC
H&W Welders FC (Dixon Park, Ballyclare)
Loughgall FC (Stangmore Park, Dungannon)
Newry City AFC
Portadown FC
CHAMPIONSHIP CLUB LICENCES GRANTED
Annagh United FC
Ards FC (Bangor Fuels Arena, Bangor)
Armagh City FC
Ballinamallard United FC
Ballyclare Comrades FC
Bangor FC
Dergview FC
Dollingstown FC
Dundela FC
H&W Welders FC
Knockbreda FC
Limavady United FC
Lisburn Distillery FC
Loughgall FC
Newry City AFC
Portadown FC
Portstewart FC
PSNI FC
QUB FC
CHAMPIONSHIP CLUB LICENCES REFUSED
Tobermore United FC - no documentation submitted beyond initial application form.
OTHER CLUBS WITHIN SCOPE OF (CHAMPIONSHIP) LICENSING
Banbridge Town FC - application form not submitted until 18 days after deadline and therefore not eligible.
Moyola Park AFC - application withdrawn during process.
Newington YC FC - did not apply.
Communication of these decisions has already been made to the respective clubs concerned.
Clubs who have been refused a licence have the right of appeal, in line with 3.2.7. of the Club Licensing manual(s) with any such appeals tentatively scheduled for 9 May 2020.
Club Licences are valid for one season only, namely 2020-21.
The Committee wishes to congratulate those clubs who have been granted a Club Licence and acknowledge the efforts of many key personnel at each club for the time and contributions they have made towards the successful application.
Licensing Committee Chairman, Allen McKinstry, commented: "In the current unprecedented circumstances in which we find ourselves, I want to publicly acknowledge the tremendous efforts of the many club personnel, IFA Club Licensing staff, criteria experts and Licensing Committee members for their collective efforts in ensuring that licensing applications and decisions were able to be completed on schedule. In very challenging circumstances over recent weeks, it has taken an immense effort by everyone involved to conclude this year’s licensing process.
"Whilst I do not tend to single out any club in the licensing process, it would be remiss not to mention the achievement of Linfield (Ladies) FC in being the first women’s team in Northern Ireland to achieve the required licence for participation in the UEFA Women’s Champions League following its mandatory introduction for the 2020-21 UEFA competition season.
"Of course, I look forward to when we can once again enjoy football on the pitch in Northern Ireland but more importantly at this time, our immediate thoughts remain with those affected by the outbreak of COVID-19.”
