As part of the Irish FA’s continuing implementation of Club Licensing policies, the Licensing Committee met on Thursday 23 April to consider applications for the award of UEFA, Premiership, Promotion and Championship Licenses for season 2026-27 and 2026 (Women’s Premiership).
In line with the current UEFA, Premiership, Promotion and Championship Licensing Manuals, applicant clubs were assessed across key areas, namely: Sporting, Infrastructure, Social and Environmental Sustainability, Personnel & 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
Carrick Rangers FC (Mourneview Park, Lurgan)
Cliftonville FC
Coleraine FC (National Football Stadium at Windsor Park, Belfast)
Crusaders FC (Solitude, Belfast)
Dungannon Swifts FC (Solitude, Belfast)
Glentoran FC
Larne FC (Ballymena Showgrounds, Ballymena)
Linfield FC
Portadown FC
UEFA WOMEN’S CLUB COMPETITION LICENCES GRANTED:
Glentoran (Women) FC
MEN’S PREMIERSHIP CLUB LICENCES GRANTED:
Ballymena United FC
Bangor FC
Carrick Rangers FC
Cliftonville FC
Coleraine FC
Crusaders FC
Dungannon Swifts FC
Glenavon FC
Glentoran FC
Larne FC
Linfield FC
Portadown FC
WOMEN’S PREMIERSHIP CLUB LICENCES GRANTED:
Cliftonville Ladies FC
Crusaders Strikers FC
Derry City (Women) FC
Glentoran (Women) FC
Larne (Women) FC
Linfield (Women) FC
Lisburn Ladies FC
Lisburn Rangers Ladies FC
PROMOTION CLUB LICENCES GRANTED:
Annagh United FC (Shamrock Park, Portadown)
Ards FC (Clandeboye Park, Bangor)
Armagh City FC (Stangmore Park, Dungannon)
Ballinamallard United FC
Dundela FC (The Oval, Belfast)
H&W Welders FC
Institute FC (Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Derry)
Limavady United FC (Coleraine Showgrounds, Coleraine)
Loughgall FC
Newington FC (Solitude, Belfast)
QUB FC (Blanchflower Stadium, Belfast)
Warrenpoint Town FC
CHAMPIONSHIP CLUB LICENCES GRANTED:
Annagh United FC
Ards FC (Clandeboye Park, Bangor)
Armagh City FC (Annagh United FC)
Ballinamallard United FC
Ballyclare Comrades FC
Ballymacash Rangers FC
Banbridge Town FC
Coagh United FC
Dergview FC
Dollingstown FC
Dundela FC
H&W Welders FC
Institute FC (Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Derry)
Knockbreda FC
Limavady United FC (Coleraine Showgrounds, Coleraine)
Lisburn Distillery FC
Loughgall FC
Moyola Park AFC
Newington FC (Solitude, Belfast)
Newry City AFC
Oxford Sunnyside FC
Portstewart FC
QUB AFC
Rathfriland Rangers FC
Strabane Athletic FC
Warrenpoint Town FC
The Irish FA Club Licensing Committee Chair, Alison Watterson commented “The Club Licensing system continues to play a vital role in upholding standards, accountability, and governance within football in Northern Ireland. I am pleased to confirm the successful award of licences following a comprehensive and rigorous process.”
The Chair also acknowledged the contribution of club staff noting “I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to the dedicated staff within clubs who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Their efforts are critical to ensuring compliance with licensing requirements, often under challenging circumstances and their commitment should not be underestimated.
However, it would be unrealistic to suggest that the financial position of some clubs is stable. Rising costs, underlying financial pressures and limited access to long-term investment models continue to present real challenges. Clubs must prioritise sustainable practices and ensure that off-field sustainability remains as high a priority as on-field expectations.”
Irish FA Club Licensing Manager, Stacey Moffett echoed thanks to club personnel, commenting that “The work carried out behind the scenes is essential to the successful running of clubs and the effectiveness of the licensing process. This year’s licensing cycle has once again demonstrated the resilience and dedication of clubs across the NIFL structure. The standard of engagement remains high, and I want to thank those club personnel for their cooperation.”
“While Clubs have again showed their commitment to meeting the required criteria, it is important to recognise that the wider financial landscape remains challenging. Club owners and stakeholders must fully appreciate the importance of investment beyond the playing squad. Long-term sustainability cannot be achieved through short term on-field investment alone. Strong governance, robust financial planning, improved infrastructure, and support for club operations are essential if clubs are to build stable futures.”
