With a new Irish League season almost upon us, a question still hangs over local football with regard to public funding.

Derry City and Crusaders have taken legal action to challenge the allocation of the £36.2m ‘Northern Ireland Football Fund’ (TNIFF).

Both clubs were disappointed their applications for funding were unsuccessful, and their joint objection hinges on claims of a flaw in the process. A decision is pending.

There is an additional aspect, however, which, whilst not part of this case, places a much broader question mark over how public funding is allocated more generally.

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The Department for Communities began the TNIFF process in January 2025, with 37 proposals received from 38 clubs.

Applicants were required to tailor their bid towards one of 3 tiers – with Tier 1 covering proposals below £1.5m, Tier 2 for projects between £1.5m and £6m, and Tier 3 involving requests over £6m.

Of the 38 clubs in the top three divisions of the NI Football League (NIFL), only three chose not to apply (Strabane Athletic, Moyola Park, and Harland & Wolff Welders). That left 35 NIFL applicants, plus League of Ireland’s Derry City and Women’s Premiership team Lisburn Rangers.

Five clubs were deemed not to meet the minimum criteria (Annagh United, Ballyclare Comrades, Coagh United, Dollingstown and Dundela), which left 32 valid proposals to be assessed and........

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