Glentoran in Windsor Park row

Published Sunday, 13 September 2009
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Glentoran have written to UEFA President Michel Platini, urging him to end what they claim is an unfair advantage given to Irish Premiership rival Linfield.

The Glens are angry about Linfield's financial relationship with the Irish Football Association over the use of Windsor Park as the home of Northern Ireland football.

Linfield reportedly received £400,000 last year, due to the agreement they have over the use of the ground for international games.

The agreement was signed in 1983 for the period of 104 years and gives Linfield 15% of all international gate receipts, advertising and TV rights.

Glentoran's letter was sent in April 2009, and was resent a fortnight ago.

Glentoran Director, Stafford Reynolds, told UTV he was still waiting for a response.

"I want an independent view", Mr Reynolds said. "So it'd be good to hear from a person who played the game, a person in high office in European football."

"It's not an anti-Linfield agenda. They are parts of the football family, just as we are."

Eleven other sides have requested an opportunity to discuss the issue with the IFA Chief Executive, Patrick Nelson.

Last week, the IFA backed plans to redevelop Windsor Park, after the government axed proposals for a multi-sports venue for football, rugby and gaelic games at the site of the former Maze prison.

In a statement, the IFA said its executive board had agreed in principle to support a revamp of the venue.

"The size of the stadium, together with the ownership structure of the stadium and negotiations around the existing contract with Linfield FC, were not discussed but the association will now begin work on these areas and other key elements of the redevelopment project," the statement read.

© UTV News
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3 Comments
joanne in Belfast wrote (982 days ago):
Move the internationals around the country? I think you are having a laugh, or at least the other international teams that come to play here would! Glentoran were all in favor of Blancheflower stadium, where the glens could play their league matches and the internationals could be held, whats the difference between that and internationals being played at windsor park? think it is sour grapes that they glens didn't have the same business accumin that Linfield have displayed by tying the ifa into a 104 yr contract.
Guz ( Glens man & Norn Iron lover ) in Newtownabbey wrote (983 days ago):
Neutral Stadium for greater cross community support. Why should one club receive all the rewards and the rest of the clubs in 'Our Wee Country' suffer? It's time to move into the 21st Century. Why can't we move the Internationals around the country pumping money into each club ground to ensure they reach FIFA regulations ??
Jim -East Belfast (Glentoran fan) in East Belfast (Glentoran fan) wrote (983 days ago):
Linfield have that contract for 104 years and from 1983 so why is everyone complaining. windsor park is the home of Norn Iron and it should stay that way
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