The Sports Minister Nelson McCausland has hit out at the Irish Football Association, expressing his concerns at the state of the local game.
Earlier this month a big money pay-out was offered to the former IFA Chief Executive Howard Wells to settle a dispute for unfair dismissal.
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"This will be the second time in less than 10 years where substantial payments have been made by the IFA to senior employees", Mr MCausland told the assembly during his question time on Tuesday.
"In terms of governance and accountability, you will understand my concerns that this is money that could have been put to good use, for the benefit of the game at all levels."
Last week, IFA president Raymond Kennedy vowed to stay on despite the pay-out fiasco.
"Things like this, that have seen money paid out, have affected the IFA before and we have moved on."
"I am involved in a lot of work on various issues. Work that I can't walk away from."
Wells was sacked from the IFA last October after four years with the governing body.
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