Windsor row stalls plans for new stadium at Maze

PLANS to build a multi-sports stadium at the former Maze prison site cannot go ahead until questions over Windsor Park’s future are resolved, it was claimed yesterday.

Assembly sports committee member David McNarry was speaking after it emerged the Irish Football Association had written to Linfield about the use of the ground for international games.

The Belfast club has another 80 years of its contract to host Northern Ireland games left to run and there have been threats of a compensation battle if that contract is breached.

There are safety concerns about some of the stands — although a UEFA tie with Swedish side IF Elfsborg was played there last night.

Mr McNarry said: “It would be morally and legally difficult to be taking decisions which would hang Windsor Park out to dry.

“If the IFA are saying that there are safety problems we have really got to look at their agenda — is it to wriggle out of a contract or is it because they have genuine concerns?”

The UUP representative is among those campaigning to scrap the building of a 30-40,000 seater venue on the former high security prison.

Football, rugby and GAA games would all be played, although there have been concerns about whether crowd levels would match the size of the ground. There could also be concerts and exhibitions on the land.

Sports minister Edwin Poots imposed a June 30 deadline for alternatives but has come under pressure from his DUP for a rethink.

The latest controversy stems from the international fixtures agreement giving Linfield 15% of the money the IFA makes from tickets sales, advertising around the ground and TV rights.

IFA chief Howard Wells said uncertainty over the Maze cannot go on with the North ranked 29th in the world and bidding for international competitions.

The Railway Stand at Windsor Park was closed in March after it failed fire service and health and safety inspections and a fresh report is expected to highlight more issues. Mr McNarry added: “We can’t proceed with this national stadium plan until the Windsor Park situation is resolved.”

The sports committee is to meet next week on the matter.