Northern Sports Minister in pledge on soccer internationals

Stormont’s Sports Minister vowed today to do all he could to prevent Northern Ireland international soccer matches being played outside the North.

Edwin Poots appeared before a special meeting of his Assembly scrutiny committee to discuss controversial plans for a new 35,000-seater sports stadium on the site of the former Maze Prison.

He told MLAs the Irish Football Association’s chief executive, Howard Wells, had warned him there was a real possibility the team could have to play at least two friendly matches outside the province because of concerns about the suitability of Windsor Park in Belfast.

The Democratic Unionist minister also moved to reassure colleagues on the Stormont Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee that he would not seek Assembly approval for a stadium on the Maze site if it was linked to any conflict transformation centre project which could be turned into a shrine to terrorism.

“In terms of international football in Northern Ireland, as Sports Minister I would be horrified if we had to play international matches outside of Northern Ireland,” the Lagan Valley MLA said.

“As the minister in charge of sport I will do utmost to ensure matches are not played outside of Northern Ireland.

“However I cannot give you a guarantee that will not happen.”