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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

Linfield have responsibility to consider All-Island League proposals, says chairman

Linfield chairman Roy McGivern says there are "significant obstacles" to overcome before an All-Island League can become reality - but insists his club will consider all options.

McGivern and General Manager Pat Fenlon attended Thursday night's meeting in Dundalk to discuss Kieran Lucid's ambitious proposals to revamp football north and south of the border.

The plans include the introduction of a new 14-team top tier and two 10-team regionalised leagues combining clubs from both the NIFL and FAI leagues.

It has been reported that the winners of a new All-Island League would get €800,000, based on revenue projections of between €6 million and €10 million per annum.

While financial packages for the proposed new league were discussed, front man Lucid stopped short of offering cast iron guarantees on a definitive figure at Thursday's meeting.

However, he retains the belief that a league capable of generating overall annual revenue of €10 million can be established. 

McGivern said: "The team behind this concept has put considerable efforts into the proposal but there remain significant obstacles to overcome before any such structure could come into place.

"We do, however, have a responsibility to consider the details of the proposal and to engage in further discussions over the coming months to establish whether there is a viable model which could be beneficial to the development of Linfield Football Club and to football in Northern Ireland.

"There are no decisions to take at this stage but we remain open to further discussions with those behind the proposal.

"It will ultimately be a matter for the Board of Linfield Football Club and for our Members to decide if this club was to enter any future All Island League structure.”

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