Crusaders FC and Derry City FC lawyers have challenged the Football Fund decision in the High Court. The safeguarding panel in the multi-million NI Football Fund was unfairly abandoned following objections to the inclusion of high-profile manager David Jeffrey. The High Court heard that the process became unlawful after the opposition to Mr. Jeffrey’s selection by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons. Both clubs are challenging their exclusion from stage two of the investment programme. The omission amounted to a breach of a procedural legitimate expectation, a judge was told. The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium is home to Derry City FC. Aimed at improving stadiums and infrastructure across NI the Stormont Executive allocated an initial £36.2m budget to the Football Fund. Out of 41 clubs eligible for the funding, 27 have been selected for stage two. The decision has been met with criticism from some clubs, who feel that the selection process was unfair. The High Court will now consider the case and make a decision on whether the Football Fund decision was lawful.