Crusaders FC to Launch Legal Proceedings Over Fund Omission

Crusaders FC is taking legal action against the Northern Ireland Football Fund over its omission from Stage Two. The club, currently 11th in the Premiership with 26 points from 33 games, will join forces with Derry City to challenge the decision.

What happened?

Crusaders FC and Derry City were two of the clubs that missed out on the next round of funding, with 20 clubs progressing to Stage Two.

Why it matters for Crusaders FC

The exclusion from the fund is a significant blow to the club, which had been hoping to secure funding for development projects. The Stormont Executive has set aside £36.2m for the fund, but the estimated total project costs are £98m.

What comes next?

The Department for Communities will consider its response to the legal action, with a spokesperson stating that the department will respond as and when it has been formally notified.