New Irish FA president Conrad Kirkwood has confirmed that the governing body’s opposition to a new all-Ireland league is unchanged.
Irish businessman Kieran Lucid’s proposed all-island league was shot down by the association in October 2019.
And while there have been recent murmurings of a change of heart, Kirkwood insists the IFA’s view remains the same.
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He said: “Our position on merging the two leagues is very clear, we don’t support that and wouldn’t support anything involving that. That position hasn’t changed.
“The Irish League, since NIFL has been established (in 2013), has been on a very positive journey. It’s a good product and there’s no support from us for one league on the island.
“I’ve had good conversations with the president (Gerry McAnaney) and chief-executive (Jonathan Hill) of the FAI and made our position clear.”
The Irish FA is content to continue with its backing of the Unite the Union Champions Cup competition – a two-legged showdown between the champions of the Irish League and League of Ireland.
But it is clear the idea of a cross-border league won’t be entertained.
On the potential of the Irish League shifting to a summer calendar, Kirkwood said: “Looking at the weather we have had, I can see why there’s an argument for it but it’s up to the clubs to decide.
“I have no particular view on it, it’s for the clubs and NIFL to decide for themselves.”
Kirkwood believes the Danske Bank Premiership is in a strong place, with a number of clubs like Linfield, Larne and Glentoran now operating full-time models.
The likes of the Blues, Larne and Coleraine have also secured memorable results in European competition over the past two years.
Linfield and Dundalk met in the cross-border Unite the Union Champions Cup in 2019
(Image: INPHO/Brian Little)
“In past strategies we would have been looking for our clubs to do as well as possible in Europe and clearly they are at the moment,” said Kirkwood.
“The full-time aspect of the game has got to be a very positive step. I know it doesn’t suit every player and there has been a little bit of movement as a result of that.
“But if we are going to have our clubs punching as high as they can, they need to be doing well in Europe and bringing extra money into Northern Ireland football.
“It is great to see the progress that has been made.”
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