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Northern Ireland Football League plans summer football vote by Christmas

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 1, 2026, 4:29 PM

Last updated Aug 1, 2026

Northern Ireland Football League plans summer football vote by Christmas

Summary

Gerard Lawlor, CEO of the Northern Ireland Football League, aims to discuss the possibility of transitioning to summer football with clubs before Christmas, targeting a vote on changes to the league calendar by the 2028-29 season. This follows concerns expressed by Coleraine manager Ruaidhri Higgins, who noted that local clubs struggle in European competitions under the current August-to-May system. The proposed schedule would align with that of the League of Ireland, running from mid-February to early November. Lawlor has emphasized the economic benefits of summer football, while acknowledging ongoing debates within the clubs and fanbases regarding the change.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Lawlor hopes for a vote on summer football before Christmas.
•Current Irish Premiership calendar runs from August to May.
•Concerns raised about clubs' European performance under this system.
•Proposed summer football would align with League of Ireland's schedule.
•Debate ongoing regarding implications for part-time players.

Latest Updates

4:29 PMYahoo Sports — 'There will be a vote' over summer football - Lawlor

What they're saying

"
Northern Ireland Football League CEO Gerard Lawlor says he hopes to discuss summer football with clubs before Christmas, with a view to a vote over changing the Irish League calendar as soon as the 2028-29 season.
— Yahoo Sports

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