Irish football association proposes complete ban on football betting
The Irish Football Association (IFA) plans to enforce a complete ban on football betting for professional players and officials in Northern Ireland. This ban would apply to all football matches, including those in the Premier League and Champions League.
Currently, players and club officials in Northern Ireland are prohibited from betting on domestic matches, specifically those in the Irish League. However, they are allowed to place bets on football games outside Northern Ireland, including those in England, Spain, Brazil, and other countries.
What the new proposal seeks to change?
According to the Belfast Telegraph, the Irish Football Association (IFA) will decide on a proposed football betting ban at their Annual General Meeting in Limavady on 16 June 2025. If approved, this ban will significantly change how professional footballers in Northern Ireland engage with betting.
The availability of betting markets for players has raised concerns about match manipulation among the Irish Football Association (IFA). The likelihood of suspicious betting activities rises as international talent enters Northern Ireland’s football scene. The IFA’s proposed ban would align with the English FA, Scottish FA, and the Football Association of Ireland, which already enforce full betting bans. The Football Association of Wales is also considering similar restrictions.
Existing football betting rules in the Ireland
The English Football Association (FA) has banned football betting for players, managers, club staff, and match officials since 2014. The Scottish FA followed suit, focusing on honesty and transparency. To protect the reputation of the sport, the Football Association of Ireland also imposed a full ban.
Currently, Wales prohibits only domestic football betting, but broader restrictions may be implemented soon. Several football clubs, including Glentoran, Cliftonville, and Crusaders, are sponsored by betting companies. These partnerships create a conflict of interest as clubs promote betting while players are prohibited from participating. If the proposed ban passes, these sponsorships may face increased scrutiny.
High-profile betting scandals in Northern Ireland
John Herron of Glentoran was suspended for two games in 2019 for placing bets on domestic games, which sparked debates regarding responsibility. Ronan Doherty had to give his earnings to charity after receiving an eight-week suspension for placing bets on his team’s defeat. An important turning point in the discussion of football betting occurred in 2013, when three Limavady United players were given severe suspensions for placing bets on their matches.
The integrity of the game is compromised when players wager, particularly when they have insider knowledge. While playing in Belfast, a Spanish player may take advantage of insider information by placing bets on La Liga games. This action would strengthen a unified front against betting corruption by bringing Northern Ireland into line with its neighbours.
What’s next path to regulation?
The future of the proposed betting prohibition will be decided by the 16 June vote in Limavady. If approved, the prohibition will be put into effect gradually, with a grace period before full enforcement and the start of educational initiatives. In order to spot suspect activity, such as the 2013 Paddy Power affair, the IFA will work with betting companies.
David Kogan, with 45 years of experience in sports media and governance, has been appointed to lead the new Independent Football Regulator. Kogan has shaped policy at UEFA, the Premier League, and the NFL, and his expertise could be crucial in driving reforms.
