Civil bill is served on the IFA

IFA rules prevent matches being played on Sundays

The Equality Commission has confirmed that a civil bill has been served on behalf of a Belfast man alleging unlawful discrimination by the IFA.

The bill cites unlawful discrimination by the Irish Football Association on grounds of religious belief, contrary to fair employment legislation.

The cases arises from a situation where a man applied to organise six-a-side football competitions on a Sunday.

He was informed he could not do so under the auspices of the IFA.

The civil bill seeks a declaration that the IFA have discriminated on grounds of religious belief against the plaintiff in refusing to provide goods, facilities or services for organising the playing of competitive football on a Sunday, seeks an injunction restraining the IFA from doing this, and seeks damages.

IFA rules prohibit the playing of competitive football on Sundays, with a recent vote failing to secure the 75 per cent majority to change the policy.