Maze row puts NI football at risk

IFA chief Howard Wells says urgent action is needed

Irish FA chief executive Howard Wells has warned that the row surrounding the proposed stadium at the Maze is putting Northern Ireland football at risk.

Political arguments over the issue have included reported disagreements between Sports Minister Edwin Poots and a number of his DUP colleagues.

Wells accused politicians of "pussyfooting around" with the issue.

"If it continues, international football in Northern Ireland is going to be seriously at risk," added Wells.

Last month, the IFA chief warned that the capacity of current Northern Ireland home venue Windsor Park was "very likely" to be seriously reduced because of health and safety requirements.

There have been suggestions that the already reduced current limited of 14,000 could be further cut to 7,000 in the near future.