Controversy surrounds Martin’s appointment to IFA Vice Presidency

Martin, who also serves as Treasurer of the Amateur League, quit his role at the Association three years ago after the fall-out from the sacking of former Chief Executive Howard Wells.

Both he and the then President, Raymond Kennedy, came under pressure to go from Nelson McCausland, who was the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister at the time and deemed the IFA as ‘not fit for purpose’.

Martin had failed in previous attempts to return and during the match against Russia a group of Northern Ireland supporters protested against his proposed appointment.

In a statement DCAL said, “The election of officers within the IFA is a democratic process and purely a matter for the IFA. Nevertheless, Government need to be assured that the past failings in governance/accountability within the IFA, resulting in significant financial payouts by the organisation cannot be repeated.

“The IFA had made significant improvements to their governance arrangements following an independent review of governance in 2011.

“However the recent changes to the Articles of Association to remove the requirement for those seeking election to senior positions to be approved by an Independent Commission is seen by the Department as a retrograde step and potentially breaches existing funding agreements between the Department and the IFA for development costs associated with the redevelopment of Windsor Park.

“This is currently being investigated.”