Irish FA and NIFL outline plans to introduce drugs testing

Irish FA Chief Operating Officer Graham Fitzgerald, Irish FA Anti-Doping and Integrity Education Officer Chris Wright and Steven Mills, the NI Football League’s Chief Operating Officer, at the information event.

The Irish FA and the NI Football League have outlined plans to introduce drugs testing to both the NIFL Premiership and NIFL Women’s Premiership this year.

Representatives from clubs in both top flights attended an event staged at Windsor Park this week, where the plans for the new doping control system where unveiled.

Has revealed by Sunday Life Sport last October, the plans have been in the pipeline for some time. The Irish FA’s Anti-Doping and Integrity Education Officer Chris Wright has been delivering an education programme on doping to all NIFL Premiership, Championship and Women’s Premiership clubs for more than 12 months.

Graham Fitzgerald, Chief Operating Officer at the Irish Football Association, said: “The association welcomes the introduction of doping control along with our partners at the Northern Ireland Football League.

“A regular testing regime is the natural extension of our doping education programme, and we believe that it will elevate the credibility and professionalism of our top flight leagues.

“We look forward to harnessing the experience and expertise of UKAD (UK Anti-Doping) to help our clubs and players take this important step towards ensuring that football in Northern Ireland maintains its reputation for sporting integrity.”

Steven Mills, the NI Football League’s Chief Operating Officer, agreed: “We are pleased to see this programme come to fruition. It helps take the professional game to a next level whilst maintaining the values of sport and fair play.”

Glentoran manager Warren