IFA: SETANTA CUP TO REMAIN ON ICE

IFA chief Patrick Nelson believes the door remains open for the Setanta Cup to one day return but says there are no immediate plans to resurrect the tournament.

The cross-border competition, which featured clubs from the Irish League and League of Ireland, hasn’t been played since 2014 when Sligo Rovers lifted the trophy.

With the IFA and FAI launching a joint bid to host the 2023 Under 21 European Championship, some believe the partnership could pave the way for a return for the Setanta.

But IFA chief executive Nelson said there were no immediate plans to resurrect the competition.

“If that comes back on the agenda – and if there is funding there and broadcasters are interested – then I am sure clubs would be interested in talking about it,” he said.

“At the end of the day it is the clubs who make it work.

“But there is nothing on the agenda right now, but who knows in the future.”

Two Irish League sides have won the Setanta Cup since its introduction in 2005. Linfield won the inaugural running when they beat Shelbourne 13 years ago, and Crusaders lifted the trophy in 2012 (left) when they defeated Derry City on penalties.

The cup was won seven times in its nine-year existence by clubs from the League of Ireland.

The Setanta was eventually cancelled in 2015 after a number of clubs raised concerns over fixture scheduling.