Irish FA confirm new branded name for Windsor Park: ‘The naming rights deal marks a new era'

Belfast Telegraph

07-05-2025

As first revealed by the Sunday Life last month, the south Belfast ground will carry the name of the Larne-based company for the next eight-seasons.
However, since the new broke, supporters have voiced their disappointment at not only the name change, but the fact that the agreement with Clearer Twist — part of the Clearer Group, — is worth just £1m.
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Irish FA President, Conrad Kirkwood, said: 'Our stadium is a place we are proud to call home. This new naming rights deal marks a new era for it, and will help us maintain it to ensure we continue to strive for a first class experience for fans and guests, not to mention the many teams that play here from right across our footballing community.
'The Clearer Group has strong, honest values which align with ours and, as a local company, we hope Northern Ireland's and the wider football family will see the value in this partnership and really get behind it."
Clearer Water already sponsor the association's blue ribband cup competition, the Irish Cup.
Watch: Philomena Begley leads Dungannon Irish Cup celebrations
Clearer Group owner Ross Lazaroo-Hood, agreed: 'I grew up in Larne, and I am passionate about Northern Ireland a place which is, and always will be, close to my heart. And I always strive to give back to the local community whenever and wherever I can.
'When the opportunity arose to rename the national stadium in the country of my birth it made perfect sense. Over the coming year, we'll be supporting the national team while also investing in grassroots initiatives and local sporting events across Northern Ireland. Our goal is to bring fans an exciting new chapter - one that embraces a new twist while honouring the proud traditions of Northern Irish football.
'The Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park will be a community, a shared space and we look forward to celebrating the next game and season, as well as welcoming everyone in Northern Ireland - both home grown talent plus those international players to compete in our national stadium.'
As a comparison, the FAI and IRFU received £34.2m over 10 years when Aviva took the naming rights to Lansdowne Road in 2010. Ulster Rugby, meanwhile, made £4m over 10 years when Ravenhill became the Kingspan Stadium but they are now on the lookout for a new partner as that agreement is ending.
It has taken the IFA 10 years to find a sponsor for Windsor Park.
As a comparison, the FAI received £34.2m over 10 years when Aviva took the naming rights to Lansdowne Road in 2010. Ulster Rugby, meanwhile, made £4m over 10 years when Ravenhill became the Kingspan Stadium but they are now on the lookout for a new partner as that agreement is ending.
It has taken the IFA 10 years to find a sponsor for Windsor Park.