IFA dismissal case may last weeks

Howard Wells claims he has been treated unfairly because he is English

An industrial tribunal involving sacked Irish Football Association chief executive Howard Wells could last up to four weeks, it emerged on Monday.

He is claiming unfair dismissal and race discrimination after he lost his £100,000 a year post in October.

No details of the reasons have been given for the 61-year-old's departure from NI football's governing body.

The exact issues to be heard by the tribunal still have to be agreed. The full hearing will begin in November.

John O'Hara QC, representing the IFA, told the tribunal hearing in Belfast: "It is estimated on both sides that this has the potential to be a lengthy hearing, in the region of four weeks. That is certainly a real possibility."

Legal counsel at the case management discussion were keen to ensure it did not coincide with any World Cup qualifier play-offs.

Mr Wells, who is English, was chief executive of the IFA from November 2004 until last year.

He said after his dismissal that he was still awaiting reasons for the decision.

The complaints which he wants the tribunal to consider include: unfair dismissal; race discrimination; breach of contract; right to be accompanied to a disciplinary/grievance hearing and failure to pay wages.

IFA president Raymond Kennedy and Mr Wells were present for the 20-minute hearing.

Barry Mulqueen, barrister for Mr Wells, said he wanted to agree a timetable.

Witness details, the exact issues to be heard by tribunal president Eileen McBride and which documents will be revealed still have to be agreed.