GAA 'did not expect' level of Allianz debate - Ryan

GAA director general Tom Ryan says the association "did not expect" the level of debate surrounding their sponsorship deals with Allianz.

A number of county boards passed motions calling on the GAA to cut ties with the German insurer - which sponsors the National Leagues and All-Ireland Football Championship, while insuring GAA stadiums and 2,200 clubs - following a a June 2025 report by United Nations special rapporteur Francesca Albanese.

The report said Allianz is one of a number of global insurance companies that "invest large sums in shares and bonds implicated in the occupation and genocide, partly as capital reserves for policyholder claims and regulatory requirements, but primarily to generate returns. Allianz holds at least $7.3 billion (£5.58bn)".

This led to protests within the association with around 800 high-profile players signing a petition with the issue passed to the GAA's Ethics and Integrity Committee (EIC).

In December, the EIC recommended the GAA continue its association with Allianz which had led to further protests at a number of League games this year, but anti-Allianz motions have not been included on the agenda for the upcoming GAA Congress.

Writing in his annual report which was released on Wednesday, Ryan referenced "a challenging and uncomfortable debate" on the issue but backed the EIC's findings.

"We certainly did not anticipate commentary to arise linking our sponsors Allianz to the issue, nor did we expect the ethics of that sponsorship to be questioned. When that issue arose a challenging and uncomfortable debate ensued," he said.

"Given our longstanding and valued relationship with Allianz Ireland, and given also the gravity of the underlying situation in the Middle East, it was important not to rush to judgement.

"It was also important to allow time and space for members to articulate their views. We needed to find a process to consider and manage the question carefully and appropriately."

Ryan added: "Our Ethics and Integrity Commission is a body of eminent and trusted GAA people with diverse backgrounds and vast experience.

"That body is charged with guiding us on issues which pose questions which cannot be addressed simply by reference to our rules. This was one such issue, the Commission was asked to assess the matter, and this they did most assiduously.

"Their report was published in December. The recommendation that the GAA should continue with our Allianz sponsorship was explained in clear and rational terms and was endorsed by An Coiste Bainistíochta (management committee) and by Central Council."

Meanwhile, Ryan reaffirmed the GAA's backing for the redevelopment of Casement Park.

The west Belfast venue has not hosted a game since 2013 when it closed to allow work to commence, but has been beset with setbacks including initial planning permission being quashed by judicial review in 2014.

In addition, rising costs have seen the price tag rise from £78.5m to a current estimate of £270m.

Enabling works which will lead to the demolition of the main stand have begun, but at it stands, there remains a shortfall in funding of approximately £100m.

However, Ryan says the stadium cost "will be met from committed funding and without residual borrowings" and when completed, "will be financially self-sufficient".

"Ulster GAA and its Stadium Project Board secured a further £50m of funding from the British Government for the project this year which goes a long way towards delivering on all of the above. This brings the confirmed funding package available for the project to £170m, an unprecedented value in the context of our historic and future stadia ambitions.

"Public consultation is ongoing at present which may yield further funding for the Association. There are a few ways that might benefit us but irrespective of the outcome the project will proceed.

"Significant work has been done on delivery options, value engineering, and scenario planning as we consider potential alternative configurations for the stadium. The current planning permission for the scheme which expires in July 2026 must be protected whilst this important work continues.

"Casement Park remains a strategic priority for the GAA, and I look forward to a year of progress on the site, clarity on the final funding position and agreement on the final scope and specification for the new stadium."