We reported yesterday on the unveiling of a major naming rights deal that will see Windsor Park in Belfast rebranded as the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park.
This follows a landmark eight-year agreement between the Irish Football Association (IFA) and the Clearer Group.
The partnership was formally announced at a ceremony attended by Irish FA executives, Clearer Group leadership, and stakeholders from across Northern Ireland football, media, and business.
Here is more from the conversation that took place on stage including reference to the engagement that had taken place with fans.
The deal is more than a commercial move—it represents a strategic alliance built on shared values, community investment, and a commitment to the future of football at all levels.
Preserving Legacy, Embracing the Future
While the stadium’s name is evolving, Irish FA CEO Patrick Nelson emphasized that preserving the stadium’s identity and history was a top priority. “This is a stadium with over 120 years of memories and meaning for supporters across the country,” he said. “We were adamant that the name Windsor Park remain as part of the identity. This is the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park—a deliberate choice that honours its heritage.”
Engagement with Linfield FC and Supporters
Recognizing the shared history of the venue, which has been Linfield FC’s home ground since its inception, the Irish FA confirmed that consultation with the club was conducted in advance of the deal. The naming rights clause was originally built into agreements reached with Linfield during the stadium’s redevelopment in the early 2010s.
“Linfield were kept informed and fully updated throughout the process,” Nelson said. “When we renegotiated our management and redevelopment agreements over a decade ago, we anticipated this kind of opportunity. They understood the potential and their historical connection remains deeply respected.”
The Irish FA also engaged with supporter groups and key opinion leaders within the fan base, particularly through the Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters Clubs. While direct consultation was limited due to commercial sensitivities, feedback was considered in recent days ahead of the public announcement.
IFA President Conrad Kirkwood said the response was largely positive: “Supporters told us they would back naming rights if the right partner came along. This is new money coming into the game—not a financial patch. It’s a long-term investment that benefits everyone, especially at grassroots level.”
A Local Success Story Returns Home
Ross Lazaroo-Hood, CEO of the Clearer Group and a proud Northern Irishman, said the moment was deeply personal. “To grow up in a council estate in Larne and now see the Clearer Twist name on the national stadium is an incredible honour,” he said. “This isn’t just a sponsorship. It’s a partnership rooted in shared values—community, inclusion, and ambition.”
The Clearer Group has already supported local football through sponsorship of the Clearer Water Irish Cup and as hydration partner for Northern Ireland’s national teams. The naming rights deal builds on that foundation, with both parties committed to long-term collaboration, fan engagement, and community development.
Looking Ahead
While financial details remain confidential, the deal is understood to be a multi-million-pound, eight-year agreement with the potential for extension. Proceeds will support a wide range of initiatives, from grassroots and youth development to fan experience improvements and expanded community outreach.
Nelson concluded with optimism: “This partnership gives us the resources—and the partner—to build something extraordinary. Whether it’s youth players dreaming of pulling on the green shirt, or new infrastructure to support the Women’s World Cup in 2035, the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park will be central to Northern Ireland’s football future.”
As the branding begins to appear across the stadium in the coming months, the IFA and Clearer Group say this is only the beginning of a deeper journey—one that aims to leave a lasting legacy both on the pitch and in the community.
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SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
This is a good news story for football and for Northern Ireland.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
An eight year deal gives time and space to be bold and imaginative. We’ll be here to bring the story of how that develops to life. We’ll also have an interview with Irish FA CEO Patrick Nelson on the Sport for Business Podcast on Tuesday, May 20th.
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