Wells set to take new legal action against IFA and Kennedy

July 23 – The recriminations over the sacking of Howard Wells (pictured) as chief executive of the Irish Football Association (IFA) are set to continue after he threatened new legal action against them and Raymond Kennedy, whose handling of the affair has led to him having to step down as President.

It has been revealed that Wells has put both parties on notice of his intention to issue defamation proceedings unless he receives a retraction and apology for alleged press comments.

His lawyer has also written to the Belfast Telegraph newspaper seeking a similar resolution to the case.

Kennedy officially resigned earlier this month – although he will stay on until September – after being blamed in a Government-ordered report for ignoring legal advice over the sacking of Wells in October 2008 from his £105,000 ($222,000) a year post as chief executive, a decision which eventually cost the IFA £516,000 ($766,000) in compensation and legal fees.

Wells has now instructed Belfast libel lawyer Paul Tweed, senior partner with Johnsons Solicitors, to act on the basis of an article published earlier this month.

Tweed said: “I would confirm having put the Belfast Telegraph, the Irish Football Association and their President, Raymond Kennedy, on notice of our intention to issue defamation proceedings arising out of outrageous and totally unfounded allegations attributed to Mr Kennedy, relating to our client’s unjustified dismissal from his post as chief executive of the Irish Football Association.

“Our client is determined to take whatever further legal action may be necessary to vindicate his reputation unless a satisfactory response is received from the above parties, which must include a categoric retraction and apology from each of the parties concerned.”