GAA 'overwhelmingly' agrees to maintain Allianz deal

The GAA will continue its sponsorship deal with Allianz after Central Council and the Management Committee "overwhelmingly agreed" to maintain the partnership.

Last December, the association accepted a recommendation from its Ethics and Integrity Commission (EIC) to maintain the relationship with the insurance group after a number of county boards passed motions at their county conventions calling for Allianz's removal.

Allianz, through its German parent company, was among a series of companies listed in a report by UN special rapporteur on Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese.

In February, Congress was halted after protesters made their way into Croke Park. A number of the protesters walked to the top table, holding a banner behind several officials, including GAA president Jarlath Burns. A group of further protesters shouted "Allianz amach".

Meetings of the Management Committee and Central Council took place on Friday night and on Saturday
respectively.

On Saturday afternoon, the GAA released an update that read: "Arising from correspondence received from Coiste Chontae Thír Eoghain, both Ard Chomhairle and Coiste Bainistíochta revisited the issue of the Association's partnership with Allianz.

"Following a comprehensive discussion, it was overwhelmingly agreed to endorse the decision taken last December to adopt the recommendation of the Ethics and Integrity Commission report and to maintain this partnership."

It has also been confirmed that SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh will host the Republic of Ireland's Women's World Cup play-off semi-final against Kazakhstan, as well as Munster's Investec Champions Cup clash with Racing 92, in October.

Central Council has given the green light for both fixtures to take place, with the Girls in Green facing Kazakhstan by the River Lee on Tuesday 13 October, before Munster welcome French powerhouses Racing to the stadium the following Saturday.

Carla Ward's Ireland team have played three competitive fixtures at the Páirc and won them all. In June, they produced a brilliant display to beat the Netherlands 3-2 in a thrilling World Cup qualififer.

Munster beat Gloucester in the Champions Cup at the stadium last December.