Former PM Tony Blair Explored the Idea of Wimbledon FC Relocating to Belfast

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair supported the idea of moving Premier League team Wimbledon FC to Belfast in the 1990s.

Confidential documents from 1997 reveal discussions about potentially establishing an English Premier League team in Belfast, predicting this could be a strong uniting factor for the city.

A plan included building a new 40,000-seat stadium and sports academy, with Wimbledon FC changing its name to Belfast United.

The team had to find a new home due to the Taylor Report post-Hillsborough disaster, which called for all-seated stadiums. As Plough Lane was unsuitable for modernization, they shared grounds with Crystal Palace for a time while considering a move to Dublin, which was eventually rejected.

Wimbledon FC's relegation in 2000 led to permission being granted for their move to Milton Keynes in 2004, rebranding as MK Dons. The original club's fans formed a new team, AFC Wimbledon, in 2002 and have since climbed back into the Football League.

Details of the Belfast relocation were leaked and published by the Belfast Telegraph, indicating support by then Secretary of State Mo Mowlam, with the potential to attract investment and enhance Northern Ireland's global image. Local football officials, however, feared this move could harm the local sport.

Downing Street notes reveal Blair's enthusiasm for the move, yet also show resistance from Irish football authorities. Despite calls for local advocacy, obstacles persisted. IFA president Jim Boyce denounced the proposal as impractical, arguing it would detract from local football and was ultimately ceased.