NORTHERN IRELAND'S athletes could be competing under a different flag at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
That's after games officials in Northern Ireland floated a controversial proposal to DITCH the Ulster Banner.
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Leading Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland (CWGNI) chiefs will argue the case at a meeting this week, and they will say that neither the Union flag or Ulster Banner are representative of Northern Ireland athletes.
The Ulster Banner contains a red cross on a white background, with a crown, star and red hand in the centre.
Originally designed in 1923, it went on to become Northern Ireland's official flag before ceasing that official standing in 1973.
It's often associated with loyalist symbolism in Northern Ireland.
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CEO Conal Heatley and chairman Stephen Martin will instead push for the creation of a NEW flag to represent Northern Ireland at the games.
Their intention is to create a new flag to 'promote inclusivity.'
The Belfast Telegraph have seen the proposals from CWGNI, who will appeal to the Northern Ireland Executive to create the new flag.
A report commissioned in 2020 found that the design of any new flag "would be designed to be representative of the diversity of our society, including our new communities."
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With the games in Glasgow less than two years away, there is the possibility a new 'civic flag' won't be ready in time for the big event.
Therefore, it's claimed that CWGNI will instead put forward a plan white flag with their logo on it to be used in Glasgow.
Growing fears that Glasgow will be left like a midden for the Commonwealth Games
They've said: "We would still be hopeful the Executive will have something in place by March 2026, a flag that represents everyone and, if so, then we will use it. But if there isn’t one out of Stormont, then it leaves us no other option but to use our own logo."
“We’ve gone out and spoken to groups like the NI Youth Forum, and they don’t recognise the Ulster Banner, it means nothing to them. They would like a flag that everybody can get behind, but something that is inclusive. There hasn’t been any pushback.
The group did, however, conceded that there would be some concern and rejection of the proposals.
However, chief executive Heatley has claimed that the Ulster Banner is OFFENSIVE to some.
He said: "Some people will see it as lessening their identity, but when the facts are presented to them, they will see that the Ulster Banner has no legal status and is found offensive by parts of the community.
"Within governing bodies, they want their sports to be inclusive, and if there are any flags or emblems that are exclusive, then that is a problem.
“It does not represent the wider community in Northern Ireland. In the absence of an agreed flag from Stormont, up until now we have used (the Union flag). The IFA have used it."
The proposals to ditch the Ulster Banner have proved controversial.
Democratic Unionist Party politician Gordon Lyons, who has a brief that oversees sport, claimed he had not been consulted on the proposals.
He described it as "ill-advised."
Lyons said: "I have to say, I believe that the campaign we are currently hearing about is ill-advised at best.
"I was concerned to learn about the discussion and consideration of changing the flag. As we have seen at the Olympics, our athletes have always kept their focus on sport and were able to represent Northern Ireland and politics wasn’t made anything of.
Glasgow 2026 confirmed sports
Athletics & Para Athletics (Track & Field)
Swimming & Para Swimming
Artistic Gymnastics
Track Cycling & Para Track Cycling
Netball
Weightlifting & Para Powerlifting
Boxing
Judo
Bowls & Para Bowls
3x3 Basketball & Para Basketball
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"Unfortunately, I think politics has been dragged into this now. This was something I’ve not been consulted on.
"If I had been consulted, I would have made it very clear that I do not think that we should be upsetting the status quo on this, that we have had athletes that have been very happy to represent Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games.
"They should continue to be allowed to do so. And I think that it’s best for everyone involved this if this was just to be put to bed."
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Alliance Party politician David Honeyford, however, is backing the proposals of a flag change.
He said: "The difficulty is members in the team don't see it as their flag - and they're looking to build an inclusive society."
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