A Belfast football tournament that brings together ethnic minority communities has restarted after a three-week suspension triggered by racist disorder in the city.

The Northern Ireland Confederation Cup, organised by the Ethnic Minority Sports Organisation Northern Ireland (EMSONI), features 16 teams representing countries such as India, Sudan, Syria, Poland and Ghana. It began on 7 June but was halted after violence broke out several days later. The revised competition has dropped group stages and moved straight to knockout rounds, with the final planned for 25 July.

Nihal Shaji, 22, who plays for the India team and lives in Dundonald, said the competition aims to unite people across community and religious divides. He acknowledged that he still felt apprehensive walking around after the disorder but credited neighbours for offering support and said the tournament is gradually restoring confidence.

Osama Almahmoud, 36, captain of the Syria side, pointed to a large anti-racism rally held in Belfast as a turning point that changed community attitudes and made participants feel safer.

Adekanmi Abayomi, chief executive of EMSONI, stated that the decision to resume was taken after extensive consultation with community leaders, political representatives and the police. He said the feedback indicated that Belfast was secure enough for the event to return.

Nigeria has won the competition for the past two years.