Lapira to Consider International Future

[JimmyP]

I'm sure this'll go down well!


Republic of Ireland international Joseph Lapira has cast doubt over his future in Steve Staunton’s squad by admitting that he could yet throw in his lot with his native United States.

Lapira became the first amateur in more than 40 years to win a senior cap for Ireland when Staunton’s side took on Ecuador back in May.

But the Notre Dame college star – who qualifies to wear the green through his Irish-born mother – revealed he could yet turn his back on Ireland and launch a career with the USA.

He said: “It was pretty special to play for Ireland as, to be honest, I thought I’d just be training with them. I had never played at anything higher than college level so to be thrust into international soccer was amazing. Going to play with Ireland was a big step up.

"I still have an option to commit my international future to the United States as the Ecuador game wasn’t a competitive one. I have to make up my mind before my 21st birthday.”

Lapira is in Scotland this week for a trial with Rangers and could become the first Irish international to play for the Ibrox side since Alexander Stevenson more than 70 years ago.

However, he insists he will not be signing any professional contract until he completes his studies at Notre Dame later this year.

"I only arrived in Scotland late on Sunday and I hurt my calf in my first training session, so I’m not sure how much they will be able to assess me,” said the 20-year-old.

“It doesn’t matter too much, though, because I was always going to go back home until the end of the year to finish my studies [in management entrepreneurship]. I can maybe come back at Christmas.”

from eleven-a-side (http://www.eleven-a-side.com/boysingreen/irish_soccer_detail.asp?newsid=28620)

bit cheeky. He turns 21 in a few weeks (August 13th) so I don't see why he's coming out with that now.

[RogerMilla]

ah jaysis , wait until tuff paddy reads this !!

[Bluebeard]

Oh, the delicious irony. And to think that when I read the thread title first I thought it read "Lapira to Consider International Failure".

[Dr. Ogba]

Did he by any chance stumble on the "Joseph Lapira Thread" and just didn't think it was worth the hassle?

[Wolfie]

Did he by any chance stumble on the "Joseph Lapira Thread" and just didn't think it was worth the hassle?

All 17 pages!!! :D :D

[Stuttgart88]

The only merit in selecting him was to bag him for good. I thought a full cap made it irreversable, like when McGeady came on against Jamaica or whoever it was. I know we've discussed the rules before but I've forgotten.

If Lapira is right then the argument that his cap devalues the privilege holds.

[Dodge]

If your argument is right the privilige is still devalued

but we've argued about that enough here so back to Lapira...

[youngirish]

Good riddance to him do we really need ******* like this playing for us particularly when they are crap? Playing for Ireland is a big step up from College football apparently. Thanks for sharing that brilliant brainwave. He doesn't mention anything about being proud of pulling on the Ireland jersey. Yank mercenary.

Let him play for the states, he's far more likely to get a regular game for them anyway, they have a far poorer selection of forwards.

I hope that clown Staunton reads that interview.

[NeilMcD]

IF there are no games before his 21st can he then change his mind. If there are no matches surely he has to play for us, or does he just have to send a letter to Fifa before his 21st or how does it work.

[beautifulrock]

Letter to FIFA would suffice I would imagine. What a clown though, to think it is one thing but to put it in print is just plain silly.

[Soko]

Ungrateful *******, hopefully he declares for the US and signs for Rangers

[bwagner]

guys could this have something to do with the whole rangers thing?? sounds pathetic I know but he is only a kid and could be easily advised Id say

[TheBoss]

I think he has made a right fool of himself, once you play a A International for a Team, you can not play for another country.

I think he is getting confused with the Under-21 rule, where players can play for one nation, and can declare themselves for another nation before 21st Birthday.

[geysir]

I think he has made a right fool of himself, once you play a A International for a Team, you can not play for another country.
I think he is getting confused with the Under-21 rule, where players can play for one nation, and can declare themselves for another nation before 21st Birthday.
You are right, once a dual national has played at A level for one of the countries he can't change over, even if he is still u21.
Is there anything more to write about Joe, maybe some speculation on how much his cap has devalued someone elses hard earned cap?

[Billsthoughts]

someone should do some "Joe Lapira - Irish Legend" t shirts...or some Gullitt Euro 88 style Lapira wigs...

[Plastic Paddy]

agreed youngirish.
and indeed i think it de-values the cap even more...he got one, got his day in the lime light, and now wants to f*ck off and play for the US....good riddence to him, should never have been given a cap anyways...i hope he signs for Rangers, that would seal his faith...

I love the unintentional irony that underpins your response... I'm not having a dig at you but you surely meant "fate" rather than "faith", didn't you...? Are you reading this H4E? Look, all these Irish, sure they're all bigoted Celtic fans, aren't they? :rolleyes:

Anyway, and in spite of the crap that has permeated previous "discussions" on the subject, I hope JL becomes the first Irish international of modern times to play for Rangers. It would surely shake up a few firmly-held views on all sides, no? :)

:ball: PP

[cheifo]

D Donavon should have played instead of him.He will be nothing special.Good luck with the US...Next!

[Qwerty]

You are right, once a dual national has played at A level for one of the countries he can't change over, even if he is still u21.
Is there anything more to write about Joe, maybe some speculation on how much his cap has devalued someone elses hard earned cap?

True but I'm not sure a friendly is an official competition and the 2005 rules state:

As a general rule, any Player who has already represented one Association
(either in full or in part) in an official competition of any category
may not play an international match with another Association
team.

[jorge]

why is there even a discussion on this chap whos done **** all?

[EalingGreen]

Three "technical" observations:
1. His playing in a friendly for ROI does not compromise his subsequent eligibility for the USA;
2. Whatever Rangers fans may think, I imagine Walter Smith would prefer he elected for ROI than USA, since that would entail much less travelling and "out-of-season" internationals (that's assuming Smith is even interested in signing him, which is moot);
3. Perhaps Lapira has also concluded he's simply not good enough to get a regular place with ROI and/or in European club football, so decided to throw in his lot with USA, since MLS Salary Regulations etc reward teams for employing USA-eligible players over non-USA eligible?

Anyhow, a more personal observation for the benefit of those ROI fans who are now looking at Lapira and thinking "Tosser" (i.e. for using ROI to achieve a bit of prominence before he suddenly remembers he's really American):
You might just understand a little better how NI fans feel when youngsters represent us in UEFA under-age competitions etc, then elect to represent ROI at senior level...

[zenokelly]

Absolute ****! Never want to see him hold an Irish jersey again, hope he ****s off back to Notre Dame, never gets to sign a professional contract and in particular I hope this is the last post about Jo Lapira on any Irish football forum site!

Will boo him if he ever wears the Irish shirt again! (first time I will ever boo an Irish international)

Please delete this thread NOW

[RogerMilla]

Three "technical" observations:
1. His playing in a friendly for ROI does not compromise his subsequent eligibility for the USA;...

EG you sure on this one ? any regulations to back it up ?

[Wolfie]

Three "technical" observations:

Anyhow, a more personal observation for the benefit of those ROI fans who are now looking at Lapira and thinking "Tosser" (i.e. for using ROI to achieve a bit of prominence before he suddenly remembers he's really American):
You might just understand a little better how NI fans feel when youngsters represent us in UEFA under-age competitions etc, then elect to represent ROI at senior level...

You'd have a point EG if Lapira had been born and bred in Ireland, represented Ireland at underage level and was now declaring for another country. Lapira was simply in the right place at the right time and made up the numbers.

You'd have to ask yourself would he even be in the running for a place on the Irish bench?

It is what it is, a silly season diversion for the summer until the real business starts up in a few weeks.

When thoughts turn to the Denmark game, never mind the crunch games in September, will anyone really give two flying fecks about some gob****e from Notre Dame or wherever he hails from (ie, not Ireland).

[Supreme feet]

Ah, Lapira. So many precedents - Mickey Evans, Jon Macken, Jon Goodman... He'll never play for Ireland again, we'll have forgotten him in a few months. O'Donovan will probably skip ahead of him now, thanks to his big move.

(as an aside, I met Goodman after his last appearance for Ireland in 1997 - he visited my school in Wexford - really, really nice guy)

[co. down green]

Three "technical" observations:
1. His playing in a friendly for ROI does not compromise his subsequent eligibility for the USA;
2. Whatever Rangers fans may think, I imagine Walter Smith would prefer he elected for ROI than USA, since that would entail much less travelling and "out-of-season" internationals (that's assuming Smith is even interested in signing him, which is moot);
3. Perhaps Lapira has also concluded he's simply not good enough to get a regular place with ROI and/or in European club football, so decided to throw in his lot with USA, since MLS Salary Regulations etc reward teams for employing USA-eligible players over non-USA eligible?

Anyhow, a more personal observation for the benefit of those ROI fans who are now looking at Lapira and thinking "Tosser" (i.e. for using ROI to achieve a bit of prominence before he suddenly remembers he's really American):
You might just understand a little better how NI fans feel when youngsters represent us in UEFA under-age competitions etc, then elect to represent ROI at senior level...



Three "technical" observations:
1. His playing in a friendly for ROI does not compromise his subsequent eligibility for the USA;
2. Whatever Rangers fans may think, I imagine Walter Smith would prefer he elected for ROI than USA, since that would entail much less travelling and "out-of-season" internationals (that's assuming Smith is even interested in signing him, which is moot);
3. Perhaps Lapira has also concluded he's simply not good enough to get a regular place with ROI and/or in European club football, so decided to throw in his lot with USA, since MLS Salary Regulations etc reward teams for employing USA-eligible players over non-USA eligible?

Anyhow, a more personal observation for the benefit of those ROI fans who are now looking at Lapira and thinking "Tosser" (i.e. for using ROI to achieve a bit of prominence before he suddenly remembers he's really American):
You might just understand a little better how NI fans feel when youngsters represent us in UEFA under-age competitions etc, then elect to represent ROI at senior level...


The difference E.G, is that Darron Gibson for example, has always wanted to play for Ireland, which was why he refused to play for your u17's. He had no other vehicle to progress under the present system within the North at underage level,other than the IFA set up, eventhough he had no interest in the team.

This could easily be resolved with the FAI supporting and nurturing players who wish to represent Ireland, within the North from schoolboy level. The FAI already have a major presence at Derry City so it would not be a big step to expand it via schools of excellence etc..

The issue regarding eligibility has been a grey area in the past also, however with the FIFA letter last November clearing the issue up, its pretty clear cut and players like Ruairi Harkin from derry are choosing to represent Ireland from as young an age as possible.

Lapira & Gibson etc..have nothing in common.

[geysir]

EG you sure on this one? any regulations to back it up ?
Ealing Green is mixed up and sensitive over the dual nat issue.

A friendly is an A Level match.

Joey is tied to us forever

(a) Up to his 21st birthday, a player may only once request changing the Association for which he is eligible to play international matches. A Player may exercise this right to change Associations only if he has not played at “A” international level for his current Association and if, at the time of his first full or partial appearance in an international match in an official competition of any other category, he already had such nationalities.

The exception to this rule doesn't apply.

"An exception to this rule is contained in art. 15.3 of the Regulations Governing the Application of the FIFA Statutes. A player whose nationality entitles him to play for more than one association (as is the case with the UK passport) or who is holder of more than one nationality, can apply to change association. This possibility, however, is limited to those players who have not played at “A” international leve

[Lionel Ritchie]

(as an aside, I met Goodman after his last appearance for Ireland in 1997 - he visited my school in Wexford - really, really nice guy)

I think EG might be able to confirm he is now part of the backroom staff in the NI setup -or was under Sanchez at least anyway.

[paul_oshea]

I think EG is still right geysir, up until his 21st bday, he is not 21 yet.

[geysir]

I think EG is still right geysir, up until his 21st bday, he is not 21 yet.

"only if he has not played at “A” international level"

[billydoneit]

I defended Lapira's right to sign for Rangers on the other thread and that I stand over, the sooner politics is removed from all sports the better. On the other hand this pick and mix attitude to International representation disgusts me, I do think a case can be made for guys (Gibson, McGeady etc) who declare early and remain consistent. Looks to me like Lapira thought the cap would trigger european offers and when that hasn't happened he has started to recalculate. To hell with him.........

[paul_oshea]

ya geysir i dont know what i was reading there, i have a habit of looking out for negatives in a sentence rather than reading the whole sentence.

billy, i think you could be right, boy.

[cclinton]

so decided to throw in his lot with USA, since MLS Salary Regulations etc reward teams for employing USA-eligible players over non-USA eligible?


Ealing... There's no salary restriction for individuals in MLS. Yes, there's a salary cap for each MLS team as a whole (and exceptions to that too). Perhaps you are referring to the fixed salary of Development or Project 40players. Despite that, the MLS, which holds the player contract, could decide to pay the individual a lot more if that's what would be needed to have him sign. Eg. Freddie Adud, Eddie Gaven, Danny Szetella.

There's nothing in MLS that rewards a team for employing USA-eligible players. There is a quota about how many furriners can be on a roster. That quota has no connection to salary.

[EalingGreen]

Lapira & Gibson etc..have nothing in common.

I didn't actually have Gibson, or any other individual, in mind when i made my point - you introduced him to this thread. In fact, from what I've seen/heard of Gibson, he's always made his preferences clear and if FIFA (eventually) decide that he's properly eligible for ROI under the Rules, then good luck to him.

However, there are one or two other individuals whose motives are a whole lot less clear i.e. they exploit the Rules to suit themselves. Lapira might be one of those cases (though we probably don't know enough about him, in truth), in which case his attitude is deplorable and serves to p iss off fans of the team which has been exploited.

Which, without opening the whole ROI v NI debate, was merely the point I was making i.e. can't you see why NI fans get annoyed when we offer a player an opportunity, only to see him shove off somewhere else as soon as it suits him (better offer? not good enough? squabble with a selectors?)


I think EG might be able to confirm he [Goodman] is now part of the backroom staff in the NI setup -or was under Sanchez at least anyway.

I think Sanchez might have brought him in on an ad hoc basis once or twice, as he did, eg, with Les Reed - not sure, though. Otherwise, his two main men were Dave Beasant and Terry Gibson (plus Gerry Armstrong).

Sanchez has kept Beasant on at Craven Cottage, where he was goalkeeping coach all along, and brought Gibson and Reed with him.

I've not heard of any involvement by Goodman in the NI set-up at present.

Worthington has brought in Glynn Snodin (Coach at WHU and formerly at Soton, Charlton and Doncaster) as his No.2, with Fred Barber as gk coach.


[QUOTE=EalingGreen;733177] so decided to throw in his lot with USA, since MLS Salary Regulations etc reward teams for employing USA-eligible players over non-USA eligible?
QUOTE]

There's nothing in MLS that rewards a team for employing USA-eligible players. There is a quota about how many furriners can be on a roster. That quota has no connection to salary.

I'm sure you are quite correct; I had read about this when I was over in the USA three years ago, so presumably misunderstood or misremembered.

That said, whilst it won't affect Lapira's salary, might it not be the case that his chances of getting a place on an MLS team roster are better if he's USA-qualified than not?


Ealing Green is mixed up and sensitive over the dual nat issue.

A friendly is an A Level match.

Joey is tied to us forever

(a) Up to his 21st birthday, a player may only once request changing the Association for which he is eligible to play international matches. A Player may exercise this right to change Associations only if he has not played at “A” international level for his current Association and if, at the time of his first full or partial appearance in an international match in an official competition of any other category, he already had such nationalities.

The exception to this rule doesn't apply.

"An exception to this rule is contained in art. 15.3 of the Regulations Governing the Application of the FIFA Statutes. A player whose nationality entitles him to play for more than one association (as is the case with the UK passport) or who is holder of more than one nationality, can apply to change association. This possibility, however, is limited to those players who have not played at “A” international leve

Geysir, you are quite correct on this one (not having checked, I confused the U-21/Senior International and Competitive/Friendly distinctions).

In which case, if Lapira retains hope of representing the USA, he's in for a disappointment...

[gspain]

My reading of the rules is that Joe O'Lapira is tied to us for evermore as he has played for us. My understanding is that once you play at senior level now you are tied to a country.

Having said that he may well not be any good.

[GavinZac]

He's tied to Ireland now, the silly git.

You can change your declared nationality if you have played for the Under 21s, not if you are Under 21.

As this was a Senior, A international sanctioned by FIFA - he's stuck in limbo now, as I can't see any manager picking him after this drivel (not that he would have made the grade anyway)

[cclinton]

[QUOTE=cclinton;733390]

I'm sure you are quite correct; I had read about this when I was over in the USA three years ago, so presumably misunderstood or misremembered.

That said, whilst it won't affect Lapira's salary, might it not be the case that his chances of getting a place on an MLS team roster are better if he's USA-qualified than not?

In his case as a dual citizen, it should not have any bearing. He can work in the US without impunity.... In his specific case, I don't see that his national team affiliation has any MLS eligibility condition attached.

aside:
I'm quite surprised that a player who is plying his silky skills in a league of perhaps Leinster Senior League standard got the chance to play for us. Fair play to him for pulling it off :eek:. To think of it... with the right muppet in charge many moons ago, "I cudda been a contender" :D

[GavinZac]

his misunderstanding of the rules reminds me of a reporter that asked the US national team's "coach" whether they aimed to win the World Cup now that Beckham had transfered to Team USA

[livehead1]

Once you play full international football for a country, you're tied to that country FOREVER. Lapira cannot play for the USA, ever.

There is however once exception but it won't apply to Lapira. Tim Cahill was allowed to change his 'nationality'. Many will remember the controvosy when Cahill played for Samoa. As a result the rules were relaxed for players who had not played international football ABOVE u-21 level. As Lapira has played for the full Ireland side, in an official match, thats it, game over.


To put it into context, any other conclusion would be ridiculous. For example, Aiden McGeady could have played 15 international friendlies for Ireland whilst under 21 and because it was not a qualifying game, he could still play for Scotland. Simply not viable.

Lapira's Fu*ked!

[Lionel Ritchie]

He's tied to Ireland now, the silly git.

You can change your declared nationality if you have played for the Under 21s, not if you are Under 21.

As this was a Senior, A international sanctioned by FIFA - he's stuck in limbo now, as I can't see any manager picking him after this drivel (not that he would have made the grade anyway)

If he shows that he's got the skills to pay the bills he'll be picked and why not? Any manager would be shooting himself in the foot not to. I think we, as supporters, tend to expect an unrealistic level of patriotism from all our footballers and bizarrely sometimes even more so from those who are 2gen or 3gen.*

Frankly I would consider it a bit weird if the idea of playing for TeamUSA :rolleyes: hadn't crossed his mind. That he naively thought he wasn't yet tied to us and that he's a little bit of a dumb bunny is probably consistent with the default mental state of the average professional footballer and should stand to him if he ever finds himself working in the same trade.

*Please don't come back at me about Gary Breen going to Irish dancing lessons. My hernia still isn't right from last time someone brought that up. :D

[bennocelt]

someone should do some "Joe Lapira - Irish Legend" t shirts...or some Gullitt Euro 88 style Lapira wigs...

i dont often laugh out loud when i read Foot.ie but that thought was so funny, thanks:)

[Noelys Guitar]

Joe's first day at Ibrox
http://www.grapheine.com/bombaytv/play_uk.php?id=1857485

[Metrostars]

Ealing Green is mixed up and sensitive over the dual nat issue.

A friendly is an A Level match.

Joey is tied to us forever

(a) Up to his 21st birthday, a player may only once request changing the Association for which he is eligible to play international matches. A Player may exercise this right to change Associations only if he has not played at “A” international level for his current Association and if, at the time of his first full or partial appearance in an international match in an official competition of any other category, he already had such nationalities.

The exception to this rule doesn't apply.

"An exception to this rule is contained in art. 15.3 of the Regulations Governing the Application of the FIFA Statutes. A player whose nationality entitles him to play for more than one association (as is the case with the UK passport) or who is holder of more than one nationality, can apply to change association. This possibility, however, is limited to those players who have not played at “A” international leve

Wrong. You to read the full length of the rule instead of parsing and highlighting bits:

http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/affederation/federation/statutes%5f08%5f2006%5fen%5fpdf%5f52.pdf

2. With the exception of the conditions specified in par. 3 and 4 below, any Player who has already represented one Association in a match (either in full or in part) in an official competition of any category or any type of football may not play an international match for a representative team of another Assocoation.

3. If a Player has more than one nationality, or if a Player acquires a new
nationality, or if a Player is eligible to play for several Associations’ teams due to nationality, he may, up to his 21st birthday, request to change the Association for which he is eligible to play international matches to the Association of another country of which he holds nationality, subject to the following conditions:

(a) He has not played a match (either in full or in part) at “A” international
level for his current Association, and if at the time of his first full or partial appearance in an international match in an official competition for his current Association, he already had the nationality of the Association’s team for which he wishes to play.
(b) He is not permitted to play for his new Association in any competition
in which he has already played for his previous Association. A player may exercise this right only once.

The important part is paragraph 2. Lapira played in a friendly, not "an official competition" so paragraph 3 doesnt apply. If he had played say a U-21 Euro qualifer, then paragraph 3 would apply. He can be 44 and played 20 friendlies for Ireland and can still switch to the US as long as he has not played in "an official competition".


Ealing... There's no salary restriction for individuals in MLS. Yes, there's a salary cap for each MLS team as a whole (and exceptions to that too). Perhaps you are referring to the fixed salary of Development or Project 40players. Despite that, the MLS, which holds the player contract, could decide to pay the individual a lot more if that's what would be needed to have him sign. Eg. Freddie Adud, Eddie Gaven, Danny Szetella.

There's nothing in MLS that rewards a team for employing USA-eligible players. There is a quota about how many furriners can be on a roster. That quota has no connection to salary.
Right about rewarding USA players. But there is a salary cap for players which I think is $400K. Obviously, the DP rule(Beckham) overrides that along with other exceptions such as high earners like Donovan, Adu and Eddie Johnson.

Also, I very much doubt Lapira would get a call up to the US team. Everyone who gets a call up to the senior team have played for the US at underage level.

[geysir]

Wrong. You to read the full length of the rule instead of parsing and highlighting bits:

http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/affederation/federation/statutes%5f08%5f2006%5fen%5fpdf%5f52.pdf
The important part is paragraph 2. Lapira played in a friendly, not "an official competition" so paragraph 3 doesnt apply. If he had played say a U-21 Euro qualifer, then paragraph 3 would apply. He can be 44 and played 20 friendlies for Ireland and can still switch to the US as long as he has not played in "an official competition".

Nice try :)
I quoted the very relevant bits.

"match (either in full or in part) in an official competition of any category or any type of football"
What do you think any kind of football means? read it again.
"an official competition of any category" here refers to FIFA's criteria.
An A international is official. Its in FIFA's ranking system, much to the distress of some board members

Or if you can find one example to support your interpretation.

[cclinton]

Right about rewarding USA players. But there is a salary cap for players which I think is $400K. Obviously, the DP rule(Beckham) overrides that along with other exceptions such as high earners like Donovan, Adu and Eddie Johnson..

in reality, players in MLS will get paid according to the best deal they can strike for themselves through a varying combination of sources, either directly from the league itself or funding from a sponsor such as Nike and Adidas.... a player's total remuneration is market driven. The $400K item is an illusion. Yes, it was a salary control item when the league was getting started, but it's now of no significance.



Also, I very much doubt Lapira would get a call up to the US team. Everyone who gets a call up to the senior team have played for the US at underage level.

Who are, Thomas Dooley, David Regis and Jay DeMerit?

by the way, David Regis is the poster child for the laPIRA debacle... but he did get a World Cup appearance, out of it .... married a US bird and effectively grabbed a passport on the way to the teams WC training camp :eek: Others deserved to play before him, but in right place at right time.

[Metrostars]

Nice try :)
I quoted the very relevant bits.

"match (either in full or in part) in an official competition of any category or any type of football"
What do you think any kind of football means? read it again.
"an official competition of any category" here refers to FIFA's criteria.
An A international is official. Its in FIFA's ranking system, much to the distress of some board members

Or if you can find one example to support your interpretation.

No. Official competition means World Cup/qualifiers, European Championships/qualifiers, Copa America, Concacaf Gold Cup etc. Friendlies are not Official Competition.

A few examples off the top of my head: Jeff Cunningham played a friendly for Jamaica but is now a US international. Chris Armas 9 caps for Puerto Rico, 66 for the US.

Also, this is an email from the FAI when someone from bigsoccer asked about Lapira a few months ago:


"Hi Ciaran

Thank you for your query. According to FIFA regulations a player who has
already represented one Association in a match (either in full or part) in an
official competition or any category may not play an international match for a
representative team of another Association. However a player may request a
change of Association from FIFA up to his 21st birthday.

As Joe Lapira has only represented the Republic of Ireland in a friendly match,
he would not be tied to this Association.

I hope this information is of assistance to you. For further information you
can find the FIFA regulations on the FIFA website - www.fifa.com.

Kind regards

Mr. Chris Ryan
International Department Manager
Football Association of Ireland"

[Billsthoughts]

i dont often laugh out loud when i read Foot.ie but that thought was so funny, thanks:)

ssssh! they lock any threads in the Ireland forum that might be interesting or fun!!! "STAY ON TOPIC!!!!!":D

[Bluebeard]

As this was a Senior, A international sanctioned by FIFA - he's stuck in limbo now, as I can't see any manager (http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42189000/jpg/_42189488_staunton416.jpg)picking him after this drivel (not that he would have made the grade anyway)
Sure about that?

[KopKiller]

He's rubbish, should never have got near the squad

[geysir]

No. Official competition means World Cup/qualifiers, European Championships/qualifiers, Copa America, Concacaf Gold Cup etc. Friendlies are not Official Competition.

A few examples off the top of my head: Jeff Cunningham played a friendly for Jamaica but is now a US international. Chris Armas 9 caps for Puerto Rico, 66 for the US.

Also, this is an email from the FAI when someone from bigsoccer asked about Lapira a few months ago:

2 issues
First, the email is from the FAI :)
Second, FIFA revamped their articles after the Troussier inspired Qatar Mercs for passports to Brazilian players, the ammendment came into play Jan 2004.
FIFA put a fullstop on national federation transfers as they use to be. Your examples would not happen now, as well as clarifying blood and residence standards
they clarified this

This possibility, however, is limited to those players who have not played at “A” international level

Why would they put in this? Surely if "A" level matches Friendlies did not count in the first place then it would say players can change if they have not been capped at a competition level.

The original article before it was changed was

“ 2. If a player has been included in a national or representative team of a country for which he is eligible to play pursuant to §1, he shall not be permitted to take part in an international match for another country. Accordingly, any player who is qualified to play for more than one national association (i.e. who has dual nationality) will be deemed to have committed himself to one association only when he plays his first international match in an official competition (at any level) for that association.

Was ammended in 2004
Containing five limitations preventing country-shopping:
1. the player must not yet have reached his 21st birthday when he makes the request to change his national team,
2. he must already hold the dual or multiple nationality when he makes his first appearance in a competitive international match, (Underage Caps included)
3. he must not have appeared for the A or senior level national team of his current association,
4. he may change his national team only once.
5. he may not change his national team during a preliminry competition in which he has taken part.

[livehead1]

Lapira wants to play for Ireland...close thread.

If a mod wants proof pm me!