NI boss targets Republic's Gibson

[liaml]

And I am not trying to tell anybody who they are

No - When you tell people they "have no tangibe connection to the ROI" when, from birth, they have been a citizen of the ROI that is precisely what you are doing.

[cavan_fan]

The FAI need to offer FIFA an out on this. I'd suggest that they say this is different to e.g. Qatar in that we offer a passport to anyone born in a certain area. I'm fairly sure Qatar won't offer a passport to all Brazilians.

[Metrostars]

So what about someone like Eduardo da Silva? No ties at all to Croatia yet he plays for them. I know he played for Croatia underage teams before these new rules but would a player in his situation be able to play for them now?

[Dodge]

If you could look at things objectively, removing all the political baggage from it, why should two FA's be able to pick people from one territory?
What are national sides if not political baggage?

[Drumcondra 69er]

So what about someone like Eduardo da Silva? No ties at all to Croatia yet he plays for them. I know he played for Croatia underage teams before these new rules but would a player in his situation be able to play for them now?

If he's lived there long enough then yes.

[Absinthe]

No - When you tell people they "have no tangibe connection to the ROI" when, from birth, they have been a citizen of the ROI that is precisely what you are doing.

I meant in a footballing sense. I apologise for the ambiguity.

[Absinthe]

The FAI need to offer FIFA an out on this. I'd suggest that they say this is different to e.g. Qatar in that we offer a passport to anyone born in a certain area. I'm fairly sure Qatar won't offer a passport to all Brazilians.

But that is the very thing they are trying to prevent. A country can offer a passport to anyone they like (even a whole country if they wanted to):-

e.g. Emauele Olisadebe was a Nigerian who became a polish International solely because they gave him a passport.

This is the key thing they are trying to stop.

Another example the other way is Switzerland, where you have to be approved for Citizenship by the local council (or equivilant). There are families that have been living in Switzerland for 3 generations, that are still not Swiss nationals. Should they be barred from playing football for Switzerland? Who should they play for?

My point is, the worlds a big place, and lots of people have 'political baggage', I dont see why you think Northern Irish Nationalists should have their own rule different from everyone else.



What are national sides if not political baggage?

Im trying not to get into a whole political debate, and appear to be failing miserably.

[Absinthe]

Again, that's an irrelevant comparrison, you are talking about 2 seperate nations there that were artificially combined for a period, I don't believe there's any part of Slovkia where a large prtion of the population consider themselves Czechs or vice versa.

As as been said, no decision has officially been made on this as yet, the media have jumped the gun on it.

Point taken, my Slovakian history wouldnt be the best.

[Drumcondra 69er]

My point is, the worlds a big place, and lots of people have 'political baggage', I dont see why you think Northern Irish Nationalists should have their own rule different from everyone else.


Im trying not to get into a whole political debate, and appear to be failing miserably.

Because it's a fairly unique situation. If we really want to start spliting hairs then why should England, Scotland, Wales and the 6 counties be allowed have their own individual teams? Surely one United Kingdom team should cover all? It's only for historical reasons and the fact that they were 4 of the original associations that it's tolerated hence why the UK doesn't compete in Olympics football.

[galwayhoop]

personally i think if the result of this is that people from the 6c can no longer play for us then the government should take up the baton and not just the Fai. after all it is, no matter what anyone tells you, an issue with massive political implications.

[galwayhoop]

Partition occured circa 1921. How long do you think 'special' deals should be made? As ive already said, the people who this affects, have not been born or bred in Ireland for 3 generations. How long can people claim to be another nationality?

seriously i nearly fell off the seat laughing after reading this!!!

how long can people in the 6c claim to be brits. i mean how many generations have passed since they were planted in the 1600's!!!!!:p

3 generations since they were born in Ireland indeed.:rolleyes:

You are a serious WUM

[cavan_fan]

But that is the very thing they are trying to prevent. A country can offer a passport to anyone they like (even a whole country if they wanted to):-

e.g. Emauele Olisadebe was a Nigerian who became a polish International solely because they gave him a passport.


But my point was that Poland would not want to make all Nigerians elgible for a Polish passport to get one player.

[geysir]

So what about someone like Eduardo da Silva? No ties at all to Croatia yet he plays for them. I know he played for Croatia underage teams before these new rules but would a player in his situation be able to play for them now?

Yes, he moved to Croatia, became a citizen and plays for the Nation team.

If he had played underage for Brazil before he went there, he would have had to declare for Croatia before he reached the age of 21.

Any word on Freddy Adu, is it agreed that his friendly cap against Canada ties him down to the USA?

[Absinthe]

personally i think if the result of this is that people from the 6c can no longer play for us then the government should take up the baton and not just the Fai. after all it is, no matter what anyone tells you, an issue with massive political implications.

FIFA will not respond to goverment pressure. Recently, the Greek goverment (i think!) put pressure on FIFA over an issue, and FIFA threatened to throw the Greek team out of its tournaments.

FIFA will only act on the recomendations of the CAS.



But my point was that Poland would not want to make all Nigerians elgible for a Polish passport to get one player.

True, but for example in europe where borders are more fluid, Holland could easily offer passports to all Belgians to get players, safe in the knowledge that they wouldnt get an influx of 'foriegn' nationals.

[OneRedArmy]

Its a difficult situation.

What FIFA are trying to do, in general, is admirable (stopping people "choosing" what country to represent).

However, like many people born in Northern Ireland I consider myself Irish (with a capital I) and hold only an Irish passport. I have no interest in supporting the North (nor would I have represented them if I had been good enough).

Clearly this impacts not just Ireland but also other nations with contested borders and "enclaves" with loyalties to other neighbouring countries.

I can't see the FAI winning this one unfortunately.

Is your place of birth on your passport taken directly from your birth certificate?

[backstothewall]

I don't see how the FAI can lose on this one. FIFA are subserviant to the law like anyone else.

a similar situation might exist in Bosnia, with Bosnian-Croats or Bosnian-Serbs playing for Croatia or Serbia respectively. Anyone know if this is the case?

[Not Brazil]

I have no interest in supporting the North (nor would I have represented them if I had been good enough).


I have to say, I respect that...it's very honest.

It's the mealy mouthed "if only they did this, that and the other, I'd support them" brigade that get on my tits.

That makes them plastic ROI fans really.

[shakermaker1982]

That is why I'm upset at this latest ruling. Guys like OneRedArmy (if a fantastic pro footballer) would not be allowed to play for the Republic no longer.

I don't want to see the FAI hoovering up talent from the north, but if a kid/young lad wants to play for us and has an Irish passport then he should be allowed to pursue his dream.

[backstothewall]

It's the mealy mouthed "if only they did this, that and the other, I'd support them" brigade that get on my tits.

I would give you guys a cheer if you dropped gstq and the butchers handkerchief, but i could never support you. Picked my team i'm afraid, and you can't change.

I am an ROI fan awaiting an all ireland side and all this nonsense being put to bed.

[NeilMcD]

Is it not Butchers Apron.

[Not Brazil]

I would give you guys a cheer if you dropped gstq and the butchers handkerchief, but i could never support you. Picked my team i'm afraid, and you can't change.

I am an ROI fan awaiting an all ireland side and all this nonsense being put to bed.

Good for you.

Whilst you continue to demonise and vilify the National Flag of the majority population in Northern Ireland (presumably the very people you wish to "unite" with) you'll be waiting a very long time for a, so called, "all Ireland" side.

Not being funny - think about it!;)

[NeilMcD]

Good for you.

Whilst you continue to demonise and vilify the National Flag of the majority population in Northern Ireland (presumably the very people you wish to "unite" with) you'll be waiting a very long time for a, so called, "all Ireland" side.

Not being funny - think about it!;)

Would you not be more proud of the Northeren Irish Flag. You do have a good point though but the same could be asked of you that surely if you want to remain united with the UK then surely there should be a football team called UK and not 4 sperate teams. If one is truely Unionist I would have thought that the four football countries is a contradiction of that.

[Not Brazil]

Is it not Butchers Apron.

Is that not what some refer to The Union Flag as?

Our friend must mean some other flag - considering the Irish Football Association do not use the Union Flag.

[NeilMcD]

Yeah, next time I go into my local buthers I must look out for his dashing handkerchief.

[Not Brazil]

Would you not be more proud of the Northeren Irish Flag. You do have a good point though but the same could be asked of you that surely if you want to remain united with the UK then surely there should be a football team called UK and not 4 sperate teams. If one is truely Unionist I would have thought that the four football countries is a contradiction of that.

I am very proud of the flag used by the Irish Football Association - the Northern Ireland flag (Ulster Banner).

I would be equally as proud if they used the St Patrick's Cross flag.

I would even be happy if they simply used a flag comprising of the magnificant Celtic Cross crest that adorns our famous emerald green shirt.

But, to be honest, flags are the least of my worries when I go to watch Northern Ireland play....flags don't play football, and I go to support footballers from my part of the world.

I have absolutely no desire to see an all UK team whatsoever.

I have no doubt that the good people of England, Wales and Scotland feel exactly the same.

Perfectly happy with things just staying the way they are - and whoever pulls on the shirt, and gives it 100%, will have my total support.

[Not Brazil]

Yeah, next time I go into my local buthers I must look out for his dashing handkerchief.

:D

Very good.

[co. down green]

personally i think if the result of this is that people from the 6c can no longer play for us then the government should take up the baton and not just the Fai. after all it is, no matter what anyone tells you, an issue with massive political implications.

Until FIFA actually give their ruling next week it’s difficult to move the issue forward.

But the fact that the IFA are using a purely political argument to deny Irish players the right to represent their country internationally is going to make it a long and drawn out affair.

I have been in contact with a number of MLA's from the two main Nationalist parties today and the wheels are already in motion regarding clarification on the issue and ongoing contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin etc.. Irish foreign affairs Minister Dermot Ahern will meet the FAI this week to discuss the issue and the full support of Nationalist ministers over the issue has been assured.

Its worth remembering that UEFA reversed a ruling over passports in the North last year after political intervention, so any initial ruling from FIFA is likely to be contested, whatever side it comes down on.

It's sad that it may end up as along drawn out political affair, but the IFA cannot deny Irish kids their right to represent their country.

[Metrostars]

Not so fast folks....

The Irish FA has said that reports that the issue of Northern Ireland-born players playing for the Republic has been ruled on by Fifa are premature.
IFA chief Howard Wells said he was "surprised" by Tuesday's media claims.

Reports said Fifa had told the Republic they that could keep the services of Northern Ireland-born Darron Gibson.

Tuesday's reports added that FAI could now only use players born in the Republic, or whose parents or grandparents are born in the Republic.

Wells added that Fifa has yet to rule on whether the Republic's Football Association of Ireland can quote the Good Friday Agreement as a reason for drafting up players born on the island of Ireland.

It was also claimed on Tuesday that the world governing body would not impose any sanction over Gibson's involvement for the Republic of Ireland in the Euro 2008 qualifiers.

However, Wells told the BBC:"Fifa has told us that they will make a judgement before the end of October and we have not yet heard anything from them".

The 19-year-old Gibson is currently on loan from Manchester United at Wolves.

The Derry teenager played for NI at underage level before switching to the Republic and he earned a full cap in last month's Euro 2008 qualifer in Slovakia.

Gibson earned his first Republic cap in the friendly win over Denmark in August.


The midfielder was a late call-up for that game after Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington had revealed that he was trying to persuade the player to switch allegiance from the Republic.

Gibson played for Northern Ireland U16s but then opted for the Republic.

Since then he has played for the Republic U17, U19, U21 sides before winning two full caps with the senior team.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/7060057.stm

[geysir]

That article had already been referred to earlier by CDG.
But it keeps getting ignored in the green mist
The bit in that article that does not connect is the reference to Darron Gibson. There is nothing more to be said about Darron except in regard to his future in the Ireland shirt.
The FIFA legal head said as much on Sept 9th.

[CollegeTillIDie]

Not Brazil

I was born in the Republic, My mother and two grandparents were born in the wee North. Had I been good enough at football to be picked by either part of the island of Ireland I would have accepted with good grace on a first come first served basis. I am also eligible to play for Chile (1 grandmother born there) and Egypt (1 grandfather born there) and would have been honoured to have been asked to play for them too. As I said earlier I didn't have the talent to be asked to play for the Shetland Islands so there you go. What a waste of eligibility :D

I am up for the North when they are playing anyone bar the Republic and I like to see Irish League clubs do well in Europe against anyone bar Eircom League clubs. I make no apologies for this as I have family living there.

[Not Brazil]

Its worth remembering that UEFA reversed a ruling over passports in the North last year after political intervention

Whilst some may have "spun" that it was changed after political intervention, it was not the case.

UEFA/FIFA both deeply resent political intervention, and it was the IFA who were instrumental in ensuring that our players holding an Irish Passport were not disadvantaged.

The other lie "spun" about that particular affair was that the IFA would not allow players to hold an Irish Passport.

[Not Brazil]

Not Brazil

I was born in the Republic, My mother and two grandparents were born in the wee North. Had I been good enough at football to be picked by either part of the island of Ireland I would have accepted with good grace on a first come first served basis. I am also eligible to play for Chile (1 grandmother born there) and Egypt (1 grandfather born there) and would have been honoured to have been asked to play for them too. As I said earlier I didn't have the talent to be asked to play for the Shetland Islands so there you go. What a waste of eligibility :D

I am up for the North when they are playing anyone bar the Republic and I like to see Irish League clubs do well in Europe against anyone bar Eircom League clubs. I make no apologies for this as I have family living there.

Good man yourself - seems pretty natural to me.

[RogerMilla]

from mayo , want norn iron to lose every game they play!! i appreciate their stance on this though , it has to be gutting to lose players who have played for them at lower levels, lads from the north who want to play for us must be allowed to do so in my opinion but no chopping and changing , its a pure mockery then. it will be best when it's all finally cleared up. until then are there any good up and comers up there who we could get to defect ?? ;-)

[Not Brazil]

until then are there any good up and comers up there who we could get to defect ?? ;-)

The Northern Ireland underage squads consist of circa 50% of kids from a nationalist background.

In fact, there were five kids from Derry in the victorious Northern Ireland U16 squad which defeated the Republic of Ireland earlier this week.

Rumour has it they were distraught.:D

[Absinthe]

I don't see how the FAI can lose on this one. FIFA are subserviant to the law like anyone else.

a similar situation might exist in Bosnia, with Bosnian-Croats or Bosnian-Serbs playing for Croatia or Serbia respectively. Anyone know if this is the case?

Whose law are they subserviant to?

They are a worldwide organisation. So which country's justice system to they report to?

If George Bush told them they had to allow Canadians to play for the USA, would they do it?

It is FIFA's tournaments, and their rules. No goverments or courts (except possibly the CAS), have any influence whatsoever.

Link to CAS - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Court_of_Arbitration_for_Sport

Feel free to prove me wrong by finding a link to FIFA being involved in a court case, anywhere.

As I have said before, its their tournaments, you play by their rules, or you dont play. They have 208 member nations, they are not going to miss the Republic of Ireland.

=======================

At the present time the former Yugoslavia will be fine, as everybody who is good enough for international football will have been born within the former Yugoslavia, therefore making them eligible for any of the aforementioned countries.

This is only an issue now in an Irish context, because Gibson's Grandparents where born in Northern Ireland, thereby, in footballing terms, cutting his link to the Republic. i.e. His Dad would almost certainly eligible, under the grandparent rule.

[antrimgreen]

I have had this debate in work, i believe that if you have an Irish passport (and not a british one also) then you should be able to play for ROI. I would rather scoop my eyes out with a wooden spoon than play under a British flag and a foriegn anthem, so you should have the right to choose.

[RogerMilla]

In fact, there were five kids from Derry in the victorious Northern Ireland U16 squad which defeated the Republic of Ireland earlier this week.

Rumour has it they were distraught.:D

LOL :D

[northerncelt]

Boys and Girls,

Im pulling my hair out over this.

This is unnacceptable if FIFA makes this ruling.

When will NI Supporters come to terms with the fact that the nationalist population of the North will not want to play/support the NI team. We are not British. GSTQ is not our Anthem. Our flag is the Tricolor and our capital is Dublin.

We are nationalists therefore we do not think Northern Ireland should exist.

Im not a bigot. I respect the Protestant Culture but appose the unnatural division of this island. To support the NI football team would be a contradiction of my beliefs....FACT.

Im hoping beyond hope, that the FAI are ready and willing to fight this. I also hope that the IFA have the decency to respect this. We should not have to fight for this right... its ludicrous.

I heard some Unionist politicians on the news last night complaining that they might have to use a passport to travel to the UK. They think that this is an infringement on their right to claim Britishness. They should put themsleves in our shoes. FIFAs ruling would be a kick in the teeth for me and i cant accept it.

[Absinthe]

I have had this debate in work, i believe that if you have an Irish passport (and not a british one also) then you should be able to play for ROI. I would rather scoop my eyes out with a wooden spoon than play under a British flag and a foriegn anthem, so you should have the right to choose.

We dont play under the British Flag, we play under the Ulster Banner. And a lot of Northern Ireland supporters have issues with GSTQ.

I would prefer we had our own anthem as well.



We are nationalists therefore we do not think Northern Ireland should exist.


But it does, you live there and were born there. As things stand, the majority of people in Northern Ireland want Northern Ireland to exist. While that remains the case, there will always be a Northern Ireland.

I have genuine sympathy for people who feel so strongly against Northern Ireland that they wouldnt play for them under any circumstances, but, I personally dont see a strong enough reason for FIFA to change their rules which affect virtually every country in world, to cater for a few thousand people.

Generally half our team has always been 'of a nationalist' background, our most Capped player for example, who for my money was the best player in his position in the world, for many years. I think some on here over-estimate the amount of people this would genuinely effect.

For example, how many of you think that if Gibson hadnt been approached the FAI, that he wouldnt be playing for Northern Ireland (at some level) now?

[co. down green]

Whose law are they subserviant to?

They are a worldwide organisation. So which country's justice system to they report to?

If George Bush told them they had to allow Canadians to play for the USA, would they do it?

It is FIFA's tournaments, and their rules. No goverments or courts (except possibly the CAS), have any influence whatsoever.

Link to CAS - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Court_of_Arbitration_for_Sport

Feel free to prove me wrong by finding a link to FIFA being involved in a court case, anywhere.

As I have said before, its their tournaments, you play by their rules, or you dont play. They have 208 member nations, they are not going to miss the Republic of Ireland..


FIFA are challenged in the courts.

For example Sepp Blatter's proposal to limit the number of foreigners playing for clubs is likely to be challenged in the courts by the EU.

To quote Frederic Vincent, spokesman for the European Union sports commissioner Jan Figel. "This contravenes the EU treaty and internal-market rules on the free movement of workers,"

I would expect FIFA's ruling over player eligibility in the North to potentially face a similar court challenge, when they finally make a decision.

[galwayhoop]

FIFA are challenged in the courts.

For example Sepp Blatter's proposal to limit the number of foreigners playing for clubs is likely to be challenged in the courts by the EU.

To quote Frederic Vincent, spokesman for the European Union sports commissioner Jan Figel. "This contravenes the EU treaty and internal-market rules on the free movement of workers,"

I would expect FIFA's ruling over player eligibility in the North to potentially face a similar court challenge, when they finally make a decision.


i'll admit i'm not as up to speed on the law aspect of this as i'd like to be, but i think that FIFA is being taken to court in the example above on employment/contract issues in a european employment style issue. a bit like bosman.

the difference i would reckon with international footballers is that they are non-contractual representitives - i.e not employed and therefore don't fall into the same category. although mr. absent may be a bit of a WUM he could very well have a point on this.

also their is no real Worldwide Court (bar the UN court for Human Rights which is a bit of a joke anyway) to bring it to where there is a european court recognised by all EU states.

[eelmonster]

We dont play under the British Flag, we play under the Ulster Banner. And a lot of Northern Ireland supporters have issues with GSTQ.

I'm sure a lot of people would have a problem playing under the the defunct Loyalist banner too - a flag which symbolises all that was wrong with the statelet and sectarian parliament it was first used [only fifty or so years ago] to represent.

[Bungle]

When you consider some of the players who have played for us and other international countries (Oliveira with Belgium; Brazilians with Spain and Japan etc) then this is ludicrous and actually could completely undermine the peace process. For example, if as already stated, a young lad emerges with world class ability from a nationalist background and he is forced to play for a country that he doesn't want to represent. This will cause tension within his community and could open up a whole range of political issues.

Northern Ireland have had great success in this campaign with a team that want to represent them (including nationalists also). They deserve great respect for that and I really was hoping that they would qualify for 2008. However, having guys like Gibson who is going to be ****ed off in their team is only just going to undermine team spirit.

Why not leave things the way it is? Nationalists can decide who they want to play for. Northern Ireland is a very special case in world football. Roughly half its population consider themselves British and the other half Irish. Its unfair on the people who consider themselves Irish.

[Absinthe]

i'll admit i'm not as up to speed on the law aspect of this as i'd like to be, but i think that FIFA is being taken to court in the example above on employment/contract issues in a european employment style issue. a bit like bosman.

the difference i would reckon with international footballers is that they are non-contractual representitives - i.e not employed and therefore don't fall into the same category. although mr. absent may be a bit of a WUM he could very well have a point on this.

also their is no real Worldwide Court (bar the UN court for Human Rights which is a bit of a joke anyway) to bring it to where there is a european court recognised by all EU states.

Just because I dont agree with people on here doesnt make me a WUM. I can also be wrong, I am merely trying to add a different perspective to the mix.

Also, I accept your point on the Bosman ruling, but it wasnt FIFA that were challanged in court it was the players club. FIFA accepted the ruling, but they didnt have to accept ruling. Remember that FIFA (via the relevant countries FA) control a players club registration, which is why for example, a player cant be contracted to say Fluminese and Manchester United at the same time, even though they play in totally different competitions. This means they would effectively be able to stop Bosman players from signing for a new club anywhere else in the world if they so chose, effectively ending his career. I would also assume this is how they can force clubs to pay compensation for Under 24 year olds, as im pretty sure that wont have been part of any court ruling.

[northerncelt]

But it does, you live there and were born there. As things stand, the majority of people in Northern Ireland want Northern Ireland to exist. While that remains the case, there will always be a Northern Ireland.

I have genuine sympathy for people who feel so strongly against Northern Ireland that they wouldnt play for them under any circumstances, but, I personally dont see a strong enough reason for FIFA to change their rules which affect virtually every country in world, to cater for a few thousand people.

Generally half our team has always been 'of a nationalist' background, our most Capped player for example, who for my money was the best player in his position in the world, for many years. I think some on here over-estimate the amount of people this would genuinely effect.

For example, how many of you think that if Gibson hadnt been approached the FAI, that he wouldnt be playing for Northern Ireland (at some level) now?

Its not a few thousand people man. Its close to half of the population of the North.

My anthem is Amhrán na bhFiann…. A Northern Ireland anthem may as well be GSTQ.

Pat Jennings actually lives very close to me…. Peter McParlands sister lives in my street as well. Here are two excellent footballers who should, in my opinion, have represented the Tricolor. But they made their decisions for whatever reason.

I was born in the North of Ireland…. Northern ireland means nothing to me. You claim to have "genuine sympathy"….. Why do u not agree with a rule change then? As It would not have any impact on any other country in the world.

[Absinthe]

When you consider some of the players who have played for us and other international countries (Oliveira with Belgium; Brazilians with Spain and Japan etc) then this is ludicrous and actually could completely undermine the peace process. For example, if as already stated, a young lad emerges with world class ability from a nationalist background and he is forced to play for a country that he doesn't want to represent. This will cause tension within his community and could open up a whole range of political issues.


There are five (i think) additional clauses that allow eligibility. Perhaps you should look at why the players you are claiming cant meet any of these. Ironically the callups for other countries that you are complaining about will get worse if you get wish.

As Neil Lennon said "You play for the country where you were born.", and my own opinion is that as far as is humanly possible this should be the case.



Northern Ireland have had great success in this campaign with a team that want to represent them (including nationalists also). They deserve great respect for that and I really was hoping that they would qualify for 2008. However, having guys like Gibson who is going to be ****ed off in their team is only just going to undermine team spirit.


This isnt about Gibson. Many Nationalists have represented Northern Ireland with pride, this is about ensuring that this tradition continues. We are proud of 'Our Wee Countrys' team, and there acheivments, any ruling that can take away from our already limited resources would be disasterous.



Why not leave things the way it is? Nationalists can decide who they want to play for. Northern Ireland is a very special case in world football. Roughly half its population consider themselves British and the other half Irish. Its unfair on the people who consider themselves Irish.

Because it is unfair on every other country signed up to FIFA, that you can select players outside of your national boundries, who dont meet one of the additional 5 criteria. i.e. residence or grandparents.

[Absinthe]

Its not a few thousand people man. Its close to half of the population of the North.

My anthem is Amhrán na bhFiann…. A Northern Ireland anthem may as well be GSTQ.

Pat Jennings actually lives very close to me…. Peter McParlands sister lives in my street as well. Here are two excellent footballers who should, in my opinion, have represented the Tricolor. But they made their decisions for whatever reason.


I can assure you my estimate of a few thousand is much more accurate than your 'half the population'. For a start, not all Catholics want a United Ireland, and not all Protestants want to be part of the United Kingdom. With every passing generation there is a dilution in the disliking for the 'opposing' community.



I was born in the North of Ireland…. Northern ireland means nothing to me. You claim to have "genuine sympathy"….. Why do u not agree with a rule change then? As It would not have any impact on any other country in the world.

See my post above.

[dr_peepee]

As I have said before, its their tournaments, you play by their rules, or you dont play.

You can't really believe it can be that simple? Or do you choose to because it suits?

Not being allowed to represent the choice of nationality afforded to them by the GFA diminishes the relevence of their choice.

The real issue here is the FAI (supposedly) benifitting from the grass roots work of the IFA. Would you not agree that there has to be a way of solving the latter without compromising the former?

[northerncelt]

I can assure you my estimate of a few thousand is much more accurate than your 'half the population'. For a start, not all Catholics want a United Ireland, and not all Protestants want to be part of the United Kingdom. With every passing generation there is a dilution in the disliking for the 'opposing' community.



.

You can assure me?? I don’t need your assurance man. You are basically trying to tell me that there are only a few thousand nationalists in the North which is complete
Garbage…. The fact is that if the North played the South tomorrow close to half of the population of the North would support the ROI. Do you agree? If not you need to examine the reality just a little bit more.

A big part of supporting ur country is dreaming about if you were good enough you could play ur part or if any of ur kids or familiy or friends were good enough they could play their part. That’s normal and we should not be denied this.

This isnt about a dislike for the the apposing community… (not for me anyway). This is about me, and my right to support my flag. Now I know that this ruling will not effect my ability to support the ROI, but this ruling is just plain wrong.

[galwayhoop]

Wait until some hotshot emerges from the six counties and states his desire to play for Ireland. He will have a massive club behind him, probably a sportswear giant with cash to burn as well, and he'll fight all the way. FIFA won't have a leg to stand on.
Irishman can't play for Ireland shocker. No chance.

unlikely. who was the last hotshot to emerge from ireland (north or south) who played for a big club, had a sportswear company behind him and had money to burn???

that only happens to english players!!!