NI boss targets Republic's Gibson

[lopez]

Your little genie bottle has been rubbed too often for that wish to have any effect. There is no need to resort to direct abuse.
There is a thread debate on the eligibility issue. The issue has direct relevance for EG. Surely he can come on this debate without being molested.EG set his stall out when he came on bleating about singing British war - cult songs from before my grandfather's day. He's a total sh*te stirrer that gets even moderate posters agitated - Tuff Paddy is one example - let alone me.

This debate has been done to death. Darren Gibson comes from the city of Derry (that has been allowed a team in the League of Ireland), holds Irish citizenship, something that he has had the right to avail of since the day he was born at a time when Ireland claimed the six counties as it's own, which unlike other certain disputed portions of the world that Britain has walked into and taken (Malvinas, Gibraltar) a sizeable chunk agreed with, including the people within the city and county of Gibson's home town. Now try and tell me he has no right to play for Ireland.

Typically, the IFA want it both ways. Moaning about a country not picking its citizens who happen to come from their jurisdiction, while taking advantage of the laughable 'British citizen' rule that allowed them to pick up mercenaries playing in England with British passports born abroad. Isn't it ironic that, along with England, Scotland and Wales, the O6C is the one 'footballing jurisdiction' that could get away with allowing Brazilians to play for these so-called countries while not actually having set foot in any of them.

I never imagined FIFA would accept the IFA's argument - FFS they would have fined the FAI long ago with the number of youth players it has fielded from Derry and Belfast- and its wishful thinking that they think they ever will.

My final point is for the w*nker on ourweebrains that claimed Gibson's decision was political. Frankly I hope it was. There are far too many greedy b*stards in football today, although I urge the FAI to go after all players born in Ireland, whether Catholic, Protestant, Jew or just plain greedy.

EG: Don't even bother replying to me because I'm not interested in your puerile 'justifications'. For the rest of you, I'll leave you to entertain our esteemed guest in peace. :rolleyes:

[eelmonster]

"Worthington's view is shared by Irish FA Chief Executive Howard Wells who is adamant, under FIFA rules, that the Londonderry lad does not qualify to play for a team currently sitting third in Group D behind Germany and the Czech Republic.

Article 15 of the FIFA Statues states that qualification to play international football depends on one of four criteria being fulfilled:

The player was born on the territory of the relevant Association.

His biological mother or biological father was born on the territory of the relevant Association.

His grandmother or grandfather was born on the territory of the relevant Association.

He has lived continuously for at least two years on the territory of the relevant Association.

Gibson ticks all those boxes - for Northern Ireland.

On that basis, Irish FA chiefs and boss Worthington fully expect FIFA to rule that Gibson is ineligible to play for the Republic and are eagerly awaiting the decision"


Being born in a stable doesn't make one a horse, Howie (though Mr Wells' seems to have been bestowed the intelligence of one). The IFA will have to come to terms with the facts that, firstly, many northern nationalists are simply uncomfortable, and unwilling to represent the wee 'country' - an inclusive wee association who fly a defunct wee loyalist banner (what happened the Saint Patrick's cross, too inclusive?) and which plays the British [!?] national anthem, it must be pointed out. And secondly, that anyone born in the North of Ireland is an Irish/British citizen by right and, as far as FIFA are concerned, are entitled to declare for either Association.

[bwagner]

lopez what is the link to this ourweebrains site
i would like to view the comments

[bwagner]

Also guys about the political crap..Chris Baird is the 1st catholic captain of the north since Martin O neill

[lopez]

lopez what is the link to this ourweebrains site
i would like to view the commentsIt used to be an open site, but it was getting so much bad publicity in the press - due to the outburst of a 'few' posters - that you now have to register to enter. There's a link above. Enjoy!

[EalingGreen]

How is McGeady's ancestry any different? The ROI has always held the position that anyone born on the island is an Irish citizen. Both of Gibson's parents were born on the island as was Gibson. Thus, he is entitled to Irish citizenship. He availed himself of said citizenship. This choice is recognized internationally, including the UK.




Well we need to focus on what is an "A" international. I think the McGeady case proves that an A international is any full friendly played by the senior team. Countries that have picked ineligible players before usually don't broadcast the fact the way the ROI has with Gibson. Further, the NI/ROI distinction is different from Quatar basically bribing players. In your heart of hearts you know this.

FIFA will not rule that he is ineligible.

Re your first point, there is a clear distinction which may be drawn between Gibson and e.g. McGeady. Neither was born within the jurisdiction of the FAI, but McGeady has parents (grandparents?) who were, therefore there can be no doubt as to his eligibility. Whereas Gibson appears not to have such ancestry, therefore must rely on his citizenship. Which in political or constitutional terms is entirely legitimate, but does not necessarily qualify him in footballing terms (to represent the FAI under FIFA Regs)

Re. your second point, the FAI have said they believe Gibson is eligible for them; they may be correct, but saying so does not make it so, nor even would selecting him in a full international (friendly or competitive).
As for the comparison between Brazil and Qatar, of course I can see how the Irish situation is different - as I've said before, I have a degree of sympathy for Gibson. However, FIFA does not have one set of Rules for 206 of its Member Associations and a different set for the two Irish Associations. And where they do make particular exceptions - most notably for the four British Associations - these are clearly set out in black and white in their statutes.
Of course, it is open to FIFA to make similar exceptional provision for the FAI, but I have no doubt they will be hugely reluctant to do so, since that would then leave them open to similar claims by every disaffected minority and disputed territory anywhere in the world.

As for your last point, you may be correct. Then again you may not.

[Supreme feet]

Darron Gibson will probably play tomorrow night at some stage, after that it's up to FIFA or UEFA to intervene. Because Northern Ireland and the question of nationality is fraught with so much sensitivity, I think that they'll refrain from making any stupid or controversial decisions. They will, common-sense prevailing, uphold Gibson's long-stated desire to play for the Republic. If they take negative action, ie, docking points or barring Gibson from playing for us, there will be absolute uproar. That's the last thing that FIFA want.

If the regulations were that stringent, would Derry City be allowed to represent the Republic in Europe? Derry, Alan Kernaghan, Ger Crossley and Mark McKeever set precedents which favour Gibson resoundingly. The difference is that Gibson is a highly-rated player at a high-profile club. He looks like having a great future and I don't blame the North for pursuing him, despite the wish of the player.

[paul_oshea]

Also guys about the political crap..Chris Baird is the 1st catholic captain of the north since Martin O neill


Neil Lennon.

Baird also played gaelic football.

[Paddy Garcia]

In 2007 the FAI summer schools only cover the 26 counties. I think next year the courses should be extended to the six other counties to allow our young Irish players living there an opportunity to participate.

[paul_oshea]

Darron Gibson will probably play tomorrow night at some stage, after that it's up to FIFA or UEFA to intervene. Because Northern Ireland and the question of nationality is fraught with so much sensitivity, I think that they'll refrain from making any stupid or controversial decisions. They will, common-sense prevailing, uphold Gibson's long-stated desire to play for the Republic. If they take negative action, ie, docking points or barring Gibson from playing for us, there will be absolute uproar. That's the last thing that FIFA want.

Even if they didnt, gibson could go to european court of human rights etc, and FIFA dont want that. It is recognised across the world that people borh in the 6 counties can hold an Irish passport, therefore entitling them to play for Ireland, regardless of what EG thinks. FIFA know this and they aren't going to open up a whole can of worms for that reason alone. Unless FIFA changed their rules, which they wont do in this case, NI and IFA have no leg to stand on.

[EalingGreen]

The relevance of the Samuel case is that it clearly demonstrates that FIFA use article 15 to decide on cases of dual nationals. Samuels case, a dual national resident in another federation.
There is no real question after that because the 4 so called additional requirements that Howard Wells bleats on about come from another document
http://access.fifa.com/documents/static/regulations/PS%20901%20EN.pdf
That document, only one and a half page long refers to the case of single nationals (Brazilians) wanting to declare for Qatar.
Read the document. This is the crux of the debate.

If Wells is paying good money for legal advice on this matter as you indicate then the lawyers are sucking the IFA out of good money.
Not only that, Wells has failed to do his job properly and continued to misinform the NI fans on this issue, although that does not seem to be too difficult.
I seriously doubt that FIFA will reply any more on this matter.
Their answer on Oct 2006 suffices.

Samuel is NOT the same as Gibson, since his dual eligibility was never in dispute. He qualified for T&T since he was born there and he qualified for England by virtue of citizenship combined with residence. Therefore, his case was a question merely as to whether he could switch to T&T after having represented England at U-21 level. FIFA ruled that he couldn't, since he applied too switch too late.
Whereas, Gibson's dual eligibility is in doubt i.e. he qualifies for NI since he was born there, but may not qualify for ROI despite his having the same citizenship of the ROI as Samuel did for England (UK), since he does not have the same residential qualification*.

As for the Qatari/Brazilian situation, I have no doubt that the four additional requirements were introduced to stop rich Associations "buying" players. But equally I have no doubt that FIFA never even thought about the Irish situation when they closed the loophole. Therefore, it may not be pertinent how a player acquired his additional citizenship i.e. the Irish Government bestows citizenship for people born outside its jurisdiction for political reasons, Qatar bestows citizenship on people born outside its jurisdiction for sporting reasons: is FIFA willing/able to make such a distinction?

As for your last point, the October 2006 letter may suffice for the FAI, however it clearly does not do so for the IFA. In which case, if the IFA is incorrect and the case is so clear cut as you seem to think, why is it taking FIFA so long to put the IFA in its place?

The longer this goes on and the more bullish Wells appears, the more cautiously optimistic I am that the IFA's interpretation will prevail. But I wouldn't bet money on it, even yours...:cool:


* - Ironically, Gibson, by virtue of his eligibility for a UK Passport and his residency, would almost certainly qualify to play for England! However, the FA would not pick him, since they have a "Gentlemens' Agreement" not to select players over whom another Home Association has a prior claim! Yep, those nasty bigots at the IFA would stop Gibson exercising his human right to assert his "Bruddishness"...

[youngirish]

I can just imagine the political fallout if FIFA intervene and try to restrict nationalist Northern Ireland born players from playing for the republic. The nationalist political parties up north would be in uproar as it would appear to many that FIFA was attempting to circumvent an agreement that was reached at a political level after decades of conflict. The British government would consequently be livid. The Irish one also.

Surely even EalingGreen and his North Korean mates from ourweecountry.com living in the fantasyland that we all acknowledge many of them inhabit do not expect FIFA to get itself muddled up in such a mess. Not when they couldn't even be bothered to interfere in the Carlos Tevez case for fear of overstepping their boundaries (a far less sensitive issue I think we all can agree).

Come on EalingGreen wake up and smell the rashers ffs. I can understand why your miffed but can't you also likewise understand why someone like Gibson doesn't want to represent your national team? After all it should be his choice not yours. This is in essence what we all agreed to in 98 wasn't it? Let's all let go of the Authoritarian ways of the past and we can all move on hand in hand into the new millenium.

P.S. I hear Paul Butler is thinking of defecting to the North after not receiving any recent International call-ups so you can have him instead. All swings and roundabouts eh?

[Supreme feet]

Quote from the Good Friday Agreement; ''The birthright of all the people of Northern Ireland to identify themselves and be accepted as Irish or British, or both, as they may so choose, and accordingly confirm that their right to hold both British and Irish citizenship is accepted by both Governments and would not be affected by any future change in the status of Northern Ireland."

I really don't think FIFA want to contradict such a significant document.

[EalingGreen]

Tell you what lads; I'll ask Deeney if, when he played for Ireland, if it tied him to them forever...then we would have an answer?

You'd have an answer, but it would be to the wrong question...

It is not relevant as to whether Gibson's playing in a full international fo9r the ROI subsequently "ties" him or not. The question is whether he is eligible to take the field in the first place.

[paul_oshea]

I really don't think FIFA want to contradict such a significant document.

And that there ends this futile argument. thank you and good night.

As I said earlier it opens up a whole can of worms, one which FIFA DO NOT want to touch with a barge pole. EG thinks because they haven't come back is becuase they are deliberating......I think we all know the real reason, I would even go to far as to say that they would have encouraged ROI to play him in a match to get it over and done with and out of the way :D

[Supreme feet]

EG, the Good Friday Agreement basically upholds the claim of any citizens of Northern Ireland who want to play for the republic. That was the reason why I boldified the word 'citizenship' in my last post. After all, citizenship is one of the aforementioned factors (and probably the most significant) in eligibility.

People on both sides of the border voted overwhelmingly to ratify the Good Friday Agreement - Gibson is merely upholding his constitutional right.

[shakermaker1982]

Neil Lennon.

Baird also played gaelic football.


yeah and we know what happened to Neil Lennon!

[EalingGreen]

Also guys about the political crap..Chris Baird is the 1st catholic captain of the north since Martin O neill

NI doesn't have a "Catholic captain" any more than it has a "Protestant captain". Rather, it has captains who may be Protestant, Catholic or neither.

As for Baird, I assume (but don't know) that he may be Catholic. Should that be so, however, he is certainly not the first such captain since Martin O'Neill. I don't know for certain the religious affiliations of Pat Jennings, Mal Donaghy, Jim Magilton, Michael Hughes, Neil Lennon or Gerry Taggart, but I daresay there is more than one Catholic amongst that list of NI captains since O'Neill.

Anyhow, I doubt very much whether religion played a part in the NI manager's mind when selecting a player for the captaincy, especially since two of the four NI managers after O'Neill's time and before Worthington may themselves have been Catholic!

[bwagner]

I have applied to join the forum but as I used the username dundalk guy...maybe it will be declined. i hope not as I actually support both teams on this island.

Anyway I have been reading alot of the comments over Gibson,kane,Wilson and M o'Connor from Crewe.....most posters claim the Fai are bigots and are only poaching catholic players...I think this is harsh as I know both Gibson and Wilson were both mis-treated by the ifa (also there is question over the religion of both mentioned players)

[bwagner]

P.s ealing I personally dont give a damn which religion they are as it would be ironic from me to judge as Im a none practising catholic however I enjoy knowing that both religions players together and anyone can be made captain

[EalingGreen]

It [OWC] used to be an open site, but it was getting so much bad publicity in the press - due to the outburst of a 'few' posters - that you now have to register to enter. There's a link above. Enjoy!

Total bull****! Anyone may view entirely for free. Anyone may post after first registering for free. And by paying a one-off £5.00 Fee*, anyone may become a Patron, thereby entitling him/her to start new threads, and also to access threads in the Patron's section (dealing with away travel arrangements etc) in the period prior to those threads being moved to the non-Patron's section.

Enjoy:
www.ourweecountry.co.uk

* - The Patron's Fee was introduced to allow the Board's owner to purchase extra bandwidth.

[EalingGreen]

Being born in a stable doesn't make one a horse, Howie (though Mr Wells' seems to have been bestowed the intelligence of one). The IFA will have to come to terms with the facts that, firstly, many northern nationalists are simply uncomfortable, and unwilling to represent the wee 'country' - an inclusive wee association who fly a defunct wee loyalist banner (what happened the Saint Patrick's cross, too inclusive?) and which plays the British [!?] national anthem, it must be pointed out. And secondly, that anyone born in the North of Ireland is an Irish/British citizen by right and, as far as FIFA are concerned, are entitled to declare for either Association.

If you say so. Personally, I prefer to wait and see what FIFA says on the subject. And whether they decide for the FAI or for the IFA, I'll accept their Ruling.

[EalingGreen]

Darron Gibson will probably play tomorrow night at some stage, after that it's up to FIFA or UEFA to intervene. Because Northern Ireland and the question of nationality is fraught with so much sensitivity, I think that they'll refrain from making any stupid or controversial decisions. They will, common-sense prevailing, uphold Gibson's long-stated desire to play for the Republic. If they take negative action, ie, docking points or barring Gibson from playing for us, there will be absolute uproar. That's the last thing that FIFA want.

If the regulations were that stringent, would Derry City be allowed to represent the Republic in Europe? Derry, Alan Kernaghan, Ger Crossley and Mark McKeever set precedents which favour Gibson resoundingly. The difference is that Gibson is a highly-rated player at a high-profile club. He looks like having a great future and I don't blame the North for pursuing him, despite the wish of the player.

Re. your first paragraph, how many times do I have to point out that FIFA does not revolve around Ireland? They have 208 Member Associations within their jurisdiction, many of them entailing political controversies which make the Irish situation seem like a vicar's tea party. Therefore they will determine in Gibson's case purely with regard to their Rules and Regs and if that causes "political uproar" on this tiny island in an archipelago in the North East Atlantic, so be it. After all, they stood up to China over Taipei (Taiwan)

As for your other examples, none of these has any relevance to the Gibson case - indeed Derry City wasn't even anything to do with FIFA...:confused:

[EalingGreen]

In 2007 the FAI summer schools only cover the 26 counties. I think next year the courses should be extended to the six other counties to allow our young Irish players living there an opportunity to participate.

"You think". You might be advised to see what FIFA think about it first. :rolleyes:

[EalingGreen]

Even if they didnt, gibson could go to european court of human rights etc, and FIFA dont want that. It is recognised across the world that people borh in the 6 counties can hold an Irish passport, therefore entitling them to play for Ireland, regardless of what EG thinks. FIFA know this and they aren't going to open up a whole can of worms for that reason alone. Unless FIFA changed their rules, which they wont do in this case, NI and IFA have no leg to stand on.

It may be that FIFA will determine in Gibson's favour, but if they should, it won't have anything to do with fear of court action, since it is not a "human right" to be allowed to play football for one team rather than another.

Should FIFA decide that Gibson is not eligible for the ROI and the FAI/Irish Government complains, then FIFA may simply suspend or even terminate the FAI's Membership. They've done so with other Associations many times before in their history and without exception, sooner or later those Associations (and their Governments) have caved in.

[co. down green]

In 2007 the FAI summer schools only cover the 26 counties. I think next year the courses should be extended to the six other counties to allow our young Irish players living there an opportunity to participate.

Totally agree, would you like to email the FAI to voice your support for such an extension, i have.

Its important that the Gibson's, O'connor's, Kane's, Wilson's & Harkin's of the future can be nurtured by our associations national development plan and we will all reep the benifits.

[EalingGreen]

I can just imagine the political fallout if FIFA intervene and try to restrict nationalist Northern Ireland born players from playing for the republic. The nationalist political parties up north would be in uproar as it would appear to many that FIFA was attempting to circumvent an agreement that was reached at a political level after decades of conflict. The British government would consequently be livid. The Irish one also.

Surely even EalingGreen and his North Korean mates from ourweecountry.com living in the fantasyland that we all acknowledge many of them inhabit do not expect FIFA to get itself muddled up in such a mess. Not when they couldn't even be bothered to interfere in the Carlos Tevez case for fear of overstepping their boundaries (a far less sensitive issue I think we all can agree).

Come on EalingGreen wake up and smell the rashers ffs. I can understand why your miffed but can't you also likewise understand why someone like Gibson doesn't want to represent your national team? After all it should be his choice not yours. This is in essence what we all agreed to in 98 wasn't it? Let's all let go of the Authoritarian ways of the past and we can all move on hand in hand into the new millenium.

P.S. I hear Paul Butler is thinking of defecting to the North after not receiving any recent International call-ups so you can have him instead. All swings and roundabouts eh?

As I've posted elsewhere, if FIFA can stand up to e.g. the Government of the Peoples Republic of China, then I daresay a few outraged minor politicians in Dublin or Derry will hardly bother them!

As for Gibson himself, of course I understand his position. But all this talk about the GFA/1998 is entirely irrelevant, since neither FIFA, UEFA, the IFA or FAI were signatories to that agreement and so it has absolutely fcuk all to do with football. Why cannot people see that? :rolleyes:

[EalingGreen]

Quote from the Good Friday Agreement; ''The birthright of all the people of Northern Ireland to identify themselves and be accepted as Irish or British, or both, as they may so choose, and accordingly confirm that their right to hold both British and Irish citizenship is accepted by both Governments and would not be affected by any future change in the status of Northern Ireland."

I really don't think FIFA want to contradict such a significant document.

On the contrary, I feel certain that FIFA couldn't give a stuff about the GFA. They have no desire to have to comply with a political agreement to which they were not a signatory, nor can anyone force them.

As I keep saying, if either the FAI or IFA doesn't like FIFA's eventual determination over Gibson etc, they each know where the door is...:eek:

[eelmonster]

FIFA ruling, June of this year, in addition to the letter to both FAs in October, this would seem fairly conclusive:


All any country has to do is grant that player full unconditional citizenship and he is eligible to play for that country whether he lives there or not.http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=440574&cc=5739

[EalingGreen]

I have applied to join the forum but as I used the username dundalk guy...maybe it will be declined. i hope not as I actually support both teams on this island.

Anyway I have been reading alot of the comments over Gibson,kane,Wilson and M o'Connor from Crewe.....most posters claim the Fai are bigots and are only poaching catholic players...I think this is harsh as I know both Gibson and Wilson were both mis-treated by the ifa (also there is question over the religion of both mentioned players)

Why on earth would membership be declined over the name "Dundalk Guy"? :confused:

If anyone objects, just remind then that the great Peter McParland, who scored more goals in World Cup Finals than any other Irishman living or dead, started his career with Dundalk FC!

Speaking personally, I would welcome you or any other poster from this Board to get involved, should you wish. You may encounter views and opinions with which you disagree, or which even offend. That is because with 000's of members, the Board has its share of prciks.

A bit like this Board, really...;)

[Paddy Garcia]

But all this talk about the GFA/1998 is entirely irrelevant, since neither FIFA, UEFA, the IFA or FAI were signatories to that agreement and so it has absolutely fcuk all to do with football. Why cannot people see that? :rolleyes:

Of course it's not entirely irrelevant - well only to those still opposing the GFA I suppose.

I don't believe that FIFA, UEFA, the IFA or FAI were signatories to the split of Yugoslavia. This "omission" does not seem to have prevented Croatia and Serbia from fielding football teams based on a political change impacting nationality.:rolleyes:

[EalingGreen]

Originally Posted by Paddy Garcia
"In 2007 the FAI summer schools only cover the 26 counties. I think next year the courses should be extended to the six other counties to allow our young Irish players living there an opportunity to participate"


Totally agree, would you like to email the FAI to voice your support for such an extension, i have.

Any reply yet? :rolleyes:

[EalingGreen]

FIFA ruling, June of this year, in addition to the letter to both FAs in October, this would seem fairly conclusive:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=440574&cc=5739

Unless Gibson opts to play for Israel, this has nothing to do with his case. Which from the FAI's point of view is probably a good thing, since the players in dispute were actually barred from representing the Association they had opted for...:eek:

[EalingGreen]

I don't believe that FIFA, UEFA, the IFA or FAI were signatories to the split of Yugoslavia. This "omission" does not seem to have prevented Croatia and Serbia from fielding football teams based on a political change impacting nationality.:rolleyes:

If Derry were to declare its independence and this were recognised by FIFA, then Gibson would be entitled to represent the "Free Derry FA", without the IFA or FAI being able to do a damned thing about it.

Otherwise, your point is a load of Balkans...:eek:

[eelmonster]

Did you read the quote from FIFA? I'll post it again.


All any country has to do is grant that player full unconditional citizenship and he is eligible to play for that country whether he lives there or not.

This argument over eligibility is redundant.

[as_i_say]

As is this whole thread really. If Gibson wants to play for us, is good enough, then he will.

[Dr. Ogba]

Otherwise, your point is a load of Balkans...:eek:


This thread is a load of Balkans...

[Paddy Garcia]

If Derry were to declare its independence and this were recognised by FIFA, then Gibson would be entitled to represent the "Free Derry FA", without the IFA or FAI being able to do a damned thing about it.

Otherwise, your point is a load of Balkans...:eek:

It's at times like this when I can find something to admire about Blair & his team having to negotiate with politicians up in Ulster.

[youngirish]

As I've posted elsewhere, if FIFA can stand up to e.g. the Government of the Peoples Republic of China, then I daresay a few outraged minor politicians in Dublin or Derry will hardly bother them!

As for Gibson himself, of course I understand his position. But all this talk about the GFA/1998 is entirely irrelevant, since neither FIFA, UEFA, the IFA or FAI were signatories to that agreement and so it has absolutely fcuk all to do with football. Why cannot people see that? :rolleyes:
FIFA delegates were also not signatories to the Irish Republic's Constitution, the French Constitution or the American Declaration of Independence as far as I'm aware yet they recognise the borders and people of the states that all of the above have come to represent and define so I'd say politics in some sense does have something to do with football irrespective of your silly, childish, unrealistic assessment to the contrary.

And it would hardly be just a few Dublin or Derry politicians that were livid if they decided to ignore a document that defines the legal rights of a citizen of a country. I'd say your own government (the one in Westminister I mean) would also have something to say on the matter. Possibly even their mates the Americans also who have invested a fair amount of their time in helping to draft such an agreement in the first place.

Maybe if you continue to push FIFA on this matter then they might just decide to wash their hands of the whole thing and disband your whole team and force you to compete as part of a joint UK team. Something they've not being too impartial of trying to do in the past. Now that would be funny.

P.S. Do some work

[Maroon 7]

It may be that FIFA will determine in Gibson's favour, but if they should, it won't have anything to do with fear of court action, since it is not a "human right" to be allowed to play football for one team rather than another.

In fairness I don't think that would be up to you to decide.


Should FIFA decide that Gibson is not eligible for the ROI and the FAI/Irish Government complains, then FIFA may simply suspend or even terminate the FAI's Membership. They've done so with other Associations many times before in their history and without exception, sooner or later those Associations (and their Governments) have caved in.

I think a bit of wishful thinking in operation here.

[geysir]

It may be that FIFA will determine in Gibson's favour, but if they should, it won't have anything to do with fear of court action, since it is not a "human right" to be allowed to play football for one team rather than another.

Should FIFA decide that Gibson is not eligible for the ROI and the FAI/Irish Government complains, then FIFA may simply suspend or even terminate the FAI's Membership. They've done so with other Associations many times before in their history and without exception, sooner or later those Associations (and their Governments) have caved in.

Absurd
FIFA have already decided in Darrons case, the FIFA committee have already accepted his transfer. FIFA have not directed otherwise since.

I wonder if a player can only change once before his 21st birthday then I suspect that Darron is already tied to Ireland.
There is no need to cap him on Wednesday in order to tie him up any more.

[DmanDmythDledge]

Re your first point, there is a clear distinction which may be drawn between Gibson and e.g. McGeady. Neither was born within the jurisdiction of the FAI, but McGeady has parents (grandparents?) who were, therefore there can be no doubt as to his eligibility. Whereas Gibson appears not to have such ancestry, therefore must rely on his citizenship. Which in political or constitutional terms is entirely legitimate, but does not necessarily qualify him in footballing terms (to represent the FAI under FIFA Regs).
It has been pointed out to you on both forums numerous times the FIFA rule that enables anyone born in Northern Ireland to play for either the North or the Republic. You are either a complete idiot or the worst WUM ever.


If you say so. Personally, I prefer to wait and see what FIFA says on the subject. And whether they decide for the FAI or for the IFA, I'll accept their Ruling.
FIFA have made a decision and it's in their rules. They're not going to be bothered to point this out again because Wells is an idiot.

[paul_oshea]

They're not going to be bothered to point this out again because Wells is an idiot.

and/or slighty blind and deaf. ;) ULster says No to any letters.....until we feel the time is right :)

[Wolfie]

News Just in:

Darren Gibson has moved to the Ireland team in a swap deal for Aer Lingus who have signed for Belfast.

[co. down green]

Originally Posted by Paddy Garcia
"In 2007 the FAI summer schools only cover the 26 counties. I think next year the courses should be extended to the six other counties to allow our young Irish players living there an opportunity to participate"



Any reply yet? :rolleyes:

They are finished for the Summer.

I'm sure they could be included as a cross border body for next summer !!:D

[Supreme feet]

The issue is the word 'citizenship'. The GFA is, as far as I can see, the last legal word on the question of national ambiguity between Ireland and Northern Ireland. It clearly states that anybody born in the North is entitled to Irish citizenship. That's what your people voted for, EG, though I imagine you probably voted 'No'.:rolleyes:

[Supreme feet]

From the Belfast Telegraph...

"Londonderry-born Gibson was named in the Republic's under-21 squad for a friendly in Germany tonight, but upon arriving in Dublin yesterday he was swiftly promoted to the senior squad who face Denmark in Aarhus tomorrow evening.

Gibson was linked with a south-to-north switch at the weekend after Nigel Worthington revealed he had spoken to the player, who is subject to an Irish FA appeal to FIFA on his eligibility for the Republic

"Darron is going to be a very good player once he gets a bit of experience under his belt and he may be gone from us sooner rather than later anyway," said the Irish U-21 boss.

"The story about him switching to Northern Ireland is completely different to what he's told me. He said it is the Republic or nobody."

The Republic or nobody. There you go.

[paul_oshea]

That's what your people voted for, EG, though I imagine you probably voted 'No'

LOL. :D

Did ye not know supreme, its a very popular word in Northern Ireland.

[tetsujin1979]

LOL. :D

Did ye not know supreme, its a very popular word in Northern Ireland.
Been denied by a few Northern lasses Paul?? ;)

[paul_oshea]

Been denied by a few Northern lasses Paul??

Howcome everytime I mention on here the word "no" with something else the response is always about me being rejected by some lass or wanting to mount some lass :o did ye not know tets my face is my fortune ;) :D