Eligibility proposal

[geysir]

Again, if the FAI's case is rock-solid, why would FIFA risk wasting everybodys time by even alluding to the possibility of a challenge?
All FIFA legal channels have been exhausted by the IFA. FIFA have nothing more to add except
Andreas Herren said that if there is a real dispute then the IFA will have to go to CAS.
It is the right of a player/member of FIFA, unhappy with an outcome, to be informed of any more options. It's no big secret but with the IFA it probably was, (assume ignornironce).
As Blanchflower has often enough accuratly referred to the weakness of the IFA argument, it looks like FIFA were trying to negotiate a compromise this past year within the current rules. They were not considering to change the rules to allow eg the 'Blanchflower Amendment' to be added to the Annex criteria to widen it to cover those eligible to play for the teams of more than one Association due to their nationality.
That would have been a Congressional matter.

[Newryrep]

All FIFA legal channels have been exhausted by the IFA. FIFA have nothing more to add except
Andreas Herren said that if there is a real dispute then the IFA will have to go to CAS.

what exactly do the CAS adjuicate on ?, the rules of FIFA or what they (CAS)think is fair ?

[geysir]

what exactly do the CAS adjuicate on ?, the rules of FIFA or what they (CAS)think is fair ?

They mediate and arbitrate.
I rule out mediation because the third party, us, will not be there.
Arbitration means CAS being a neutral body will try to settle a dispute.
AFAIU they refer to the statutes of the sporting association.

'The responsibilities of such Panels are, int
a. to resolve the disputes that are referred to them through ordinary arbitration ;
b. to resolve through the appeals arbitration procedure disputes concerning the decisions of federations, associations or other sports-related bodies, insofar as the statutes or regulations of the said sports-related bodies or a specific agreement so provide';

[Blanchflower]

... Delaney said that there was no issue with Gibson and never was because he declared before the annex.

What does this mean? What annex? The extension of the 4 criteria to those whose nationality theoretically qualifies them for >1 team was decided in 2003.


The question Wells never sought to get an answer for or refused to even acknowledge that he received an answer to was
What are the reasons that FIFA give for not applying the annex criteria to the Irish situation?
Very true.

[Blanchflower]

Under the GFA all Irish citizens in all 32 counties can claim Irish citezenship therefore they can choose to play for Ireland [sic] if they wish.

Nothing to do with the GFA. People in NI were entitled to Southern citizenship before the GFA.

(Also it's a circular argument to say that "all Irish citizens ... can claim Irish citizenship".)

[Blanchflower]

They mediate and arbitrate.
I rule out mediation because the third party, us, will not be there.
Arbitration means CAS being a neutral body will try to settle a dispute.
AFAIU they refer to the statutes of the sporting association.

'The responsibilities of such Panels are, int
a. to resolve the disputes that are referred to them through ordinary arbitration ;
b. to resolve through the appeals arbitration procedure disputes concerning the decisions of federations, associations or other sports-related bodies, insofar as the statutes or regulations of the said sports-related bodies or a specific agreement so provide';

Would it not require the FAI to consent to the matter being put to the CAS? I'm not sure that unilateral applications are permitted.

[Gather round]

it's a circular argument to say that "all Irish citizens ... can claim Irish citizenship

Maybe because it would no longer be true to say "all born in Ireland can claim [Republic of] Ireland citizenship"?

I'm pleased to see that the FAI and IFA are meeting early next year for a wide-ranging parley. Hopefully a new bilateral agreement that no-one changes allegiance after being capped at youth or u-21 levels will be on the agenda.

[Not Brazil]

I'm pleased to see that the FAI and IFA are meeting early next year for a wide-ranging parley. Hopefully a new bilateral agreement that no-one changes allegiance after being capped at youth or u-21 levels will be on the agenda.

The BBC reports that player eligibility will NOT be on the agenda when the two Associations meet in January for their latest "love in".

The spineless wonders at the IFA must be happy just to pretend that it isn't happening.

In fact, they are so devoid of understanding the issue, they think it is done and dusted - and they won.:eek:

Inept, Farsical, Absurd.

[Gather round]

In fact, they are so devoid of understanding the issue, they think it is done and dusted - and they won.:eek:

Inept, Farsical, Absurd.

They really are useless. When are you and Jimbo Riley launching a putsch to take over?

[Not Brazil]

They really are useless. When are you and Jimbo Riley launching a putsch to take over?

:D

They couldn't afford our salaries.

[Blanchflower]

The BBC reports that player eligibility will NOT be on the agenda when the two Associations meet in January for their latest "love in".

The spineless wonders at the IFA must be happy just to pretend that it isn't happening.

In fact, they are so devoid of understanding the issue, they think it is done and dusted - and they won.:eek:

Inept, Farsical, Absurd.

Shame on them.:mad:

[Stuttgart88]

As a point of principle I can see why you're miffed but is it really likely to have that much significance?

[geysir]

What does this mean? What annex? The extension of the 4 criteria to those whose nationality theoretically qualifies them for >1 team was decided in 2003.
Darron Gibson declared for us before the Annex criteria was drafted in.
http://www.metroeireann.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=602&Itemid=26
FIFA Congress had voted to mandate an emergency committee to draft the Annex, finished 03/2004. Any player whose transfer was approved before that time was not affected.


Would it not require the FAI to consent to the matter being put to the CAS? I'm not sure that unilateral applications are permitted.
The FAI would only be there if they wanted to be a party to mediation.
Therfore this would be an arbitration issue.
I presume it is only the IFA who have an issue with FIFA so it would only be those 2.
FIFA disciplinary proc. states somewhere that any party not happy with a final decision from FIFA have the right to make an appeal to CAS.

[Blanchflower]

Darron Gibson declared for us before the Annex criteria was drafted in.

Thanks - didn't realise he played for the South's U17 team in 2003.

[ifk101]

Thanks - didn't realise he played for the Ireland's U17 team in 2003.

edited ;)

[GavinZac]

Why do NI want players that dont want to play for them, anyway?

[Not Brazil]

Why do NI want players that dont want to play for them, anyway?

That's exactly my thoughts too.

[Blanchflower]

Why do NI want players that dont want to play for them, anyway?
They probably would want to play for us if they didn't have the option of playing for the South.

[Gather round]

And given that the turnover in age-group teams is obviously than that for senior internationals, many will already have played for us first anyway?

[ifk101]

They probably would want to play for us if they didn't have the option of playing for the Ireland.

edited :)

[RogerMilla]

They probably would want to play for us if they didn't have the option of playing for the South.

NI players would play for us if there was a situation like there is in rugby , but there isn't. It looks the cutting off of the option to play for "the south" isn't going to come about either.

[EalingGreen]

Why do NI want players that dont want to play for them, anyway?

Not every NI-born footballer from a Nationalist background* is a "dyed-in-the-wool" Nationalist, for whom the choice of international team is "the Republic or no-one".

Many will have no great political leanings either way i.e. like most young kids, they just want to play football. Therefore, if offered a choice, some who might otherwise have been perfectly happy if presented with the "Hobson's Choice" of NI (only), will now be tempted to choose ROI.

Moreover, in making such a choice, the factors which most influence them might not even be footballing ones, never mind political ones, although some deluded individuals like Alex Bruce might choose ROI because it is the "better" team :eek:, or might be easier to get a cap (well first cap, at least, even though once tied, they might not get too many more**). Some might choose ROI for financial reasons/inducements. Some might be influenced by 3rd parties (Family, Agents, Politicians, "Community Representatives" etc). Some have even swayed towards ROI due to personality clashes, or arguments with individuals in the IFA***

In common with most fans, I have always felt that playing for ones country should be an honour, not some mercenary or expedient perk of being a club footballer. Then again, as an ROI fan, you'll probably be even more acutely conscious of that than me, what with all the Plastics who've used the ROI down the years...


* - Strange that, ahem, Darron ("Ireland or Nothing") Gibson for instance, deigned to represent NI when he was younger...

** - I wonder how long, ahem, Darron ("Ireland or Nothing") Gibson might have to wait before his second cap...

*** - Didn't I read somewhere that, ahem, Darron ("Ireland or Nothing") Gibson first opted for ROI after he fell out with an IFA Coach who wanted to deny him the chance to travel to Manchester for a trial, since it clashed with an NI game for which he was also selected?

[ifk101]

NI players would play for us if there was a situation like there is in rugby, but there isn't.

It's already been stated in this thread that ultimately the majority of professional sportsmen and sportswomen will think with their heads rather than their hearts.

[Supreme feet]

I wonder how long, ahem, Darron ("Ireland or Nothing") Gibson might have to wait before his second cap

Darron Gibson has two caps already. And if he keeps on developing, he'll win many more, especially given Carsley's age and our current dearth of central midfielders.

[lopez]

...Many will have no great political leanings either way i.e. like most young kids, they just want to play football. Therefore, if offered a choice, some who might otherwise have been perfectly happy if presented with the "Hobson's Choice" of NI (only), will now be tempted to choose ROI.... Then again, as an ROI fan, you'll probably be even more acutely conscious of that than me, what with all the Plastics who've used the ROI down the years...Is this really news to anyone? How many Arsenal fans have played for Spurs or vice verse, or Basques or Catalans that have played for Real Madrid? You're even trying to score points here by bringing up 'plastics'. Maybe you should try going to watch 'da Republik' away and see that the English accent isn't confined to the Irish team.

[ifk101]

In common with most fans, I have always felt that playing for ones country should be an honour, not some mercenary or expedient perk of being a club footballer. Then again, as an ROI fan, you'll probably be even more acutely conscious of that than me, what with all the Plastics who've used the ROI down the years...

Silly comment and lazy attempt at a dig. Is Maik Taylor not the clearest example of a mercenary in today's game?

Time to move on - we've gone down this route already.

[RogerMilla]

Not every NI-born footballer from a Nationalist background* is a "dyed-in-the-wool" Nationalist, for whom the choice of international team is "the Republic or no-one".

Many will have no great political leanings either way i.e. like most young kids, they just want to play football. Therefore, if offered a choice, some who might otherwise have been perfectly happy if presented with the "Hobson's Choice" of NI (only), will now be tempted to choose ROI.

Moreover, in making such a choice, the factors which most influence them might not even be footballing ones, never mind political ones, although some deluded individuals like Alex Bruce might choose ROI because it is the "better" team :eek:, or might be easier to get a cap (well first cap, at least, even though once tied, they might not get too many more**). Some might choose ROI for financial reasons/inducements. Some might be influenced by 3rd parties (Family, Agents, Politicians, "Community Representatives" etc). Some have even swayed towards ROI due to personality clashes, or arguments with individuals in the IFA***

In common with most fans, I have always felt that playing for ones country should be an honour, not some mercenary or expedient perk of being a club footballer. Then again, as an ROI fan, you'll probably be even more acutely conscious of that than me, what with all the Plastics who've used the ROI down the years...


* - Strange that, ahem, Darron ("Ireland or Nothing") Gibson for instance, deigned to represent NI when he was younger...

** - I wonder how long, ahem, Darron ("Ireland or Nothing") Gibson might have to wait before his second cap...

*** - Didn't I read somewhere that, ahem, Darron ("Ireland or Nothing") Gibson first opted for ROI after he fell out with an IFA Coach who wanted to deny him the chance to travel to Manchester for a trial, since it clashed with an NI game for which he was also selected?


Thanks for taking such a didactic line while nonetheless not offering me one single shred of new information.

Next week EG on not every NI-born footballer is right footed and some prefer to dunk their rich teas.

Enough with the patronising please.

[Gather round]

Maybe you should try going to watch 'da Republik' away and see that the English accent isn't confined to the Irish team

I watched the game in Cardiff with Lopez and chums from the RoI London supporters club. As he suggests, a mix of accents from all four corners, as well as the bloke behind me who snored contentedly through the second half :)

Ps Lope, I have that bufanda espanola for you, and look forward to presenting at a future meeting of your club.

[co. down green]

I wonder how long, ahem, Darron ("Ireland or Nothing") Gibson might have to wait before his second cap...

He's Likely to have many more international caps and with Wolves determined to keep him for the rest of the season, he's picking up valuable experience, especially on the right wing.

He'll be a great role model for kids all over the North, in years to come :D

[Stuttgart88]

He's Likely to have many more international caps and with Wolves determined to keep him for the rest of the season, he's picking up valuable experience, especially on the right wing.

He'll be a great role model for kids all over the North, in years to come :DThe guy who plays central mid for Wolves will be on African Nations Cup duty and Gibson has said he hopes to play CM in his absence.

[Gather round]

Let's be realistic here. Any Irish footballer who's a regular in a leading English D2 team is likely to be in an international squad.

[co. down green]

The guy who plays central mid for Wolves will be on African Nations Cup duty and Gibson has said he hopes to play CM in his absence.

He's a confident lad and is keen to fill the central role being left by Seyi Olofinjana over the holiday period & January.

"hopefully I’ll get a chance to move inside and do a job in there, at the moment I don’t mind playing on the right of midfield because I think it’s adding a lot to my game, I’m getting in a lot of different positions and being able to play elsewhere can only help me when I go back to United.”

[Blanchflower]

NI players would play for us if there was a situation like there is in rugby , but there isn't.

What do you mean play for "us"? In rugby, there is an all-Ireland team: it's not a case of NI players playing for the Republic!:mad:

[EalingGreen]

Is this really news to anyone?

It might be news to GavinZac, who asked the question:
"Why do NI want players that dont want to play for them, anyway?"
I was merely answering directly that it is not those youngsters who don't want to play for NI at any price (a v.small minority, imo) who concern us, rather those who might be persuaded either way.


How many Arsenal fans have played for Spurs or vice verse, or Basques or Catalans that have played for Real Madrid?

Nice of you to prove my point, even if unintentionally. Arsenal, Spurs and Real Madrid are professional clubs, who offer players a career. Whereas international football should be about more than just a pay packet.


You're even trying to score points here by bringing up 'plastics'. Maybe you should try going to watch 'da Republik' away and see that the English accent isn't confined to the Irish team.

I've only been to watch ROI play away a couple of times and not recently, but I am well aware of the differing affiliations of their fans. But once again, I make a distinction between fans and players when it comes to motives. Fans are just people who choose to follow a particular team and don't need to justify it to anyone. Whereas you can't normally "choose" your country as a player, therefore it's about honour and pride etc. Such pride normally derives from having been born in the country in question but obviously not exclusively so, since countries may sometimes choose players born elsewhere. As such, it may sometimes be the case that these non "native-born" players might have other motives aside from the usual, especially where they are dually or even multiply qualified. As a country which has picked a higher proportion of such players in the past than most, the ROI is/was always more liable to suffer being "used" by mercenaries than others (though at least you didn't have to suffer Vinny Jones!)
Call that "points scoring", if you like. :cool:

[EalingGreen]

Silly comment and lazy attempt at a dig. Is Maik Taylor not the clearest example of a mercenary in today's game?

Time to move on - we've gone down this route already.

Certainly time to move on from (the perennially cited) Maik Taylor, since new arrangements mean any new Taylor would not be eligible for NI. Though it is ironic that there is clearly no prouder player in the NI team than Big Maik, who e.g. always turns up for NI, whether in squad, bench or 1st XI, on form or off, fit or carrying an injury, unlike Fermanagh born-and-bred Roy Carroll, for example! :eek:

Besides, our Big Maik is "cancelled out" by your Alan Kernaghan when it comes to picking players of dubious provenance...;)

[EalingGreen]

Thanks for taking such a didactic line while nonetheless not offering me one single shred of new information.

Next week EG on not every NI-born footballer is right footed and some prefer to dunk their rich teas.

Enough with the patronising please.

It may not have been news to you, but it wasn't aimed at you. It was a direct reply to Gavin Zac, whose question indicated he wasn't seeing the whole picture. If that's not too patronising a comment by me...:eek:

[GavinZac]

It may not have been news to you, but it wasn't aimed at you. It was a direct reply to Gavin Zac, whose question indicated he wasn't seeing the whole picture. If that's not too patronising a comment by me...:eek:I'm quite aware of the concept of players picking and choosing which country to play for. However, frankly if a player came through the ranks of the irish set up and decided at the last minute that playing for england suited him better, I certainly wouldnt be too worried; Similarly, the "I'm Irish, innit" element of the national side annoys me. If by some decision it turned out he couldnt play for england and thus was eligible for Ireland again, I wouldnt want him selected. International football should not be win-at-all-costs.

[lopez]

Maybe you should try going to watch 'da Republik' away and see that the English accent isn't confined to the Irish team

I watched the game in Cardiff with Lopez and chums from the RoI London supporters club. As he suggests, a mix of accents from all four corners, as well as the bloke behind me who snored contentedly through the second half :)

Ps Lope, I have that bufanda espanola for you, and look forward to presenting at a future meeting of your club.And it was good to see your accent wasn't out of place either. Thanks a lot for the scarf. It will be much appreciated come June.


[B]Nice of you to prove my point, even if unintentionally. Arsenal, Spurs and Real Madrid are professional clubs, who offer players a career. Whereas international football should be about more than just a pay packet.
Should it now? I would have thought for many that the thought of playing for one club they despise may well be more of a decision than playing for the country of their birth or the country of their parents birth. But then you base everything on where yer mammy's waters broke dontcha.

[B]I've only been to watch ROI play away a couple of times and not recently, but I am well aware of the differing affiliations of their fans.
Affiliations? What's that supposed to mean? I don't think, unlike GR, you've been anywhere near an Ireland game home or away.

[B]But once again, I make a distinction between fans and players when it comes to motives. Fans are just people who choose to follow a particular team and don't need to justify it to anyone. Whereas you can't normally "choose" your country as a player, therefore it's about honour and pride etc.
Some fans can actually 'choose', if you think we actually sat sown one day and thought 'hmmm? Ireland have never qualified for a World Cup, I tell you what I'll follow them because I won't have to pay for an expensive trip to Mexico. :rolleyes:

[B]Such pride normally derives from having been born in the country in question
Back to Mammy's waters again.

[B]but obviously not exclusively so, since countries may sometimes choose players born elsewhere. As such, it may sometimes be the case that these non "native-born" players might have other motives aside from the usual, especially where they are dually or even multiply qualified. As a country which has picked a higher proportion of such players in the past than most, the ROI is/was always more liable to suffer being "used" by mercenaries than others (though at least you didn't have to suffer Vinny Jones!)
Call that "points scoring", if you like. :cool:I'd call it b*llocks!

[kingdomkerry]

Everyone who wants to play for Ireland can if they want, Players who want to play with the northern team (some would say sectarian team) can if they want. All players are happy, its all about the players at the end of the day.

Im sick of the sour grapes

[osarusan]

Everyone who wants to play for Ireland can if they want, Players who want to play with the northern team (some would say sectarian team) can if they want. All players are happy, its all about the players at the end of the day.

Im sick of the sour grapes

Well done. Very subtle.

[ifk101]

Certainly time to move on from (the perennially cited) Maik Taylor, since new arrangements mean any new Taylor would not be eligible for NI. Though it is ironic that there is clearly no prouder player in the NI team than Big Maik, who e.g. always turns up for NI, whether in squad, bench or 1st XI, on form or off, fit or carrying an injury, unlike Fermanagh born-and-bred Roy Carroll, for example! :eek:

A simple yes to my question would of sufficed.


Besides, our Big Maik is "cancelled out" by your Alan Kernaghan when it comes to picking players of dubious provenance...;)

We're all well-versed about Alan Kernaghan. But if I was a NI fan I'd be quite sad and frankly embarrassed by the whole Alan Kernaghan episode. Here you have a chap that was once a ball-boy at Windsor Park, that was in regular attendance at NI matches, that played schoolboy internationals for NI, and that had lived the majority of his life in NI. A chap that had dreamed of playing for NI but was denied. And didn't he get a nice bit of abuse for choosing to play with the Republic? But as I'm not a NI fan, as you know ;), sadness and embarrassment are the opposite of my feelings on the matter.

[RogerMilla]

What do you mean play for "us"? In rugby, there is an all-Ireland team: it's not a case of NI players playing for the Republic!:mad:

so I'm not allowed to call the rugby team I support "us" ? and by extension the all-ireland soccer team if it ever came about "us"? not that i am in any way advocating one or want one , or advocating political union either. I want any northern lad who wants to play for ROI to be eligible to do so and I am happy with the status quo. I understand your frustration at what you see as the diminishing for your player pool ,but I'm not even slightly sympathetic as I also want whats best for the ROI team and an increase in our player pool with lads eager to pull on the jersey is undoubtedly whats best.

[Absinthe]

I would have thought for many that the thought of playing for one club they despise may well be more of a decision than playing for the country of their birth or the country of their parents birth. But then you base everything on where yer mammy's waters broke dontcha.


I think your coming round to our arguement nicely lopez. We are happy for the Grandmother rule to apply, the problem is with the rules set up the way they currently are, it is possible that:

a) Gibson* has never set foot in the Republic of Ireland
b) Gibsons parents have never set foot in the Republic of Ireland
c) Gibsons parents, parents have never set foot on the Republic of Ireland

So, if that was the case, why should he be eligible?

Because he wants to be?
Or , because someone in the IFA ****ed him off and he wants to prove a point?

*purely as a hypothetical example

-----------------------

To attempt to clear up the Maik Taylor situation :-

1) The rules were different back then
2) He was not eligible for any country directly, as he was born on british soil in Germany. I admit that I dont know for sure, but I would be surprised if he qualifies/d for a German Passport.

----------------------------------------




Quote:
Originally Posted by Blanchflower http://foot.ie/inc/img/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://foot.ie/showthread.php?p=841817#post841817)
What do you mean play for "us"? In rugby, there is an all-Ireland team: it's not a case of NI players playing for the Republic!:mad:


so I'm not allowed to call the rugby team I support "us" ? and by extension the all-ireland soccer team if it ever came about "us"? not that i am in any way advocating one or want one , or advocating political union either. I want any northern lad who wants to play for ROI to be eligible to do so and I am happy with the status quo. I understand your frustration at what you see as the diminishing for your player pool ,but I'm not even slightly sympathetic as I also want whats best for the ROI team and an increase in our player pool with lads eager to pull on the jersey is undoubtedly whats best.



I think the problem with you calling the team 'us', would be linked to the Irish Rugby team carrying all the 'trappings' of a Republic of Ireland rugby team re. flags and anthems. The players play for their National Team, not for 'you'.

I dont think its acceptable, but it doesnt bother me overly, and I do support the Ireland rugby team. But, it does stop a lot of people in Northern Ireland from the supporting the Ireland Rugby Team.

[RogerMilla]

I think the problem with you calling the team 'us', would be linked to the Irish Rugby team carrying all the 'trappings' of a Republic of Ireland rugby team re. flags and anthems. The players play for their National Team, not for 'you'.

I dont think its acceptable, but it doesnt bother me overly, and I do support the Ireland rugby team. But, it does stop a lot of people in Northern Ireland from the supporting the Ireland Rugby Team.

The players play for "me" by extension , if i and the rest of the supporters didnt turn up to support them or support the game at all levels then the honour of representing the island would be massively diminished. Still an honour but I think "I" bring something to the table.

Anyone from Northern Ireland from any community there who likes rugby but does not support the Irish Rugby team need to have a look at themselves. If Paisley and Mcguinness can wish them well then surely everyone can ?

this is being dragged off topic now , we can go into "other sports" if you want to go into the rugby teams inclusiveness more.

[geysir]

I think your coming round to our arguement nicely lopez. We are happy for the Grandmother rule to apply, the problem is with the rules set up the way they currently are, it is possible that:

a) Gibson* has never set foot in the Republic of Ireland
b) Gibsons parents have never set foot in the Republic of Ireland
c) Gibsons parents, parents have never set foot on the Republic of Ireland

So, if that was the case, why should he be eligible?

Because he wants to be?
Or , because someone in the IFA ****ed him off and he wants to prove a point?
*purely as a hypothetical example
Absinthe, a post like this is so lazy it qualifies as trolling. If you do not understand the eligibility rules then read the thread, there are enough posts explaining exactly the eligibility situation.
If you do not want to do that, then I suggest stop putting an argument for why is he eligible? and why the annex criteria do not apply?
Both those matters have been dealt with emphatically.

As regards to Darron Gibson,
Derry 9/11/07
"I would say the decision is a good thing for young footballers in N. Ireland. In my experience, many players would prefer to play for the Republic so it's definitely a good thing for the FAI. Then again, there are players who will opt to play for Northern Ireland so, from a player's point of view, I think it's good to have a choice.

"From my own personal viewpoint, I'm really enjoying being part of the Republic of Ireland squad. It's been brilliant so far and I'm glad all the talk of player eligibility is coming to an end," concluded the 20-year-old.

“Nigel Worthington did speak to me about coming back to Northern Ireland in the summer but I told him I was happy where I was.”
“I could get an Irish passport, having been a resident in Northern Ireland for over two years, but I still couldn’t play for the Republic."

[Absinthe]

The players play for "me" by extension , if i and the rest of the supporters didnt turn up to support them or support the game at all levels then the honour of representing the island would be massively diminished. Still an honour but I think "I" bring something to the table.

Anyone from Northern Ireland from any community there who likes rugby but does not support the Irish Rugby team need to have a look at themselves. If Paisley and Mcguinness can wish them well then surely everyone can ?

this is being dragged off topic now , we can go into "other sports" if you want to go into the rugby teams inclusiveness more.

I was trying to clarify why (i assume) the previous poster didnt like you using the word 'us'. By saying the word 'us' it implied that the Northern Irish members of the Ireland team were playing for 'your' team. They arent, they are playing for their team.

i.e. their is no us and them, there is only one team.

This is not the same as the case in football.



Anyone from Northern Ireland from any community there who likes rugby but does not support the Irish Rugby team need to have a look at themselves. If Paisley and Mcguinness can wish them well then surely everyone can ?


Any other myopic statements you'd like to make?

Would you still support the Ireland Rugby Team if it:

a) Played in Belfast?
b) Played under the Union Jack?
c) Used GSTQ as its Anthem?
d) Designated any matches played in the Republic as away games?

(and i'm not trying to take this thread off topic, but i do find your above statement offensive, but sure, its just a bit of craic)

[Absinthe]

Absinthe, a post like this is so lazy it qualifies as trolling. If you do not understand the eligibility rules then read the thread, there are enough posts explaining exactly the eligibility situation.
If you do not want to do that, then I suggest stop putting an argument for why is he eligible? and why the annex criteria do not apply?
Both those matters have been dealt with emphatically.

As regards to Darron Gibson,
Derry 9/11/07
"I would say the decision is a good thing for young footballers in N. Ireland. In my experience, many players would prefer to play for the Republic so it's definitely a good thing for the FAI. Then again, there are players who will opt to play for Northern Ireland so, from a player's point of view, I think it's good to have a choice.

"From my own personal viewpoint, I'm really enjoying being part of the Republic of Ireland squad. It's been brilliant so far and I'm glad all the talk of player eligibility is coming to an end," concluded the 20-year-old.

“Nigel Worthington did speak to me about coming back to Northern Ireland in the summer but I told him I was happy where I was.”
“I could get an Irish passport, having been a resident in Northern Ireland for over two years, but I still couldn’t play for the Republic."

If you'd care to read what I did write, instead of what you would have liked to write, you'll notice the word 'should'. I am well aware of the eligibility rules.

Also, the post wasnt even directed at you, unless you also post as lopez.

But thanks for taking the time to add your valuable input.

[RogerMilla]

Would you still support the Ireland Rugby Team if it:

a) Played in Belfast?
b) Played under the Union Jack?
c) Used GSTQ as its Anthem?
d) Designated any matches played in the Republic as away games?

(and i'm not trying to take this thread off topic, but i do find your above statement offensive, but sure, its just a bit of craic)

a ) certainly
b) No I wouldnt , but it wouldnt be the Irish team then so it would not be a choice i would have to make. I am happy with our Irish team flag by the way as seen at the world cup , its very nice.
c) Same as the union jack I am more than happy with Irelands call too.
d) that was sophistry on the part of the IRFU to get out of playing GSTQ in Belfast.

[RogerMilla]

(and i'm not trying to take this thread off topic, but i do find your above statement offensive, but sure, its just a bit of craic)

Dont for one minute think you have cornered the market on strong feelings as regards anthems and nationality.

[lopez]

I think your coming round to our arguement nicely lopez. We are happy for the Grandmother rule to apply, the problem is with the rules set up the way they currently are, it is possible that:

a) Gibson* has never set foot in the Republic of Ireland
b) Gibsons parents have never set foot in the Republic of Ireland
c) Gibsons parents, parents have never set foot on the Republic of Ireland

So, if that was the case, why should he be eligible?

Because he wants to be?
Or , because someone in the IFA ****ed him off and he wants to prove a point?

*purely as a hypothetical example.
In case you've been away, he is eligible through an Irish passport. Now Absinthe, this point was cleared up ages ago. Whatever further reasons he or anyone else has for choosing between two different teams, I'd suggest you write them a letter at their club.


To attempt to clear up the Maik Taylor situation :-

1) The rules were different back then
2) He was not eligible for any country directly, as he was born on british soil in Germany. I admit that I dont know for sure, but I would be surprised if he qualifies/d for a German Passport..
'British soil in Germany': I like that one. :rolleyes:

...and i'm not trying to take this thread off topic, but i do find your above statement offensive, but sure, its just a bit of craic.You get offended very easily, I see.