I'm not sure how FIFA votes on that kind of thing, but I assume the home nations FAs would have 50% of the votes so would effectively block any attempt to integrate the Irish teams against the IFA's will.
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Just having a guess, but I assume that the reason Hong Kong and Macau are able to preserve distinct international teams is due to the fact that they remain as separate political jurisdictions within the overall "state" or something. I don't know what the nature of any future united Ireland would be, but I assume that for the two teams to be preserved, there would have to be some visible political distinction between their respective territories. In saying that, I have heard the notion of a federal united Ireland being aired in which Stormont would maintain certain powers of governance over what is now Northern Ireland but still under the general umbrella of a united Ireland. Whether that would satisfy FIFA as being "distinct enough", I don't know.Last edited by DannyInvincible; 23/04/2010, 4:41 PM.Comment
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The path blocked with a big 'no entry' sign, I think. In the foreseeable future it's about as likely as a united Scandinavia.
It would be- not that I see it happening in the foreseeable future, as above- effectively a Republic of Ireland team complete with Soldier's song, Tricolors, fiddle-diddle and the rest. I've no interest in rugby, but do follow Irish cricket and that's bad enough. No harm to the Southern and nationalist fans, obviously we have a shared enjoyment of the game, but I'd much prefer a distinct NI team even if it was weaker.Originally posted by Danny Invincible
The latter, of course. In the same way that if I'd told you in 1994 you'd only qualify for one of the next eight tournaments I wouldn't have expected you to go off and start supporting England or Brazil.Originally posted by Crosby 87Last edited by Gather round; 23/04/2010, 4:52 PM.Comment
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Keep trying to convince yourselfComment
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If it was an issue, it would be an issue for congress.
The home nations do not have 50% of the congress vote.
They have no special voting privileges in FIFA
except they have a majority vote or veto power, as regards to any changing of the rules of the game or something to that effect.
Other than that, the 4 home nations have just one vote each in congress, same as any other association.
The IFA could apply to be downgraded to provisional member of FIFA, and in future be known as the provisional IFA.Comment
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It's, er, tricolour
Did the Nordie education system even deny its correct spelling??
As for a 'separate' cricket team, luckily the ICU (& IRFU) aren't such paranoid bigots to suggest fragmented national sporting teams. By comparison, even the distant concept of a UI is more likely, FFS.
Evidence of this is one Irish soccer team not qualifying for a Finals since 2002 and the other 'faux' one for a minimum of more than quarter of a century and counting......Comment
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Chattin' with the bathroom mirror does not a discussion make. A Nation Once Again? Why the half-measures? ...why not 'The Provie Birdy' altogether? For balance sake -when we're playing in this upgraded Casement Park should we play 'Here Lies A Soldier' or 'Dollys Brae'?" I wish to God that someone would be able to block out the voices in my head for five minutes, the voices that scream, over and over again: "Why do they come to me to die?"Comment
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I truly do not believe NI will ever make a World Cup or Euro Championship in my remaining lifetime. I am 33 and healthy as a horse.
Just my opinion.No Somos muchos pero estamos locos.Comment
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Hmm. Clearly Amnesia and Irony are not concepts that have permeated the Limerick environs??
Though if you really want to bring up Irish nationalism/'The Struggle', in a spirit of compromise, games in Beal-feirste could also be accompanied by 'The Sash'. Even that would be more credible than their current dirge....
And to be fair to the Six counties representative XI, if there's a 24 team Euros in 2016, even they should get there....Comment
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Funnily enough, I've been criticised for singing "Ireland's call" at the rugby, recieved dirty looks after people hear my Northern accent for not singing the Soldiers song (I stand, I'm quiet and I respect it, seem some can't respect my choice not to sing it) and I've heard the old "Ireland's call shouldnt be sung, it's a disgrace, only in there to appease those northern <insert expletive here>."It's, er, tricolour
Did the Nordie education system even deny its correct spelling??
As for a 'separate' cricket team, luckily the ICU (& IRFU) aren't such paranoid bigots to suggest fragmented national sporting teams. By comparison, even the distant concept of a UI is more likely, FFS.
Evidence of this is one Irish soccer team not qualifying for a Finals since 2002 and the other 'faux' one for a minimum of more than quarter of a century and counting......
If these problems exist in Rugby, then they'd be far greatly magnified in football and I can't ever see there being an all ireland football team for a long time.Comment
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I don't know, you could call the access road to Casement, 'Irony Bypass', no?
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It represents two separate countries, so fragmenting into two teams makes perfect sense.
Come out of denial, you know it makes sense.By comparison, even the distant concept of a UI is more likely, FFS
Aye, it's evidence that they're both mediocre. Which they'd likely remain if they merged.Evidence of this is one Irish soccer team not qualifying for a Finals since 2002 and the other 'faux' one for a minimum of more than quarter of a century and counting......
Only if we rename it 'King William's Bridge'Comment
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