Player eligibility row

[Dodge]

Much ado about nothing, me thinks!

INcredible you think that considering the hyperbole used in this thread about other small scale stuff

[geysir]

Eh yeah - don't know where in my post I disagree with any of this (or what I did to deserve a socio-political lesson on the meaning of 'fair' ). I merely stated why I can see how the IFA, purely in footballing terms, could be disadvantaged by a deal allowing both associations to pick from either territory.

Though as Dodge points out above, in hindsight they would've lost nothing by accepting it. Obviously they had confidence their misguided case was a winner...

True enough, the only connection you have with my reply was that I quoted yours and you had used the word unfair. Apart from that, there was absolutely no connection.
We do indeed live in bizarre times.

[The Fly]

Nevertheless, the IFA probably felt that it would lead to the formation of "Ireland A" and "Ireland B", but as we know, that is but a conjecture.

It's a little more than conjecture. Indeed, that would have been the end result, with an official seal of approval to boot.

In theory, it would have put the IFA at a clear advantage over the rest of FIFA's members - they would become the only member able to select players based on two nationalities, rather than one, if I'm not mistaken.

They already do that.

[Predator]

They already do that.

British nationality alone allows one to represent the IFA.

[Predator]

It's a little more than conjecture. Indeed, that would have been the end result, with an official seal of approval to boot.

I call it conjecture, because to me, it is.
The two teams would still exist, as would the IFA and the FAI. The IFA's playing pool would have been boosted considerably and for an association with a small playing pool, that, I would think would be desirable. Of course, the IFA would not have had to select any Irish nationals born outside their territory - territory seems to be a sticking point for the IFA - but it would have given them a slight advantage.

What the IFA should have considered was whether two 'mixed' Ireland teams in Ireland would have been better than their current situation. Instead they opted to try to stop Irish nationals playing for the FAI.

[The Fly]

British nationality alone allows one to represent the IFA.

Players born in Northern Ireland do not have British nationality alone.

[Predator]

If you re-read my earlier post I pointed out that, if they accepted FIFA's proposal, the IFA would have been put in a position where they could select players on the basis of two nationalities, rather than one. At present they can only select players on the basis of one nationality - British. Am I mistaken?

[The Fly]

If you re-read my earlier post I pointed out that, if they accepted FIFA's proposal, the IFA would have been put in a position where they could select players on the basis of two nationalities, rather than one. At present they can only select players on the basis of one nationality - British. Am I mistaken?

Either Passport will do. British Citizenship is, however, a 'must' for eligibility for Northern Ireland - the IFA being a "British Association", and so defined by FIFA. Birth in Northern Ireland would effectively prove British Citizenship.

[Predator]

Either Passport will do.

I understand, but when did I say anything about passports?

British Citizenship is, however, a 'must' for eligibility for Northern Ireland - the IFA being a "British Association", and so defined by FIFA. Birth in Northern Ireland would effectively prove British Citizenship.

This is what I've been saying.

And if the IFA had accepted FIFA's proposals, then Irish or British nationality would make a player eligible for the IFA.

[The Fly]

This is what I've been saying.

You stated that at present the IFA/NI can 'only select players on the basis of one nationality - British.' That's not the case, they select players who are dual nationals.

And if the IFA had accepted FIFA's proposals, then Irish or British nationality would make a player eligible for the IFA.

It would have been lunacy for the IFA to have agreed to such a proposal, for reasons I have already outlined.

[geysir]

Some are getting hung up on the 2 nationality thing.
To FIFA, the proposal seemed regular enough as we all look the same to them,
2 teams in Ireland? - no big deal who play for what team.

[Predator]

You stated that at present the IFA/NI can 'only select players on the basis of one nationality - British.' That's not the case, they select players who are dual nationals.

It is the case and you have said so yourself. Dual nationals or not, only one of those nationalities entitles a player to play for the IFA.

It would have been lunacy for the IFA to have agreed to such a proposal, for reasons I have already outlined. Had such a scenario come about, they would have sealed their own fate.

It was lunacy to attempt to argue their case at the CAS in the way that they did, but that didn't stop them!

[geysir]

You stated that at present the IFA/NI can 'only select players on the basis of one nationality - British.' That's not the case, they select players who are dual nationals.

You are confused, Predator has gifted you some clarity - I hope you accept

[The Fly]

It is the case and you have said so yourself. Dual nationals or not, only one of those nationalities entitles a player to play for the IFA.

Correct, but the player is still a dual national.

It was lunacy to attempt to argue their case at the CAS in the way that they did, but that didn't stop them!

Indeed it was.

But.....despite such an inept performance, and evidence of further incompetence and chicanery over those now infamous Dunloy proposals, I would stop short of pronouncing them completely brain dead.

[sean r]

maik taylor can play for northern ireland despite being born in germany. any one born out side of great britian with british parents can play for any of the 4 home countries. matt lessier and grame lasaux also used that rule as the channel islands are not part of the uk.

[Predator]

Fly, I think you're spending too much time on OWC; you're picking up some bad habits from them.

[Charlie Darwin]

maik taylor can play for northern ireland despite being born in germany. any one born out side of great britian with british parents can play for any of the 4 home countries. matt lessier and grame lasaux also used that rule as the channel islands are not part of the uk.

That loophole has been closed. Maik Taylor would no longer be eligible for Northern Irelad and Le Saux/Le Tissier would only be eligible for England as the Channel Islands' associations are members of the English FA.

[The Fly]

Fly, I think you're spending too much time on OWC; you're picking up some bad habits from them.

Never!! Never!! Never!!

[geysir]

UK passport holders are governed by the terms outlined in eligibility article 16.
That article is taken from the UK agreement of the 4 UK federations.

Le Tissier and Le Saux would qualify for England based on residency alone.

[Charlie Darwin]

But the Channel Islands aren't members of FIFA so they'd be subsumed into England.