Eligibility Rules, Okay

[The Fly]

He wasn't listed as a substitute by the BBC or Sky Sports.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Out of interest, do you think is it players religious beliefs that influence them in wanting to play for the South?

Not unless there's been a sudden surge of interest in Buddhism...

[BonnieShels]

You are absolutely correct DI, ref the terms of the GFA.

Hypothetically. it would mean that young players with British Citizenship, who would indentify themselves solely as British, would have Hobson's choice if they wanted to persue an International career - unless they met the currently applicable criteria (parent etc) to represent either England, Scotland or Wales.

How would it be a Hobson's choice? They would be eligible for an integrated Irish team a la the IRFU/ICU/IHA teams.
Their Britishness would not even be a consideration in this eventuality unless they wished to pursue it with Wales/England/Scotland which again would be them demonstrating that they feel Welsh/English/Scottish more than they feel Irish.

You are applying today's realities to a hypothetical future eventuality. If this future eventuality were ever to arise, you would have to accept that all of those on the island are willing to a little give and take in that regard which is what would lead to it happening in the first place.

[Not Brazil]

How would it be a Hobson's choice? They would be eligible for an integrated Irish team a la the IRFU/ICU/IHA teams.
Their Britishness would not even be a consideration in this eventuality unless they wished to pursue it with Wales/England/Scotland which again would be them demonstrating that they feel Welsh/English/Scottish more than they feel Irish.

You are applying today's realities to a hypothetical future eventuality. If this future eventuality were ever to arise, you would have to accept that all of those on the island are willing to a little give and take in that regard which is what would lead to it happening in the first place.

Their only choice in a UI scenario, under current Statutes, would be to play for Ireland - if they wished to have an International career.

Players would not have the choice to play for a British team, under current Statutes, unless they met one of the existing criteria - even though a player would have British Citizenship and identify themselves solely as British.

Theoretically, I suppose there could be a single United Kingdom team in years to come - in that scenario, there would be a clear choice for players.

[BonnieShels]

They're only choice in a UI scenario, under current Statutes, would be to play for Ireland - if they wished to have an International career.

Players would not have the choice to play for a British team, under current Statutes, unless they met one of the existing criteria - even though a player would have British Citizenship and identify themselves solely as British.

Theoretically, I suppose there could be a single United Kingdom team in years to come - in that scenario, there would be a clear choice for players.

But why would it be an issue?

So how do you propose you resolve that (non-)issue... Maybe have a single team solely for those of a unionist Irish tradition... Maybe call it Northern Ireland?

Again you are applying the world you know with the world that you don't (no more than I do). But it seems like the idea of feeling "British" within a United Ireland set up wouldn't be much of a problem given that the IRFU, ICU and IHA seem to already have that covered.

[Not Brazil]

But why would it be an issue?

So how do you propose you resolve that (non-)issue.

Hypothetically, it could be an issue because some footballers born on this island with British Citizenship might want to play International football for a team that represents their (solely) British identity and, under current FIFA Statutes, that would not be possible (unless the player met the criteria to play for one of the British Associations ie. parent etc.

I don't propose anything to solve it, because it's a non issue.

[BonnieShels]

Hypothetically, it could be an issue because some footballers born on this island with British Citizenship might want to play International football for a team that represents their (solely) British identity and, under current FIFA Statutes, that would not be possible (unless the player met the criteria to play for one of the British Associations ie. parent etc.

I don't propose anything to solve it, because it's a non issue.

But there is no team that represents a "sole" British identity, and there never has been.

There have been teams representing the four distinct nationalities of the United Kingdom since the beginning of soccer unless we start to talk about the Olympic teams and to be honest that has always missed the Irish boat both United and Northern.

[Not Brazil]

But there is no team that represents a "sole" British identity, and there never has been.

There have been teams representing the four distinct nationalities of the United Kingdom since the beginning of soccer

There are currently four Associations that require British Citizenship in order to represent them.

Hypothetically, if there was a single Irish team, I would want players from this island with British Citizenship (and who identify as solely British) to have the choice to play for either Ireland or any one of the British Associations. That would seem fair to me.

[BonnieShels]

There are currently four Associations that require British Citizenship in order to represent them.

Hypothetically, if there was a single Irish team, I would want players from this island with British Citizenship (and who identify as solely British) to have the choice to play for either Ireland or any one of the British Associations. That would seem fair to me.

There are currently 4 associations that require British citizenship (along with other unique criteria) and there always has been.

However, as I said, there is no singular association that "solely" represents "the British identity".

In the event that there is a United Irish nation and presuming the FAI and IFA follow suit and merge as a result of the geopolitical changes then why would the FAW, FA and SFA need to step into the breach for those that feel alienated about their "Britishness" not being represented by the Irish team.

The RFU, SRU and WRU don't seem to need to step in!

[Dodge]

There are currently 4 associations that require British citizenship (along with other unique criteria) and there always has been.

To be clear, the 'unique criteria' you mention is only set by themselves, and in some instances ignored. British citizens from the Channel Islands for example can choose to play for any of the home nations. Trevor Wood (born in Jersey, residing in England) had no link to Northern Ireland when he played for them for example.

[Not Brazil]

There are currently 4 associations that require British citizenship (along with other unique criteria) and there always has been.

However, as I said, there is no singular association that "solely" represents "the British identity".

In the event that there is a United Irish nation and presuming the FAI and IFA follow suit and merge as a result of the geopolitical changes then why would the FAW, FA and SFA need to step into the breach for those that feel alienated about their "Britishness" not being represented by the Irish team.

Hypothetically, it would be FIFA who would be required to step in.

I don't believe that a player from this island who solely identifies as British, and has British Citizenship, should ever have to play for an International team that he does not feel represents his Nationality/Identity, or else be denied an International career.

In the same way that any player from Northern Ireland who solely identifies as Irish, and has Citizenship of the the Republic Of Ireland, should not be forced to play for an International team that he does not feel represents his Nationality/Identity, or else be denied an International career.

Rugby is a bad analogy - as there never was a choice.

[Not Brazil]

To be clear, the 'unique criteria' you mention is only set by themselves

The "unique criteria" Bonnie mentions is actually a FIFA Eligibility Statute.

[Dodge]

The "unique criteria" Bonnie mentions is actually a FIFA Eligibility Statute.

But like I said, it can be ignored Such as the Trevor Wood example. I've no issue at all with any British citizens playing for any of England, Scotland, wales should there be a Unified Ireland team

[ArdeeBhoy]

Yeah, but why would they want them? They have enough rubbish of their own...

[Not Brazil]

But like I said, it can be ignored Such as the Trevor Wood example. I've no issue at all with any British citizens playing for any of England, Scotland, wales should there be a Unified Ireland team

I think "ignored" is not the right terminology Dodge.

The salient Statute deals with players born in Northern Ireland, England, Scotland & Wales - there have been anomolies, such as Channel Islanders.

[BonnieShels]

To be clear, the 'unique criteria' you mention is only set by themselves, and in some instances ignored. British citizens from the Channel Islands for example can choose to play for any of the home nations. Trevor Wood (born in Jersey, residing in England) had no link to Northern Ireland when he played for them for example.

The use of the phrase "unique criteria" was meant to convey that it solely applies to the 4 UK associations. I'm sorry if it confused the matter and then became a point of discussion.

Now, whether Dodge or NB do or don't mind northern born citizens who are eligible to be citizens of the hypothtical State of Great Britain to play for the soccer teams of Scotland, Wales or England is irrelevant.
In this hypothetical scenario why would the FA, SFA and FAW need to be involved at all when Ireland would have it's own national team.

It is you NB, that says that their "Britishness" wouldn't be represented in this new entity. I don't see how it couldn't but be represented for if we were to get to the point where a UI is possible then we would have to assume that the Unionist minority on the Island have been appeased in some way shape or form in order for such an eventuality to transpire. Especially as at that stage the soccer team wouldn't exactly be that difficult a hurdle to overcome!

[Not Brazil]

It is you NB, that says that their "Britishness" wouldn't be represented in this new entity. I don't see how it couldn't but be represented for if we were to get to the point where a UI is possible then we would have to assume that the Unionist minority on the Island have been appeased in some way shape or form in order for such an eventuality to transpire. Especially as at that stage the soccer team wouldn't exactly be that difficult a hurdle to overcome!

Hypothetically, a "unified" Irish State, and in consequence it's football Association, would have challenges regarding inclusive representation - New Anthem, new flag etc.

It's not an issue, so little point in trying to secondguess how that would all pan out.

[BonnieShels]

Hypothetically, a "unified" Irish State, and in consequence it's football Association, would have challenges regarding inclusive representation - New Anthem, new flag etc.

It's not an issue, so little point in trying to secondguess how that would all pan out.

Of course it would have challenges. The reasoning behind my argument were your repeated statements alluding to the lack of inclusivity of this "new" State for those of a Unionist bent.

It harks back frightfully to Carson.

[Not Brazil]

Of course it would have challenges. The reasoning behind my argument were your repeated statements alluding to the lack of inclusivity of this "new" State for those of a Unionist bent.

Regardless of the "inclusivity" of such a, hypothetical, State, many people within it would remain British Citizens, and identify solely as "British" - as would be their absolute right. In terms of their Citizenship and Identity nothing would change for them in a singular Irish State. That's all sorted.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Yeah, but for once I agree with NB. This hypothetical situation may well play out one day but is a long way off, whilst international football representation rights are going to be at the bottom of its list of priorities, FFS.