Eligibility Rules, Okay

Just a random thought - why do the FAI not play some "home" International matches at The Brandywell?

You too miss the point, NB, that you feel obliged, rather tediously, to reply to every post on the subject...

Originally Posted by Not Brazil

Not really.

At Under 19 level, players should know where their dream/heart/loyalties sit.

Those who side with the FAI should pursue that path at that time, with the blessing of the IFA.

If it doesn't work out with the FAI, for whatever reason, the option to switch to the IFA is always there.

But an issue lies in the fact that there seems to be a policy to fast-track certain players through the underage ranks, so clearly the mindset in the IFA is completely at odds with this policy. And by 'certain' I don't mean 'nationalist' (Oliver Norwood is an example of a player being fast-tracked). This fast-tracking may be equally attributable to a dearth of talent in certain ranks up to and including senior, but Shane Duffy's circumstances would suggest other motives.

Furthermore, what are the chances of a player that has been ejected from the IFA's under 19 side actually wanting to return? A unilateral ruling by the IFA which forces the player to decide would surely have a less positive effect than if a lateral position existed between the two parties (the player and the association). Subsequently, what would the chances of a player that has self-consciously taken this decision to declare for the FAI actually being welcomed back into the fold by the IFA and it's supporters?

Could anyone explain to me why the situation stands that Eunan O'Kane was deemed not good enough to represent the IFA's under 21 side when Noel King deems him of sufficient quality to represent a stronger FAI selection of the same age category?

Originally Posted by Not Brazil

Just a random thought - why do the FAI not play some "home" International matches at The Brandywell?

I can tell you that there has been talk of that within FAI circles very recently.

Originally Posted by Predator

I can tell you that there has been talk of that within FAI circles very recently.

My question was purely coincidental - honest.

Originally Posted by Olé Olé

But an issue lies in the fact that there seems to be a policy to fast-track certain players through the underage ranks, so clearly the mindset in the IFA is completely at odds with this policy. And by 'certain' I don't mean 'nationalist' (Oliver Norwood is an example of a player being fast-tracked). This fast-tracking may be equally attributable to a dearth of talent in certain ranks up to and including senior, but Shane Duffy's circumstances would suggest other motives.










Furthermore, what are the chances of a player that has been ejected from the IFA's under 19 side actually wanting to return? A unilateral ruling by the IFA which forces the player to decide would surely have a less positive effect than if a lateral position existed between the two parties (the player and the association). Subsequently, what would the chances of a player that has self-consciously taken this decision to declare for the FAI actually being welcomed back into the fold by the IFA and it's supporters?

The "fast tracking" is another useful tool that can be utilised by the IFA - wholly legitimate, providing the objectives of the Association are not undermined.

One of the benefits is that players currently in the IFA system face making a decision without undue procrastination.

Going forward, the need for "fast tracking" would diminish if the IFA adopt a strategy of seeking a simple statement of preferred intention from players ready to play at Under 19 level.

It wouldn't be a case of "ejecting" a player at Under 19, more a case of facilitating the persuit of the player's preferred intention.

This, of course, would not have to be a "written in stone" rule at the IFA.

A player subsequently seeking a switch from the FAI to the IFA, for whatever reason, would be considered on merit by the IFA.

Originally Posted by Predator

I can tell you that there has been talk of that within FAI circles very recently.

Is the Brandywell fit to host such events?

Originally Posted by The Fly

Age is a distraction.

Far from it. When FIFA bring in new rules or regs they do so mindful of the need to ensure that they will be able to operate them globally. To this end they must and do acknowledge the "Age of Majority" to help ensure that any age related rules and regs are actually workable globally. Hence any thoughts of asking for players to make decisions on nationality etc must too bear this in mind.

Originally Posted by DannyInvincible

Is the Brandywell fit to host such events?

Probably not, but if the FAI could squeeze a couple of hundred/thousand into the Brandywell at a 5er a pop, they'd be happy I'm sure. Obviously it would be under age internationals only, possibly even for the current under 21 campaign.

I gather that Noel King and some of the players consider the Showgrounds to be a bit of a fortress though (they haven't lost there yet and the crowds have been great). Naturally, however, some of the Dubs are a bit unhappy with the three hour journey to the West coast.

Originally Posted by Not Brazil

There will be no official FAI training camps on the territory of the IFA.

Not in Nationalist areas, not in Loyalist areas , not in mixed areas and not in areas where people don't care much for that kind of stuff.

Official FAI camps will be held on the territory of the FAI, funded by the taxpayers of the Republic Of Ireland, where Govt funding is required.

Hope that clears any doubt up on that issue.

It certainly doesn't clear anything up! Its a great idea and would settle the issue once and for all.

Windsor Park would actually be a great location, its very close to the M1 & the FAI could do wonders for community relations.

A walkabout in The Village with John Delaney perhaps?

Would the FAI require permission from FIFA to fund training camps north of the border anyway?

Originally Posted by DannyInvincible

Would the FAI require permission from FIFA to fund training camps north of the border anyway?

I doubt it. Training camps occur all over the world. Britain and mainland Europe have seen FAI (even IFA) training camps, I'm sure.

Originally Posted by DannyInvincible

Would the FAI require permission from FIFA to fund training camps north of the border anyway?

Do England and other nations not train in Spain frequently? Is permission required?
But do Derry City have to seek IFA permission for FAI teams to train there? I doubt it is FAI teams play there every other week...

Originally Posted by dantheman

Windsor Park would actually be a great location, its very close to the M1 & the FAI could do wonders for community relations.

A walkabout in The Village with John Delaney perhaps?

I enjoy your sense of humour dantheman.

As an aside, Windsor Park has hosted an All Ireland International Team in recent times, for a competitive match.

If the money from the FAI is right, I"ll have a word in the right, Linfield FC, ears.

Originally Posted by Mr_Parker

Far from it. When FIFA bring in new rules or regs they do so mindful of the need to ensure that they will be able to operate them globally. To this end they must and do acknowledge the "Age of Majority" to help ensure that any age related rules and regs are actually workable globally. Hence any thoughts of asking for players to make decisions on nationality etc must too bear this in mind.

None of which stops the IFA asking an 18 year old adult his career intentions.

The IFA have already beaten the FAI in the running of training camps in the territory of other national associations by many years.

Originally Posted by Mr_Parker

The IFA have already beaten the FAI in the running of training camps in the territory of other national associations by many years.

Go on...

Originally Posted by Mr_Parker

The IFA have already beaten the FAI in the running of training camps in the territory of other national associations by many years.

England.

Anywhere else you're aware of?

Originally Posted by Not Brazil

Insanely funny, all the same.

I don't expect to see any "Loyalists" representing the FAI anytime soon.

Davy Tweed played rugby for Ireland.

Never say never...

Originally Posted by Not Brazil

I don't expect to see any "Loyalists" representing the FAI anytime soon.

Oh i don't know, I hear David Healy is trying to dissuade Jackie McDonald from defecting, even though he's got his Irish passport and is ready to go any day now!!

http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scot...-UDA-boss.html