You're very confused. You should read this carefully:
DAILY MIRROR 26th JANUARY 1999 (Alex McCreevy)
THE FAI and the IFA believe they have strengthened a gentleman's agreement to kerb the free movement of players between the associations.
They have also agreed that from next season a new cross-border cup competition will be staged between the European entrants of the Irish league and the National League.
The IFA last week admitted it was concerned by the loss of several Northern Ireland born youngsters who were opting to play for the Republic.
After a meeting of soccer's Irish governing bodies in Belfast yesterday, IFA President Jim Boyce said he was "extremely happy," with the outcome of all items on the agenda.
"The issue of Northern Ireland's eligible players opting to play for the Republic was discussed at length with the FAI," said Boyce.
"It was also stressed that if a player made an approach himself, there was little the FAI could do unless FIFA was to change legislation. That, we accept. But at least we have agreed to notify one another should this happen.''
FAI chief executive Bernard O'Byrne claimed there was no bitterness on either side when the matter was discussed.
"There was a very positive atmosphere about this meeting and we look forward to sitting down with the IFA again within the next six months," said O'Byrne.
In a statement released last night, the FAI claimed the Association is the "first to recognise the extensive development programme of the IFA and congratulate them on their progress to date.
"The FAI acknowledge that this is a cross-community scheme and undertook to continue its policy of not approaching players born in Northern Ireland for the Republic of Ireland international teams.
"However, any player that opts to declare for the Republic of Ireland and notifies the FAI of this will be considered for selection."
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