O’Neill Clarifies Eligibility Row

Northern Ireland Head Coach Michael O’Neill caused a row with his comments last week that the FAI favours Catholic players. The manager wants increased transparency over player eligibility after having issues with the Football Association and losing talented youngsters to the Republic of Ireland.

O’Neill lost players like Shane Duffy, Darron Gibson and James McClean who all opted to play for the Republic’s senior side despite representing Northern Ireland at the youth level. The coach’s comments caused a row when it was published on the Irish Daily Mail that he said the FAI “only ever” targets Catholic to play for their team. Read more »