Michael O’Neill Clarifies Comments Regarding International Eligibility

Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill has released a statement addressing a recent interview he gave to The Irish Daily Mail. In the interview O’Neill stated that he thought it was unfair that the FAI were able to cherry pick players born north of the border.

During the course of the interview O’Neill suggested that the FAI only went for the North’s Catholic players.

“The FAI only ever approach one type of player: Catholic.”

O’Neill has moved to clarify his stance on the issue. He insists his comments were not a pointed attack on the FAI but that he was merely answering the questions put to him during the interview.

“For me, eligibility is not, and should not, be a political issue. Nor should it be a religious issue. For me, eligibility is a football issue,” O’Neill stated in his statement released through the Irish FA.

He was also keen to stress that while his comments regarding the FAI may not have been glowing, he was fully aware that the organisation has never broken any rules or guidelines while approaching players born in the North.

“The FAI correctly states it has broken no rules in approaching young Northern Ireland players requesting they switch allegiance to the Republic of Ireland.”

O’Neill also took the chance to reiterate his concerns regarding young players applying for international transfers that cannot be overturned.

“My concerns lie specifically with players aged 17-21 in the underage set-ups.
“I've seen a heavy price paid by too many talented young players; players who have transferred their allegiance to a country that ultimately doesn't rate them, nor play them - creating an international vacuum for the player that signals a wholly different outcome to the career that they may have had.”

He goes on to suggest a means of compromise that can theoretically ensure the development of young players is not hindered by the spotlight cast by a scrap for declaration.

 “If a young player has chosen to represent Northern Ireland at U17, U19 or U21 level, that he is allowed to develop in these crucial formative years without the responsibility of having to make a decision regarding his international allegiance that is binding for the rest of his career.”