Abstract
The issue of player eligibility in Irish soccer is a controversial one. When given the opportunity, players born in Northern Ireland should represent that country at senior international level. However, talented footballers from the Catholic community in Northern Ireland are defecting to the Republic of Ireland in ever increasing numbers. Motivated by a range of factors, from socio‐political beliefs to sporting pragmatism, these players benefit from a degree of laxity within FIFA’s regulations dealing with eligibility in the international arena. This issue has been given particular focus in recent times following the high‐profile defection of Manchester United’s Darron Gibson from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland. Gibson’s decision was especially noteworthy as he failed to meet any of the criteria deemed necessary to permit such a move. This essay examines the role of the key actors in this process, which has resulted in Northern Ireland, a country with a limited pool of suitable personnel at this level, losing some of its most talented players to its neighbour and one of its fiercest rivals.
Published Version
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