Eligibility rules 'not particularly fair' - O'Neill

What the report says

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill has criticised the current international eligibility system, saying the part that troubles him most is the pressure placed on young players to make an irreversible decision. His comments come amid renewed attention on Arsenal teenager Ceadach O’Neill, who has already won two senior caps for Northern Ireland, was named in the squad for the Nations League, and has also reportedly been approached by the Republic of Ireland.

BBC Sport reports that under FIFA rules, players born in Northern Ireland can represent either Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland, but a transfer of international allegiance can only be made once. That means Ceadach O’Neill’s options could narrow further if he adds more caps for Northern Ireland in the coming matches. Michael O’Neill said he feels a duty of care to the player and argued that associations should not push youngsters into choosing before they have established themselves as professionals.

The article also places the issue in a wider historical and political context, noting the unique eligibility situation created by the Good Friday Agreement and later arbitration ruling. BBC Sport says O’Neill accepts that national associations use eligibility rules as part of squad-building, but believes this specific rule is unfair. He added that Northern Ireland must focus on developing its own pathway for young players from all communities while allowing players time to develop before making a permanent choice.