BBC Sport reported that Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill said the rules around international eligibility are “not particularly fair” after Arsenal teenager Ceadach O'Neill was included in his squad for the Nations League quadruple-header. The comments came amid a fresh approach from the Republic of Ireland to the player, who has already won two senior caps for Northern Ireland.
O'Neill said his main concern was the pressure placed on young players to make an irreversible decision before they have established themselves as professionals. Under FIFA rules cited in the report, a player who makes an appearance in the upcoming Nations League matches would have to wait until he is 21 to switch, while reaching four caps would remove the option altogether.
The report also noted the wider eligibility backdrop for players born in Northern Ireland, who can be eligible for the Republic of Ireland as well. O'Neill said Northern Ireland's focus remains on protecting players and strengthening its pathway for young talent.
What remains unconfirmed
- Whether Ceadach O'Neill will play in the upcoming Nations League matches.
- Whether he will later choose to change international allegiance.