FAI...New Manager is Heimir Hallgrimsson

[JollyGreenGiant]

In 1999 Ireland displayed a wonderful sign of solidarity with the Kosovan people by refusing to play Yugoslavia (issue them visas), while the Serbo-supremacist Yugoslavian government perpetrated genocide. I really wish the lessons of that era could be learned and applied today. There is almost an irony that this issue is unfolding on the same weekend as we played an independent Kosovo team.

[trueblue1234]

For the players, surely the pull is representing your country. And if the country you're representing doesn't want you there, you'd think that would make some think twice about fulfilling the fixture. That's before you look at your own feelings on the genocide in Gaza. It's a lose lose situation by playing the game.
Is there any hope of a U-turn?

[Armagh18]

Seen on another forum, FAI had been told they would lose the hosting rights of the Euros if they pull out. I'd not care to be honest.

Wouldn't be surprised if there's been some talks at government level with US threats to pull business or economic stuff too.

Ultimately, nothing would make me more proud to be Irish than the team not playing that match. Easy to say as an Irish fan living in the north though.

I'd rather they went ahead and took the euros. Small price to pay, UEFA and FIFA are a f**king joke.

[weareros]

To hell with the Euros. Most games are in Britain anyway. In 10 years when the full extent of the killing is known (the Hamas Ministry of Health is nonsense - it's far higher, the whole strip is flattened with bodies underneath), UEFA will have to apologise. That's assuming truth will ever come out - it may never. The Riviera for settlers will be built over the truth, and death toll covered up forever.

[weareros]

I see North won 1-0 away to higher ranked Georgia. Perhaps there is truth that they are better that current Irish team, even without a huge amount of talent. Ceadach O'Neill got thrown in at end, which ties him to North for 3 years, one more cap and it's for good. He had already made his mind up and FAI and the Irish media embarrassed themselves going after him when it was already too late.

[SaffronSports]

Who is better between the North and South is like two bald fellas fighting over a comb.

[weareros]

Who is better between the North and South is like two bald fellas fighting over a comb.

Indeed. Never a truer word spoken.

[Silver hill]

Lads, the FAI are a complete shambles and an embarrassment to the country and have been since Delaney was at the helm. Starting with their recruitment. How in under God was Conor Bradley not highlighted and pursued. IFA are flat out courting these guys from a young age. Michael o'neill is never down meeting them and making them feel wanted. The mindset in the south seems to be that these boys will come anyway, serious arrogance on display. Caodach O'neill should have been an open door for the Republic given his background and tradition. There are other good players there in the 16-17 bracket that they should be actively pursuing  now. Joel Kerr at West Ham and Eamonn Tohill at Middlesbrough spring to mind

[harryR]

Lads, the FAI are a complete shambles and an embarrassment to the country and have been since Delaney was at the helm. Starting with their recruitment. How in under God was Conor Bradley not highlighted and pursued. IFA are flat out courting these guys from a young age. Michael o'neill is never down meeting them and making them feel wanted. The mindset in the south seems to be that these boys will come anyway, serious arrogance on display. Caodach O'neill should have been an open door for the Republic given his background and tradition. There are other good players there in the 16-17 bracket that they should be actively pursuing  now. Joel Kerr at West Ham and Eamonn Tohill at Middlesbrough spring to mind

Last night Patrick Kelly and Cedach O'Neill both represented the north, while both had grown up playing Gaelic for Eoghan Rua Coleraine and Kilrea. I would find it hard to believe they have grown up and have wanted to represent the north. I would hazard a guess that they have both dreamt of playing for Ireland growing up. Add in Conor Bradley and probably loads more similar.

[Armagh18]

Lads, the FAI are a complete shambles and an embarrassment to the country and have been since Delaney was at the helm. Starting with their recruitment. How in under God was Conor Bradley not highlighted and pursued. IFA are flat out courting these guys from a young age. Michael o'neill is never down meeting them and making them feel wanted. The mindset in the south seems to be that these boys will come anyway, serious arrogance on display. Caodach O'neill should have been an open door for the Republic given his background and tradition. There are other good players there in the 16-17 bracket that they should be actively pursuing  now. Joel Kerr at West Ham and Eamonn Tohill at Middlesbrough spring to mind

Last night Patrick Kelly and Cedach O'Neill both represented the north, while both had grown up playing Gaelic for Eoghan Rua Coleraine and Kilrea. I would find it hard to believe they have grown up and have wanted to represent the north. I would hazard a guess that they have both dreamt of playing for Ireland growing up. Add in Conor Bradley and probably loads more similar.

Must be something wrong with their heads.

[Armagh18]

Rumours a few players planning on boycotting. Fair play.

[JohnDenver]

Rumours a few players planning on boycotting. Fair play.

Looking likely with press conference postponed.

FAI are a disgrace putting the players in the position, but if it transpires as it looks to be that they will refuse to play, then fair play indeed to those making a stand

[Armagh18]

Rumours a few players planning on boycotting. Fair play.

Looking likely with press conference postponed.

FAI are a disgrace putting the players in the position, but if it transpires as it looks to be that they will refuse to play, then fair play indeed to those making a stand

Gavin Bazunu the man leading it apparently.

Legend

[marty34]

Should have been sorted months ago.

[trileacman]

The best outcome is for a few players to refuse to play and for UEFA to do f**k all about punishing Ireland. One that precedent is set then pretty much every European team that has to play Israel will play them missing a good few of their players. Once that becomes established practice then a full boycott is almost guaranteed in 1-2 years.

hopefully today marks the thin end of the wedge.