A poor result for local football - McCausland

Commenting on today's decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport which ruled against the Irish Football Association's bid to prevent more Northern Ireland-born players opting for the Republic, Sports Minister Nelson McCausland said:

"I am disappointed that the Court of Arbitration for Sport does not appear to have ruled in favour of the Irish Football Association over player eligibility rules.

"I have stated in the past that I support the principle of sports bodies doing everything possible to encourage young talented players from Northern Ireland to go on to represent their country at international level.

“I will, however, want to read the Court’s ruling in full before commenting further.”

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