[funkdoctorspock]

I had this news bit to post, but I wanted to wait until the final verdict was rendered before posting it.

Are there similar instances where countries that are bordering use certain agreements as a basis for claiming players?

Figured this could have been avoided before it was taken to Fifa. Like Ireland could have called him up before he played with Northern Ireland.

Republic in hollow Gibson victory

Darron Gibson decided to play for the Republic of Ireland

Fifa has told the the Republic of Ireland they can keep the services of Northern Ireland-born Darron Gibson.

However, the Republic have lost the battle with Northern Ireland over the eligibility of players in the future.

Fifa has ruled that the FAI may no longer quote the Good Friday Agreement as a reason for drafting up players born on the island of Ireland.

The FAI can now only use players born in the Republic, or whose parents or grandparents are born in the Republic.

The world governing body will not impose any sanction over Gibson's involvement for the Republic of Ireland in the Euro 2008 qualifiers.

The 19-year-old Gibson is currently on loan from Manchester United at Wolves but is suffering from a broken toe.

The Derry teenager played for NI at underage level before switching to the Republic and he earned a full cap in last month's Euro 2008 qualifer in Slovakia.

Before Tuesday's ruling the IFA had said that Fifa rules made clear that Gibson should not be allowed to play for the Republic because neither the player, nor his parents or his grandparents were born south of the border.

However, the FAI insisted that the player was qualified to play for the Republic under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, which states that anybody born in Northern Ireland is entitled to Irish citizenship.

Gibson earned his first Republic cap in the friendly win over Denmark in August.

The midfielder was a late call-up for that game after Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington had revealed that he was trying to persuade the player to switch allegiance from the Republic.

Gibson played for Northern Ireland U16s but then opted for the Republic.

Since then he has played for the Republic U17, U19, U21 sides before winning two full caps with the senior team.
Click

Here is the earlier newsbit:

Fifa to hear Gibson submissions

Staunton wants to keep Gibson in the Republic set-up

Darron Gibson's international future is still in the balance with a Football Association of Ireland delegation to meet with Fifa officials next week.

The 19-year-old is at the centre of a dispute between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The Derryman played for NI at underage level before switching to the Republic and he earned a full cap in last month's Euro 2008 qualifer in Slovakia.

The Irish FA have already made their submission to Fifa.

The IFA says that Fifa rules make clear that Gibson should not be allowed to play for the Republic because neither the player, nor his parents or his grandparents were born south of the border.

However, the FAI insists that the player is qualified to play for the Republic under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement which states that anybody born in Northern Ireland is entitled to Irish citizenship.

Gibson, who plays for Manchester United, earned his first Republic cap in the friendly win over Denmark in August.

The Derryman was a late call-up for that game by Steve Staunton after Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington had revealed that he was trying to persuade the player to switch allegiance from the Republic.

Gibson played for Northern Ireland U16s but then opted for the Republic.

Since then, the Derryman has earned U17, U19, U21 and his two full caps for the Republic.

Gibson is currently injured so he is not on duty for the Republic in this week's Euro 2008 qualifiers or the European Under-21 Championship.
Click