CAS upholds FIFA eligibility rule
Daniel Kearns was born in Belfast but wanted to play for the Republic of Ireland
Friday July 30 2010
Sport's highest court has upheld a FIFA ruling allowing players born in Northern Ireland to play international football for the Republic of Ireland.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport dismissed an appeal by the Northern Ireland federation, which claimed the Republic of Ireland "poached" teenage forward Daniel Kearns.
He was born in Belfast and played youth internationals for Northern Ireland.
CAS upheld FIFA's decision that Kearns had dual nationality and could choose which team to represent.
FIFA's rules allow players with dual eligibility to switch sides before they play a competitive senior international match.
CAS said it would give its full reasons next week.
