FIFA’S RULING ALLOWING players born in Northern Ireland to play for the Republic, has been upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The court dismissed an appeal by the Northern Ireland soccer federation to FIFA’s rule.

The Northern Irish body claimed that Daniel Kearns was the latest player poached by the Republic of Ireland. Kearns, who has dual citizenship, switched his allegiance to the national side of the Republic after playing for Northern Ireland at youth level.

Man United player Darron Gibson, Porsmouth’s Marc Wilson and Everton’s Shane Duffy have all switched over to the Republic’s team.

The North’s Irish Football Association said it was disappointed by the Swiss court’s ruling, but wished Kearns the “best of luck in his future footballing career.”

The FIFA ruling means that players born in either the North or the Republic can play for the other team, even if they do not have a parent or grandparent from there. Players can only change their nationality before playing a senior competitive game.