FAI reject Zurich compromise

The FAI was seen to be in open conflict with FIFA yesterday after the parent body had refused to support the Irish association in its implementation of the five-day release rule for next Wednesday's European championship game against Yugoslavia in Belgrade.

In an astonishing exchange of fax messages, FIFA recommended what they termed a "pragmatic solution" and exhorted the FAI to agree to a reduction in the release clause, to enable players to fulfil club fixtures at the weekend.

In response, Merrion Square accused FIFA of violating its own rules and effectively compromising the integrity of the Euro 2000 championship.

As of now, the seven English clubs who sought exemption from the rule, Wimbledon, Charlton Athletic, Leeds United, Blackburn, West Bromwich, Tranmere Rovers and Bury would seem to be in a position to select their Ireland players.

Even more disturbing from Mick McCarthy's viewpoint is that other clubs such as Manchester United, Liverpool and Sunderland may now believe that they have permission to select their Irish players.

Asked if this was a fair interpretation of yesterday's FIFA communique, a spokesman said: "Yes, as I understand it, that is the case".

It is the first time that FIFA have been asked to stand over a rule they, themselves, introduced to protect national federations from the self interests of clubs, required to provide players for national teams. And in that context, the Irish application and that of the Yugoslav Federation, who petitioned on the same grounds, is a watershed.

Because of the legal connotations in the dispute, some of FIFA's top officials, were consulted before the players' status committee, chaired by the Tunisian, Slim Aloulou, a member of FIFA's executive committee, delivered its judgement.

A statement issued in Zurich said: "The bureau of the FIFA status committee has advocated a flexible approach by the two national associations concerned, towards the clubs by discussing with them, a reduction of the release period. The bureau specifically suggested that the clubs release the players in question, immediately after their league championship matches".

In rejecting the proposal, the FAI's chief executive, Bernard O'Byrne said: "The reason we're doing so, is that Yugoslavia has a far stronger squad of players than we do. If they suffered injuries this weekend, they would still be in a position to field a strong team. If the same thing happened Ireland, we would not have the depth of reserve talent to cope.

"If FIFA were to go ahead with this proposal, they would compromise the integrity of the competition. Every team should play on a level surface. I have now sent another fax to FIFA, requesting that the rules of the competition be upheld.

"There may be a sub plot here with Spanish and Italian clubs applying pressure over their Yugoslav players. But if FIFA don't adhere to the rules, they undermine everything and if we show weakness, we will be trodden on. That's not going to happen."

Asked to comment on the situation, Mick McCarthy said: "As I understand it, this is only a suggestion by FIFA. In that situation, we are dealing with the hypothetical and it would be wrong of me to offer any comment."

Mark Kinsella, the Charlton midfielder who is one of the players at the centre of the dispute said: "We have an important game on Saturday and I don't want to miss any games for the club. Neither do I wish to jeopardise my international career. If England were involved I doubt if this situation would ever have arisen."

McCarthy had planned to assemble his full squad on Saturday, with a training session that afternoon and two further sessions on Sunday, before the squad's departure to Belgrade at noon on Monday.

McCarthy's main reason for digging in on the implementation of the rule, is the fear of key players being injured over the weekend.

On a broader scale, the dispute has implications for every national team manager. If FIFA are seen to waver under the threat of possible legal action by the clubs, the five-day rule is effectively, obsolete.

Apart from those players involved in Saturday's club programme, Gary Breen will be in action for Coventry against Everton on Sunday while Rory Delap is due to assist Derby County against Nottingham Forest on Monday evening, a full six hours after the Irish squad is due in Belgrade.

A disturbing feature of the saga is that the managers of three of the seven dissenting clubs, are former Republic of Ireland players. Ironically, Joe Kinnear (Wimbledon), David O'Leary (Leeds United) and John Aldridge (Tranmere) are all thought to harbour hope of managing the national team at some stage in the future.