South and East Belfast Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Maskey Welcomes FIFA Move

Published: 7 November, 2007

Alex Maskey MLA has wecomed FIFAs move to ensure that footballers from the six counties can play for Ireland and has said the need for an All Ireland football team has never been greater.

The South Belfast MLA said:

"I welcome this common sense approach by FIFA to allow soccer player from whichever county in Ireland to play for their national team.

"The Good Friday Agreement made provision that everybody born in the six counties is entitled to Irish citizenship.

"My party colleague Paul Maskey had written to FIFA and we view today's news as a success and a move towards an All Ireland soccer team.

"The need for an All Ireland soccer team has now never been greater."