Boost for Staunton as Ireland climb three places to 46th in FIFA rankings

UNDER-FIRE Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton has received a timely boost from FIFA, as his team moved up three places in FIFA’s new World Rankings.

The Republic have climbed three places to climb to 46th in the table from January’s 49th position.

Ireland currently stand third in Euro 2008 Qualifying Group D, but their only wins have come against group minnows San Marino, while their other point came from a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic.

However they still have climbed the rankings due to FIFA’s complex system for calculating ranking.

The ranking system is based on results, importance of matches, strength of opponents, the number of goals and whether results achieved were at home or away.

For their part San Marino have dropped one rankings place to 196th in the world — behind countries like Mongolia, Cayman Islands and Somalia but just ahead of Anquilla and the Cook Islands.

The Republic’s laboured last-gasp victory over San Marino this month also sees them leapfrog Northern Ireland, who fell two places to 49th. Northern Ireland drew 0-0 with Wales last week in a friendly match.

Ireland’s next Euro 2008 opponents, Wales, who visit Croke Park on March 24, dropped one place to 75th.

Scotland have equalled their highest ever position in the FIFA world rankings after climbing six places to 20th. The Scots lagged back in 62nd position just one year ago.

England are unchanged in sixth place in the latest list, despite their poor form which has left coach Steve McClaren still waiting for his first victory in charge.

World champions Italy have knocked Brazil off top spot for the first time since November 1993. Brazil had led the rankings for 55 months. Argentina are third, followed by France.

Ireland’s other Group D rivals Germany stay fifth, while the Czech Republic climb to ninth. Slovakia, are 33rd, while Cyprus climb one place to 73rd.

Meanwhile a decision on the future of Shelbourne Football Club has been delayed until 1pm today after a meeting with the FAI’s club licensing body in Dublin yesterday.

Shels were asked to provide further information about the club’s financial situation.

Shelbourne could face sanctions if it is proved they failed to comply with licensing regulations.

This could mean a points deduction or even relegation for the reigning Eircom League champions.

The troubled club could also lose their Champions League place. Without a playing staff or manager, Shels have already pulled out of the Setanta Cup.