FIFA put block on Killarney import

A 17-year-old Slovakian footballer has been blocked by FIFA from playing for Killarney Celtic in Kerry.

Peter Gunda is studying at St Brendan’s College in the town under a scholarship from the Slovak government but, despite the efforts of Killarney Celtic and the FAI, he has been refused clearance by the world governing body to play youth and junior soccer for the club – apparently on the basis that last year’s double winners in Kerry do not provide a fit base for a young man of his ability to further his football education.

This despite the fact that Gunda is an amateur player who has not signed for his club back in Slovakia, FC Nitre, for the current season. Nitre, whencontacted by Killarney Celtic, had no objection to him playing there this year.

With advice from the FAI, Celtic sought international clearance for the player, but after a protracted period this was denied by FIFA on the grounds that the club is not capable of handling the player’s soccer education. Attempts to seek an exemption have yet to receive a response from FIFA.

Gunda has continued training with Killarney Celtic and made a guest appearance in the recent pre-season friendly against Shamrock Rovers at Celtic Park – an occasion when the home facilities were lavishly praised by Hoops boss Michael O’Neill.

Killarney Celtic have expressed their disappointment with FIFA’s decision, the club saying that it prides itself on providing soccer for the wider community in Killarney and on its top class facilities.