Nations League brings mixed news for Ireland

Confirmation of Uefa’s new ‘Nations League’ from 2018 — effectively replacing the current system of friendly internationals — delivers mixed news for Ireland.

On the positive side, qualification for the multi-city Euro 2020 finals could be easier as four ‘back-door’ berths will be allocated to the various sections, which could see Ireland in the second bottom of the four, Division C, unless an upturn in competitive qualifiers unfolds before the cut-off date of November 2017.

Conversely, the fruition of Michel Platini’s grand plan diminishes the FAI’s scope for securing money-spinning friendlies, like next June’s showdown with England, during an era that their income will be essential to tackle multi-million debt levels.