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.

The essentials of the rather complex tournament announced yesterday are as follows; Uefa’s 54 nations will be split into four divisions, with a further sub-section of four groups contained within each. After nations have played six matches in the group stage from Sept to Nov 2018, the winners of each sub-section progresses to a knockout phase to determine the victors of each division.

For example, the winners of the four groups in Division A — which will be made up of the strongest teams — will play semi-finals and final in June 2019 to become the Uefa Nations League champions.

“The key driver of the Uefa Nations League is sporting integrity, as member associations, coaches, players and supporters increasingly feel that friendly internationals are not providing adequate sporting competition,” read a Uefa statement.

“In addition, the competition will help Uefa realise its stated goal of improving the quality and standing of national team football while maintaining the balance between club and international football.

“The competition will establish the Uefa Nations League champions every odd year while also allowing all nations to play competitively at their level.” Also confirmed yesterday by the European governing body were plans to continue granting the top two nations from each of the Euro 2020 group places at the finals.

Due to international dates being taken up by the Nations League, it means those Euro 2020 qualifiers will be condensed into a six-month blitz between March and November 2019 with no play-offs for third-placed finishers.

Dublin was announced in September as one of 13 cities to host the 2020 finals, which will culminate in the semis and final being staged at Wembley Stadium.