FAI and IFA reject Ahern's unification proposal

Both the FAI and Irish FA are distancing themselves from statements by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern that an All-Ireland national soccer team should be introduced.

Ahern made his comments at last night's Irish Soccer Writers Awards in Dundalk.

IFA president Jim Boyce said he was shocked, while the FAI have issued a statement saying they are satisfied with their already-close links with the IFA.