UUP offers to support appeal against FIFA ruling

The Ulster Unionist Party is offering to support a possible challenge to the FIFA ruling that footballers born in the North can play for the Republic if they choose.

The party's deputy leader, Danny Kennedy, has written to the Irish Football Association seeking a meeting to discuss the matter.

He has offered any support the UUP can provide if the IFA decides to challenge the ruling, which still has to be ratified by the FIFA executive.

Mr Kennedy says the decision is a recipe for confusion and would damage the quality of the Northern Ireland football team.