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INDEPENDENT IRELAND HAS called for the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland international soccer teams to be merged into “one super soccer team”.
Its leader Michael Collins also called for the League of Ireland and NIFL Premiership in the North to be merged.
Speaking to reporters today, Collins described it as a “subject close to my own heart” and said that “it’s time a debate took place in relation to Irish soccer”.
The Republic of Ireland men’s team played Portugal on Saturday night and narrowly lost out 1-0 following an injury time winner.
Caoimhin Kelleher saved a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty but it wasn’t enough to secure a much-needed point in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland last night put in a good performance in a 1-0 defeat at home to Germany.
Northern Ireland has six points on the board with four games played, while the Republic of Ireland flounder with a mere point after three games played and face a must-win game against Armenia tonight.
Collins noted that the Republic of Ireland men’s team is “struggling” while Northern Ireland put up what he described as a “gallant display” against Germany.
“But unfortunately, apart, we’re not going to progress to where we could together,” said Collins.
He said it’s now “time that a debate took place to amalgamate” both teams and to “make one super soccer team going forward”.
He added that this would also include amalgamating the League of Ireland and the NIFL Premiership “to make one super club league”.
Collins also described the proposal as a “peaceful way for Ireland to progress unity through sport” and added that lessons could be learned from rugby and the GAA.
He also said that Independent Ireland has made contact with the Irish Football Association in the North, the FAI, and the sports ministers.
“It won’t happen overnight and there will be people objecting against it,” warned Collins.
But he added: “We have to look at the greater good, that we will have a strong international soccer team in this country that can take on the world.”
Collins also said he is “willing to meet with anyone to progress the issue”.
He also said he would like to see the issue remain “outside the politics, the same as what happened with rugby”.
Collins said there “will be division initially” and recommended that the proposal start with club leagues first and then progress to merging the international sides.
“I don’t want people screaming and roaring,” said Collins.
“Instead, look at opportunities, look at is it a benefit to this country, is it a benefit to sports, because unity is the way forward and I think this is an opportunity.”
Collins was also asked if the proposed new national team would sing Ireland’s Call or Amhrán na bhFiann. He said this was a “good question” and that it “could do both”, as is the case at home games for the Irish rugby team.
“There will be opposition,” said Collins, “but people need to look at the greater good because if we have one strong, united Irish team going forward, there’ll be nothing to stop us.”
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