CAS upholds FIFA rule on Ireland

Sport's highest court has upheld a FIFA ruling allowing players born in Northern Ireland to play international soccer for the Republic of Ireland.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport on Friday dismissed an appeal by the Northern Ireland federation, which claimed Ireland "poached" teenage forward Daniel Kearns. He was born in Belfast and played youth international matches for Northern Ireland.

CAS upheld FIFA's decision that Kearns had dual nationality and could choose which team to represent.

FIFA's rules allow players with dual eligibility to switch sides before they play a competitive senior international match.

CAS said it would give its full reasons next week.