IFA and FAI to meet in January

The Setanta Sports Cup is a current cross-border competition

Irish FA and Football Association of Ireland representatives will meet next month to discuss the possible expansion of the Setanta Sports Cup.

The introduction of cross-border competitions at other levels, the Uefa U21 Championship bid and refereeing are among other issues to be discussed.

It follows a successful initial meeting between the organisations last year.

However, the controversial issue of NI-born players representing the Republic is not on the agenda.

It centres on the Republic of Ireland's governing body's assertion that it is allowed to pick players born in Northern Ireland, even if they don't have family ties with the south.

The Irish FA will have to go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if it wants to continue its row with the FAI over player eligibility.

Both the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland football bodies claimed victory on Saturday after Fifa said current rules would stay "unchanged".

The January meeting will also discuss commercial opportunities, IT developments and "Watering the Grassroots" coaching conference.

"Our last meeting was very productive and we are looking forward to building on the excellent work that has been achieved since then," said IFA Chief Executive Howard Wells.

A newspaper claimed earlier this month that major clubs from north and south of the border were involved in talks about forming an All-Ireland League.

The discussions are said to be at an advanced stage and firm proposals could be unveiled in January.

The Irish Independent reported that a significant sponsor had been lined up and that a TV company was interested.

The league plan would be on a larger scale that the eight-team Setanta Sports Cup and involve more clubs.

It would require the backing of the IFA and the FAI.