Club raises concern over West Brom rivals' boss after conflict of interest talk ahead of friendly
One Championship club has reportedly raised concerns over a potential conflict of interest involving Blackburn and Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill.
O’Neill, who is the manager of Northern Ireland, took over as Rovers boss earlier this season as a dual role until the end of the season.
In recent days, there has been talk over a potential conflict of interest - due to the fact a host of players who play their club football with Blackburn’ relegation rivals, are part of O’Neil’s international squad.
One of those is Albion’s Isaac Price - and according to the BBC, Oxford United are one of the club’s uncomfortable about the situation, with four of their players in the squad for a friendly with Wales on Tuesday.
Portsmouth also have a player in the Northern Ireland squad - with Albion, Pompey, Blackburn and Oxford all fighting for survival in the Championship.
The EFL has confirmed that they have been contacted by ‘one or more clubs’ regarding the matter. However, according to reports they have insisted it is not a matter for them.
They explained that the international call-up and release policy is governed by FIFA and the national team and squad selection decisions are made independently by managers.
They also went on to say that they would expect all selection decisions to be taken with integrity and in a way that does not bring the game into disrepute.
They said they would expect all selection decisions to be taken with integrity and in a way that does not bring the game into disrepute.