The Irish Football Association (IFA) was opposed to the match, seeing it as setting a precedent which might encourage moves for the IFA to merge with the FAI. Further, the Republic of Ireland manager, Liam Tuohy, who also managed this team, subsequently disclosed that the FAI also had reservations.
The Irish Football Association (IFA) and the FAI had reservations about the match, fearing it could set a precedent for future mergers between the two organizations. Liam Tuohy, who managed both teams, shared these concerns.