In 1923, during a period when the home nations had dis-affiliated from the governing body,[1] the FAI was recognised by FIFA as the governing body of the Irish Free State on the condition that it changed its name to the Football Association of the Irish Free State.
[2] At the same time, the IFA continued to organise its national team on an all-Ireland basis, regularly calling up Free State players.
[3][4] During this era at least one Northerner, Harry Chatton, also played for the Irish Free State and from 1936, the FAI began to organise their own all–Ireland team.
At FIFA's 1953 congress, its Rule 3 was amended so that an international team must use "that title ... recognised politically and geographically of the countries or territories".
[11][12] The IFA objected and in 1954 was permitted to continue using the name Ireland in Home Internationals,[13] based on the 1923 agreement.