FIFA's decision to amend the so-called three-club rule could pave the way for midfielder George O'Callaghan to make a move back into Irish football. The three-club rule prevented a player from representing three sides within a year.
However, The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) complained to FIFA that the rule, which operated between July 1st and June 31st, was unfair on countries whose domestic leagues ran through the summer.
FIFA agreed and as a result have amended Section Three of Article 5 of their rules, which now reads: "Players may be registered with a maximum of three clubs during one season. During this period, the player is only eligible to play official matches for two clubs.
"As an exception to this rule, a player moving between two clubs belonging to associations with overlapping seasons (ie start of the season in summer/autumn as opposed to winter/spring) may be eligible to play in official matches for a third club during the relevant season provided he has fully complied with his contractual obligations towards his previous clubs.
"Equally, the provisions relating to the registration periods (article 6) as well as to the minimum length of a contract (article 18 paragraph 2) must be respected.”
O'Callaghan, who has represented Town and loan side Brighton since July 1st 2007, has been interesting a number of Eircom League sides, including former club Cork City, as well as Bohemians and St Patrick's. Prior to the rule change he would have been unable to play for an Irish side until July 1st, halfway through the Eircom League season.
Cork are believed to be the 28-year-old's preferred option if he returns home, although there is also interest from English clubs, most notably QPR. The former Port Vale trainee is out of contract with Town at the end of the season.