Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have launched a new tournament for 2011.
England left out of 4 Associations Tournament
A new 'Home International' Championships involving Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland - but not England - will be staged in 2011.
The countries have agreed to take part in the 4 Associations Tournament in Dublin, with the first two matches being played in February and four more in May.
The tournament will operate on a league basis with the winners taking the 4 Associations Cup.
Chief executive of the Football Association of Ireland John Delaney said: "We
are delighted to host the 4 Associations tournament.
"This will be the first time Ireland has hosted a senior international tournament and the atmosphere around Dublin will be tremendous, especially with thousands of visiting supporters from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland expected to travel for the matches.
"The tournament will be a fitting celebration for our fantastic new stadium
(the re-vamped Lansdowne Road) which is on schedule for completion in 2010."
Celebrate the game
George Peat, president of the Scottish FA, is delighted that the tournament has become a reality.
He said: "When we sat down to discuss the plans, we were all excited about putting on a tournament that would celebrate the game and give our fans a great experience.
"This new event will do exactly that and we certainly look forward to taking
part and, of course, hopefully winning it in 2011."
Wales FA president Peter Rees said: "We look forward to crossing swords with our two cousins from across the Irish Sea, as well as Scotland in friendly rivalry. I am sure Welsh football fans will be delighted with this news."
IFA chief executive Howard Wells expects the tournament, which will fill a gap left by the scrapping of the British Home Championship in 1984, to produce both footballing and financial benefits.
"This visionary tournament is exciting and provides all four countries with the opportunity of measuring progress in terms of international development," said Wells.
"For supporters it also provides a real opportunity to see first-class competition live and within easy access.
"From a commercial and tourism perspective it will provide a showcase for
governments to support and market."
