The Irish FA will speak to Michael O’Neill and Stoke about him remaining as Northern Ireland boss for the delayed Euro 2020 play-offs in June.
The IFA agreed with Stoke when they appointed O’Neill in November that he would remain in charge for the play-offs and possibly the finals.
Northern Ireland’s play-off semi in Bosnia and possible final in Belfast have been postponed for four months until June because of the coronavirus pandemic and the IFA will seek clarification over O’Neill’s position.
The Championship may have resumed by then and Stoke are still not safe from relegation, despite O’Neill engineering a recovery during his fourth months in charge.
The Potters are 17th, three points above the drop zone after being bottom when O’Neill took over.
UEFA will have an international break for the play-offs in June and the IFA feel there should not be any conflict between O’Neill’s club and country roles.
Privately, the IFA concede UEFA’s 12-month postponement of the Euros means it is highly improbably that O’Neill will still be in charge should Northern Ireland qualify again.
IFA officials had planned to speak to O’Neill and Stoke about him remaining in charge had the finals taken place as planned in June.
However they know it would be unfeasible for O’Neill to continue to juggle the two jobs for an extra 12 months and accept the play-offs will be the last act of his successful nine-year reign.
