Championship boss calls out EFL over rival manager’s ‘conflict of interest’

Portsmouth manager John Mousinho believes it is ‘blatantly obvious’ there is a conflict of interest involving Michael O’Neill’s dual role.

The Northern Ireland boss was named Blackburn Rovers manager until the end of the season in February.

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However, Mousinho has called out the EFL for allowing him to work both roles after concerns were raised this week.

Several Championship players were named in O’Neill’s Northern Ireland squad this month.

Following their World Cup play-off defeat to Italy, his side faced Wales in a friendly on Tuesday night.

Norwich City’s Ruairi McConville, Preston’s Ali McCann and Hull City’s Paddy McNair were all left the squad ahead of that match.

The trio’s clubs are all set to face Rovers’ relegation rivals this weekend.

Meanwhile, players from West Brom, Portsmouth and Oxford United all remained with the squad and featured against Wales.

Isaac Price, Terry Devlin, Jamie Donley and Brodie Spencer were involved in both matches for Northern Ireland.

Donley and Spencer’s Oxford team-mater Ciaron Brown started against Wales, whilst Blackburn’s Tom Atcheson played just ten minutes off the bench.

According to the BBC, at least once club has since raised concerns over a potential conflict of interest.

O’Neill’s Blackburn are four points above the Championship relegation zone in 19th with seven matches remaining.

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As for Portsmouth, Mousinho’s side sit one place and one point above the drop zone with a game in hand.

Ahead of Pompey’s trip to Norwich on Good Friday, their boss was asked about the concerns over O’Neill’s dual role.

Taking the Mich

Mousinho explained: “The fact that we’re talking about it and the fact the question’s been asked means it’s a potential conflict of interest.

“It’s blatantly obvious to me, it’s a question which should never be asked of another head coach.

“I don’t think the media or I should be put in that situation, I don’t think Michael O’Neill should be put in a situation where his integrity is questioned.

“I know Michael well and he will make decisions for the best for Northern Ireland and Blackburn, but the fact the question’s asked suggests to me there’s a problem.

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“It’s not even the fact that the players have been sent home, it’s the fact that it’s been allowed. Somebody has been put in that position where they are allowed to make those decisions. That’s the fundamental issue.”

He added: “We don’t know what’s going on, but the question being asked means it’s potentially problematic. I think Michael is a man of great integrity, but no one knows and no one will know.

“I think the team selection is the best thing Michael thinks he can do for Northern Ireland, I have no problem with that.

“But the fact it has a knock-on effect and the fact it has a consequence means that question should never be there.

“Players play international games, we all know they play internationals, but we should never be looking at the situation everyone’s been put into.

“So it’s a question for the league. For clarity, I’m not questioning Michael’s integrity, he’s an excellent manager and great person, but the league have a lot to answer for on this one.”

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Oxford boss Matt Bloomfield remained tight-lipped when he was asked about the matter.

The U’s boss had been speaking ahead of his side’s home clash with Hull on Friday.

Bloomfield said: “I think whenever you have players going away on international duty, you’re hoping that they’re fine and come back in relatively good health.

“The game on Tuesday was even closer to a good Friday game than it was a usual Saturday.

“Being a football manager is hard enough and I’ve got a big enough job in my hands here, so I should concentrate on that.”

O’Neill has been in charge of the Northern Irish national team since returning for a second spell in 2022.

He previously undertook a similar dual role during the 2019/20 season after being appointed by Stoke City.

His current national team deal is set to run until the end of next year.