The threat of war against Iraq has prompted FIFA to postponed this month's World Youth Championships in the United Arab Emirates.
FIFA's executive committee said it had taken the decision at the request of association president Sepp Blatter.
Blatter said he was concerned for the well being of all competitors in the 24-nation competition.
The tournament was to be held from March 25th to April 16th.
The news will come as a bitter blow to Ireland under-20 boss Gerry Smyth who was due to depart for the UAE with his squad on St. Patrick's Day.
FIFA said it would monitor the international situation before announcing new dates for the competition.
An FAI spokesman said the association was disappointed for the players but added that it understood FIFA's decision.
Switching the tournament to Japan has been touted as an alternative option but FIFA remain hopeful that the finals will be staged in the UAE at a later date.
Ireland were scheduled to open their Group E campaign against Saudi Arabia on March 27th. Three days later they were to face the Ivory Coast before playing Mexico on April 2nd. All three games were to be played in Al-Ain.
Gerry Smyth said he was "devastated" for the players.
"They are the ones who would be playing on the big stage and it is disappointing they have lost this chance," he said.
"Hopefully it will only be for a short spell and the situation can return to where it will be possible to play the championships at a later date."
Ireland are due to play a home friendly against Egypt in Dublin on Saturday week and Smyth is hopeful that arrangement can still be met.
"I don't see why we should not go ahead with the match against Egypt. They are already in Slovakia and they may still want to come and play us. They are the African champions and at least it will give our team a game and it will give me a chance to meet the players."
Smyth recently succeeded new senior team manager Brian Kerr as under-20 boss.
The postponement of the championships will boost Sunderland manager Howard Wilkinson who has sought the release of 19-year-old Sean Thornton from the Ireland squad.
Thornton has established himself at the Stadium of Light this season following a number of injuries to first team players, most notably Republic of Ireland international Jason McAteer, and Wilkinson sees the Drogheda native as an important figure in the club's fight against relegation.