FIFA Changes Rules About Footballers Switching Their Nationalities

FIFA has adjusted rules governing football players switching international associations after approving amendments to the Regulations Governing the Application of the Statutes at the organisation’s 70th Congress.

Earlier this year, FIFA brought up proposals to amend some of its existing statues in light of the coronavirus pandemic, and switching nationalities was among the key topics raised.

Prior to the adjusted rules, a player could only switch nationalities if they had only played in friendlies and not a single minute of any competitive fixture, which included qualifiers and international tournaments.

Those rules have now been relaxed, allowing a player to change nationality as long as they have only featured in three international fixtures, including qualifiers – but not tournaments like the World Cup, must have been less than 21 years of age at the time of playing and can only switch after three years of no international activity.

The new rules outlined at the 70th FIFA Congress are now applicable if the player:

    Was fielded in a match in official competition at “A” international level in any kind of football for their current association

    At the time of being fielded for their first match in an official competition (at any level) in any kind of football for his current association, they held the nationality of the association which he wishes to represent

    At the time of being fielded for their last match in an official competition in any kind of football for their current association, they had not turned 21 years old

    Was fielded in no more than three matches at “A” international level in any kind of football for their current association, whether in an official competition or non-official competition

    At least three years have passed since being fielded for their last match at “A” international level in any kind of football for their current association, whether in an official competition or non-official competition

    Has never participated in any kind of football at “A” international level in the final tournament of the FIFA World Cup or a final tournament of a confederation competition

 

Source: Goal.com