FIFA loosens international eligibility rules for players wanting to switch allegiance….

FIFA Congress - 70th FIFA Congress Agenda - FIFA.com

FIFA’s annual congress has approved a rule change which will give players greater scope to switch national teams.

Players can now switch if they have played no more than three matches at senior level, with all the appearances coming before the player turns 21. Appearances in World Cup finals matches or continental finals such as the European Championships would prohibit a change of eligibility. However, appearing in a tournament qualifier would not. Previous rules ensured that one appearance in a competitive match, tied players to that country for the remainder of their international careers. Delegates from the 211 national associations gathered virtually for FIFA’s 70th Congress because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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