FIFA propose nationality age reduction

AFTER the formality of yesterday’s opening ceremony, FIFA’s 205-nation Congress gets under way in earnest today with a proposal to reduce the age a player can switch nationality and represent a second country.

A few years ago, FIFA introduced a rule allowing players 21 or under to switch international allegiance, a move which primarily favoured African nations to recruit top-class talent and boost their international prospects.

Former Tottenham striker Fredi Kanoute was a case in point, representing France at U18 level before being snapped up by Mali.

Former Arsenal and West Ham midfielder Kaba Diawara is another to have taken advantage of the FIFA ruling, going on to represent Guinea.

But now FIFA are being asked to lower the age at which a player can opt to change international status so ‘second countries’ can no longer reap the benefit of youth development.

Peter Gillieron, general secretary of the Swiss federation proposing the change, said: “We want the age reduced to 18 and we hope our colleagues will agree.”