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.