The "Other" FIFA Ruling

Dan · 06-03-2007, 04:18 AM

Well, the other part of last Sunday's FIFA ruling is a delicate one too.

It prohibits a player to use 2 different nationalities, they'd need to renounce to one.

This would force most South American and African players to use the "foreigner slots" at their clubs. Or quit their NTs.

Lets use an example, Crespo. He has an Italian passport that allows him to play in Europe, and his Argentine passport. He would either have to quit the NT or take a "foreigner slot" at Inter. This will create some serious headaches and I would imagine, will force the leagues to expand the "foreigner slots". I believe that Italy has only 1 slot for foreigners atm.

In the long run, with youngsters, it will make it even more difficult to go to Europe. Some might choose to quit their NT and use their "European passport". At the same time ... those same youngsters will probably end up playing in the European country from which they have ancestry rights, if they haven't done so yet for their homeland (or chose to delay their decision ala Higuain to see if they can get a "foreigner slot" at their club). If there is economic need ...

Is the latter a new way, in the medium/long run of "stealing players" from the less developed/poorer nations?

RafaTheGaffer · 06-03-2007, 04:18 AM

If this is true, it would have a devastating effect on international football.

For one, every single youngster will strive to play for one of the big clubs in Europe, because that's where the money is. It will not stop foreign clubs from poaching these kids, it'll just mean that they'll poach them at an even earlier age. Have them train with them for a few years, get them a European passport, and at the end of the day, with such a rule they'll end up playing for the country of their clubs. It'll become ridiculous, and the Europeans will become ever more powerful on the world stage.

Countries like Australia, where a majority of the first team is playing in Europe, will also be significantly affected. I certainly don't want to see that happen.

On the other hand, this may force the Europeans to develop more local talent. But with the money that they have it is unlikely that this will happen, poaching talent is the better option.

Villa88 · 06-03-2007, 04:19 AM

Seems they are trying to get players to stay in their native countries, but I think it'll have the opposite result. If leagues like Serie A don't expand their foreigner slots, the best players will go to Europe to get a passport anyway and ignore their native national teams. (Thus weakening the international teams outside of Europe.)