FIFA Considers Easing Rules for Players Switching National Teams

This relaxation of the eligibility criteria is for the moment at the proposal stage and would be considered by the international football body, reports Associated Press. Pending the adoption of this reform next September by the 211 national federations, no player is currently allowed to wear another jersey after having played an official match, even for a minute, for his starting selection (youth teams do not count).

The most edifying case is that of Sevilla striker Munir El Haddadi. His return to the Moroccan national team was denied because he played 13 minutes with Spain in September 2014 when he was 19 years old.

According to the same media, the players in his situation would be affected by this reform. It allows players to change their sporting nationality after having played less than three matches with their first selection, and this before the age of 21.

The player will also have to wait at least three years without being called up to the national team to defend other colors on the international stage. Worse, it will be impossible for him to commit to another team if ever one of the three matches (or less) concerns the final phase of a World Cup or a confederation tournament (like the Euro).