FIFA changes rules on National allegiance

FIFA announced that there will be no more age limit to those players who want to switch their National allegiance, as long as they have not played for the senior National team.

The rule change will benefit many African Nations as there are many players with african backgrounds who can gain from this change.

Angola would have benefitted from this in the World Cup 2006, as they looked to change the allegiance of players such as FC Porto’s defender Pedro Emanuel, who has a dual nationality. Unfortunately for the National team, Pedro Emanuel is now 34 years old and probably past his peak. It is unlikely that the FA will apply for a change of allegiance now.

There are those of course, who rejected the opportunity to play for the National team and chose to be considered for the Senior team of other Nations.

Among these players is Nando Rafael, who had the potential of being a decent striker for the National team, but decided against changing allegiance because of his wish of playing for Germany. Needless to say, he has never played for the German National team and only succeeded in attracting negative attention from the Angolan National team demanding fans. Do not expect to see him playing international football so soon (or ever!).