Luther Blissett
Active Member
Interesting rule change by Fifa which means that a number of players including Kevin Nolan, Mark Noble, Jamie O'Hara and Anton Ferdinand have become eligible for Ireland.
FIFA has changed its rules to allow players over the age of 21 to switch their international allegiance. Under the old rules players with dual nationality, who had already played for a country's national team at youth level, were only allowed to switch loyalties until the age of 21.
Last week a motion from the Algerian Football Association, removing the reference to the age limit, was passed by 58% of the FIFA Congress, opening the way for many players to get a second chance in international football.
The rule change does not affect any player who has played for the full national team as they are barred from switching nations.