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Zelalem ineligible for US for next 5 years; US seeking FIFA Waiver
Posted on 1/27/15 at 1:57 pm
Posted on 1/27/15 at 1:57 pm
Just got a SportsCenter notification
LINK
LINK
quote:
Zelalem is a naturalized American citizen, as opposed to becoming one through lineage or birthright. His parents and his grandparents were also born overseas, meaning he's subject to a little-known stipulation in FIFA's statutes that would require him to live in the U.S. for five years from Jan. 26, his 18th birthday, before suiting up for the Yanks in official matches.
quote:
But the U.S. Soccer Federation appears to have some recourse when it comes to Zelalem, as FIFA can and does grant exceptions to players who are able to show that their naturalization didn't violate the spirit of the law.
And since Zelalem lived and attended school in the U.S. long before being spotted by an Arsenal scout, getting the green light could end up being a mere formality.
This post was edited on 1/27/15 at 2:04 pm
4
Posted on 1/27/15 at 1:59 pm to TFS4E
That makes no sense. What is the reasoning? Fifa just loves to frick with the U.S.?
Posted on 1/27/15 at 2:00 pm to TFS4E
LINK
quote:
Arsenal prospect Gedion Zelalem is currently ineligible to play for the United States and will be for at least five more years, FIFA rules state, but US Soccer is confident it can obtain an exception.
When the German-born, Maryland-raised Zelalem acquired United States citizenship last month in Washington, most American soccer observers believed it paved the way for him to immediately represent the U.S. in international competition.
Turns out it didn't.
Zelalem is a naturalized American citizen, as opposed to becoming one through lineage or birthright. His parents and his grandparents were also born overseas, meaning he's subject to a little-known stipulation in FIFA's statutes that would require him to live in the U.S. for five years from Jan. 26, his 18th birthday, before suiting up for the Yanks in official matches.
And since the playmaking midfielder -- who lived in Maryland between 2006 and 2013, when he moved to London to join the Gunners -- isn't about to leave Europe any time soon, meeting that requirement as it's written would appear to be non-starter.
But the U.S. Soccer Federation appears to have some recourse when it comes to Zelalem, as FIFA can and does grant exceptions to players who are able to show that their naturalization didn't violate the spirit of the law.
And since Zelalem lived and attended school in the U.S. long before being spotted by an Arsenal scout, getting the green light could end up being a mere formality.
This post was edited on 1/27/15 at 2:01 pm
Posted on 1/27/15 at 2:00 pm to Stewie Griffin
Thanks Stewie. I was trying to do that on my phone.
Posted on 1/27/15 at 2:03 pm to TFS4E
Just found the article. Seems like Sunil isn't worried. Fifa would have to be major dicks to deny the appeal. Not putting it past them though.
Posted on 1/27/15 at 2:04 pm to cwil177
Yeah, that was my first thought. When has fifa shown to be a rational, logical organization?
Posted on 1/27/15 at 2:27 pm to TFS4E
I feel like this should be an easy decision for FIFA to issue the waiver. To me, Zelalem is more American than some of the dual nationals we have on our team.
Posted on 1/27/15 at 3:25 pm to cwil177
FIFA have a track record of being major dicks, though
Posted on 1/27/15 at 3:50 pm to Broski
Of course. Whatever it takes to keep us mediocre.
Posted on 1/27/15 at 3:56 pm to TFS4E
FIFA hates 'Merica
Posted on 1/27/15 at 3:58 pm to cwil177
Not going to hold my breath. 
Posted on 1/27/15 at 4:29 pm to cwil177
Reasoning is to stop Qatar (and others, but mainly Qatar) from inviting Brazilians and Argentinians who cant make their national team to become citizens so long as they play for Qatar. They did this a few years ago and this was passed as a result.
With that said, Zelalem should get a waiver. It wasn't intended to stop situations like this.
With that said, Zelalem should get a waiver. It wasn't intended to stop situations like this.
Posted on 1/27/15 at 4:32 pm to AmericanHoop
quote:
They did this a few years ago and this was passed as a result.
It wasn't just Qatar. It seemed like half the countries at the '06 World Cup had at least one Brasilian.
This post was edited on 1/27/15 at 4:33 pm
Posted on 1/27/15 at 4:35 pm to TN Bhoy
It really did.
Posted on 1/27/15 at 4:44 pm to TN Bhoy
Most of those countries at least TRIED to pretend it was legit. Qatar was handing out citizenship forms to anyone who could juggle a ball, seemingly.
Posted on 1/27/15 at 4:56 pm to AmericanHoop
quote:
Most of those countries at least TRIED to pretend it was legit. Qatar was handing out citizenship forms to anyone who could juggle a ball, seemingly.
Is it too late for Freddy Adu to get one of those?
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