In association football, the FIFA eligibility rules are the eligibility criteria established by FIFA (International Association Football Federation), the sport's governing body, to facilitate the selection of representative teams for international competitions.[1] Specifically, FIFA maintains and implements rules determining a player's eligibility to represent a particular national team in officially sanctioned international competitions and friendly matches.[1]
Traditionally, athlete eligibility has been tied to legal nationality, allowing players with multiple nationalities to represent more than one country, especially after naturalisation. However, national teams are organised by national football associations, not all of which are affiliated with FIFA.[1] Some countries, like the United Kingdom, are represented by constituent associations (England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland), while other associations represent regions not typically recognized as independent countries, such as dependent territories (e.g., Gibraltar), autonomous states or territories (e.g., the Faroe Islands, Kosovo), and enclaves, principalities, or microstates (e.g., San Marino). Not all countries have a FIFA-affiliated association.[1]
In 2004, FIFA introduced a rule requiring players to demonstrate a "clear connection" [citation needed] to any country they wish to represent, a response to the trend of naturalising foreign players. FIFA has the authority to overturn results of international matches featuring ineligible players. In January 2021, FIFA revamped the eligibility system, allowing players tied to one nationality the option to switch allegiance to another nation. [citation needed]
Fielding ineligible players can lead to sanctions, including the overturning of match results.