And? Firmino was baptised a few weeks ago
So what if he was baptised?
Watched most of the Birmingham - West Brom game. Thought Crowley was very good. Everyone was a little rusty but he stood out. I assume he’s not eligible but I’d love to know. He’d certainly be in or around the same level as Browne and Cullen...
(Hogan did well for the most part. Ref gave him very little but he was a constant hassle for the defenders and he held up and linked play well. Robinson was a little rusty but created a few chances for others which should have resulted in goals... Dara O’Shea was an unused sub)
He's in the Ireland squad in PES2020 so for me he's eligible!!!
Folding my way into the big money!!!
Are you sure about that? not that I'm in any way au fait with PES2020, but not only is Dan not there but Glen stands alone in the starting team in front of the back 4, with his finger (super glued) stuck in the dyke.
We should have a case for Johansson and Crowley for a rule change really. They were both entitled to citizenship at birth, it's a quirk in Irish citizenship rules that means they had to be registered as foreign births. The spirit of the rule is stop people acquiring citizenships as adults through residency or nefarious means i.e countries like Qatar hnding out passports to talented foreign players.
I think it's clear that, at present, he doesn't qualify.
If that changes in future great, but at the moment we're discussing and English footballer that doesn't qualify to play for us.
Or...
An irish footballer who is currently only qualified to play for England.
Both Johansson and Crowley have irish passports now. They’re irish. I have huge sympathy for both. Other players have made the change that they made without it being an issue. Hopefully the FAI have learnt from this and will ensure every dual eligible player when representing us at u16 (or u15) level is advised to get a passport sorted.
Hopefully they can also pressure FIFA for a rule change or an exemption...
Maybe I'm not comprehending the nuances involved in the regulations but it really strikes me as though the prohibition of Johansson and Crowley of playing for Ireland is contrary to what I would imagine is the spirit of the laws.
I know this matter has been debated to death here and I don't intend on re-visiting the detail to support my point. I just can't conceive that this loophole rendering the pair ineligible could not be closed.
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