FIFA signal green for Declan Rice’s association switch

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West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice has received FIFA’s nod to switch associations after his bid for the same was approved by the world’s governing body of football. The Irish-born youngster will now be eligible for selections into the England national football team ahead of the 2020 Euro Qualifiers. 

Rice, though originally born in Kingston-upon-Thames in London, had been representing the Republic of Ireland on the international level for the U16, U17, U19 and U21 groups, due to being classified as an Irishman in hierarchy from his parents and grandparents, who are of the same descent.

However, the 20-year old youngster submitted a request for a transfer of association document to FIFA following a lengthy social media post last month that expressed his desire to represent the Three Lions internationally instead of his hierarchical country as before.

With the Euro 2020 qualifiers coming up ahead, England coach Gareth Southgate would now be free to call on Rice for international duty as FIFA have approved his transfer request.

“We can now confirm that the change of association has been approved,” a FIFA spokesperson said earlier today.

The England squad list, which is due to be unveiled on the 13th of March, could now feature the talents of Rice, as they prepare to host the Czech Republic at Wembley on March 22 before travelling to face Montenegro in Podgorica three days later.

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