England blow for Arteta

FIFA rule dashes midfielder's Three Lions hopes

Last updated: 2nd September 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

England blow for Arteta

Arteta: England blow

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Mikel Arteta's dreams of playing for England appear all but over after the Football Association deemed him ineligible.

In recent weeks the Everton midfielder had been led to believe he could feature for the Three Lions after completing five years residency in the United Kingdom.

The 28-year-old has never represented Spain, and it appeared he would be able to switch national allegiances once he had been granted UK citizenship.

The FA stressed earlier this week they had not been asked to investigate the matter by England manager Fabio Capello.

However, it was thought the Italian had discussed the issue briefly with Arteta, who was said to be open to the prospect of donning a Three Lions shirt.

But the FA have now announced that the midfielder is not qualified to play due to Fifa rules.

"Under our understanding of Fifa rules the player is ineligible to play for England," said an FA spokesman on Wednesday evening.

Rules

While world governing body Fifa are anxious not to pre-judge any request from the FA, it has been pointed out the rules on previously appearing for national sides do not cover full internationals alone.

The little known Article 18.1.a within the Fifa statutes outlines that any player who has represented their country in an official competition, at whatever level, would at that time need to have held a passport for the country they later wish to play for in order to be permitted to make the switch.

In Arteta's case, because he played for Spain in the Under-16 European Championships and then in the FIFA World Championships at Under-17 level, the only way he could satisfy the current criteria is if he held a UK passport at the same time.

It hardly seems likely the San Sebastian-born player would have gained such a document over a decade ago, which means that even if an application to Fifa was made on the FA's behalf, it would automatically be rejected.

While the news may come as a blow to Arteta, and perhaps even Capello, it means a great deal of controversy will be avoided.

Scotland boss Craig Levein had already thrown further doubt over the midfielder's inclusion when he recently pointed out a gentleman's agreement between the four Home Nations where they have all vowed not to exploit eligibility loopholes.

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