Anyone else see this piece by Michael Burgess in Sunday's Herald?
Oz up with eligibility play
Fifa have granted 40 exemptions to their controversial Article 7 player eligibility clause - more than half the successful ones were from Australia ....
"Typically, member associations of countries with an immigration tradition are applying for such exemptions," a Fifa spokesman said. "Australia has submitted by far the highest number of requests, with more than half...." Germany, Ireland, Denmark and the US are among other countries with multiple exemptions. Bernie Ibini is one Australian example ... (he) moved to Australia when he was a year old. The FFA had to provide several letters from the Nigerian FA and other documentation to satisfy the Fifa process.
Polish-born keeper Alex Cisak, Ghana native Kofi Danning and Scottish-born Cameron Burgess are others to have gained a clearance by Australia in recent years while Awer Mabil is an example of the patience that can be required.
The former Adelaide player, now playing in the Danish Superleague, was born in Kenyan refugee camp before moving to Australia aged 11, after his family was granted asylum. Kenyan authorities had no record of his birth and it took more than a year for his dispensation to be processed.
"Each application can vary depending on specific elements," said the (Fifa) spokesperson. "Also the cooperation of the requesting association is an important aspect. The time needed for a proper assessment can vary considerably.
Fifa said there were no ongoing proceedings for potential breaches of player eligibility.
NB My bold