It does not matter when he received his NZ citizenship as long as he is a NZ citizen on the day he debuts. The two year wording applies strictly as he soon as he arrives in the territory of NZF with the international clearance to play for the club.
It does not depends on the countries citizenship process as they differ from country to country, or else it would clearly disadvantage one country over another country and upset plenty of National Associations.
It is common for any National Association to gain FIFA clearance before he debut for any National Team. No controversy here. If he debuts for the AW's without FIFA clearance, then he will be lose any rights to play for the AW in the future. That is the FIFA rule to make sure that every National Association has clearance for any players that changes their national eligibility. So this is a normal progression and process.
There should be no hick up problems with Daniel application.
Yup .....thats what my international lawyer friend say will happen. There is no way FIFA can legally introduce the 5 year rule retrospectively. It will apply to players who move to another country AFTER the date the new rule comes. So Danny boy is on the 2 year scheme.
Daniel arrived here May 2007....so should be eligible to play for the AW's May 2009.
Think about it......this whole thing has been planned carefully by people high up in NZF and involves Terry and Ricki. There is no way people would have gone to all this effort if Daniel had to wait 5 years. He is 29 now, he would not wait until he his 34/35 to try and make the AW's. He probably would not be playing for the phoenix when he is 35.
As Daniel said on TV...he re-signed with the Phoenix for another 2 years even though he had some other very good offers from other clubs. The carrot was to play internationally for NZ. So expect him in the AW's squad next year. I reckon its great news....top bloke, great attitude and he will definetly strengthen the AW"S squad.
p.s Whats the AW"S schedule for next year?
