was under the assumption that as long as he was eligible to play for NZ when he represented Portugal at junior level, then it was okay.
Not sure Tommy Smith or WeeMac were citizens before they switched to NZ
Indeed. Just needs ma to be a kiwi
Needs to (a) Have NZ nationality and (b)have a NZ-born biological parent or grandparent
Relevant FIFA Statutes:
http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/affederation/generic/01/29/85/71/fifastatuten2010_e.pdf
(page 64 on)
I'm not clear whether 'international match" below includes youth internationals.
This is the statute which to me seems to limit his chances due to having played for Poprtugal at u-19 level:
" 2. With the exception of the conditions specified in article 18 below, any Player who has already participated in a match (either in full or in part) in an official competition of any category or any type of football for one Association may not play an international match for a representative team of another Association."
From article 18:
" (a) He has not played a match (either in full or in part) in an official competition at “A” international level for his current Association, and at the time of his first full or partial appearance in an international match in an official competition for his current Association, he already had the nationality of the representative team for which he wishes to play."
I think Tommy Smith had NZ nationality after moving here with his parents as a kid, and Wee Mac was born here so qualified that way...