Folarin Balogun’s one-time-switch to represent the United States APPROVED by FIFA
USMNT gets their man! Striker Folarin Balogun’s move to represent the United States APPROVED by FIFA… solving a major problem for the World Cup organizers
- Balogun chose the United States after being turned down by Gareth Southgate
- He had the option of playing for England, the United States or Nigeria
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Stade Reims striker Folarin Balogun has applied for and received a one-off switch waiver from FIFA, allowing him to represent the United States.
According to The Athletic, Balogun – the Brooklyn-born, London-raised striker – will be able to represent his native country at the international level.
In recent months, Balogun has been starring in France’s Ligue 1, but he has not received any call-ups from England manager Gareth Southgate for the senior team. He expressed his frustration multiple times through social media. The Arsenal mercenary had the option of playing at senior level for the United States, England or Nigeria – his parents’ native country.
In March, Southgate responded to Balogun’s unease, saying: ‘It’s up to the player to weigh where his heart feels. Is he willing to wait a little bit for an opportunity if he supports himself and feels he can work his way into our team?
‘Because anyone who has followed us knows that we are going to give young players a chance.
Stade Reims striker Folarin Balogun has received FIFA approval to play for the United States
“So we can’t just call someone up for the first team because we don’t want them to go elsewhere.
“I know there will be offers because 80 per cent of our players can now play for more than one country and we are not arrogant to expect everyone to want to come and play for England. We need to make them feel wanted and part of it’
Balogun has represented the United States at U-18 level, but played for England youth teams at U-17, U-18, U-20 and U-21 level. The striker has recently made 13 appearances for England’s U-21s, scoring seven goals.
His addition to the United States men’s national team could immediately fill the void left by the likes of Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore in a position that failed to stand up for the USMNT at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
THIS IS A STORY IN DEVELOPMENT. MORE TO FOLLOW.