Wales launch shock bid to cap ex-Swansea City star Matt Grimes through changing eligibility rules - chof 360 news

-Credit:2025 Athena Pictures

-Credit:2025 Athena Pictures

The Football Association of Wales is reportedly pressing to try and change eligibility rules in a bid to cap former Swansea midfielder Matt Grimes, in a move that could have huge implications for the Welsh national team.

It's understood Welsh football chiefs are looking to persuade associations in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland to change the rules, which would allow players over the age of 18 that have been registered with a club in one of the home nations for at least five years to be eligible to represent that country.

Grimes was born in Exeter, and is currently ineligible to play for Wales, but before his move to Coventry City last month had previously spent 10 years with the Swans, and the FAW are keen to explore the possibility of capping him. Sign up to our Swansea City newsletter here.

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Eligibility through residency has already been a part of FIFA rules. Indeed, there has previously been talk around the likes of Mikel Arteta, Adnan Januzaj and Manuel Almunia playing for England, the latter even going so far as to express his interest in playing for the Three Lions.

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Since 2009, however, it's been agreed between home nations that aside from conditions such as birthplace, parents or grandparents, players have to had five years of continuous education up to the age of 18 in a certain country to represent them on the international stage.

Aside from Grimes, there are other players that could well be lined up for a call-up to Craig Bellamy's squad, including Cardiff City midfielder Joe Ralls, who has been with the Bluebirds for nearly 14 years.

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