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Pick a 'soccer nationality' Steps needed to end the fake passport charade
Every so often the world of soccer gets the old moralizin' blues. Sometimes, the cause is worthwhile, like the recent controversy over racism. Other times, it is petty and stupid, like the row over fake passports. A quick recap for those who haven't been paying attention: Until 1995, most countries placed limits on the number of foreign players that could be fielded in a particular game. This was usually between two and four (UEFA's own limit was four). A foreign player was defined as someone who was eligible to play for another country's national team, regardless of what passport he carried. Players with dual nationalities, like Anderlecht's Enzo Scifo, had to decide which nationality they wished to be (for the record, Scifo chose Belgium over Italy).
The Bosman ruling, of course, brought all this to an end. The European Union ruled that because the Treaty of Rome guaranteed EU citizens the right to work in any member state, countries could not place a limit on the number of foreigners employed by each team, as this was effectively a restriction of labor. This rule did not apply exclusively to EU countries, but was extended to European Economic Area (EEA) nations such as Norway and Iceland as well. That is what has allowed clubs like Inter Milan and Chelsea to field starting 11s without a single Italian or Englishman respectively. At the same time, certain countries kept their restrictions on the number of non-EU players which could be employed at any one time. In Spain and Italy, the limit is three. In England it's also three, though further complicating the mess is the fact that after a while some can be "assimilated" and that, in any case, they need to apply for work permits separately. It is these restrictions that have precipitated the most recent controversy: dubious dual citizenships. It does not take a genius to figure out that if you're a professional footballer from outside the EU, getting your hands on a European passport makes you infinitely more attractive to prospective employers. And, if you're an agent, obtaining dual citizenship for your client can be very lucrative. Many top South American players have Italian, Spanish or Portuguese passports, from Javier Zanetti to Leonardo. The overwhelming majority are legitimate. If you happen to be South American, there is a decent chance that you have at least one European grandparent, and generally that is all it takes to qualify for citizenship. Others however haven't been so straightforward. That's why four Brazilian players at Udinese were caught with counterfeit passports. Or why another Brazilian, Edmilson, was turned away at Heathrow airport after signing for Arsenal when it emerged his passport was rather dubious. Many are calling for UEFA and FIFA to crack down by punishing clubs and agents who violate the rules. This is exactly the kind of moralism that soccer does not need right now. It doesn't address the deeper issue. It is a little like locking up heroin addicts, while allowing drug dealers to roam free. Why should, say, Zanetti, who is 100 percent Argentine, albeit of Italian descent, enjoy the benefits of an EU passport while Andriy Shevchenko, who is 100 percent Ukrainian, be treated like a second-class citizen? It's a fair argument, which is why a number of non-EU players are suing for equal status. It's also a thorny issue. Eliminating all restrictions, making no distinction between EU and non-EU players, will probably further increase the number of foreigners in each league. Many are against that. I, too, for one, think there should be a limit. I personally liked the previous system, with a limit of three or four per team, but making no distinction between EU and non-EU. If, for example, you are Bayern Munich, you should have no more than three or four (or whatever limit you set) players who are not eligible to play for the German national team. That would have been my ideal scenario, but that is also wishful thinking. It won't happen; it can't happen. The EU will not allow that. That being the case, it is time to get rid of these silly distinctions between EU passport holders and non-EU passport holders. It is patently unfair that many South Americans and some Africans can qualify, while East Europeans or Asians simply can not. Rather than starting witch-hunts against players, agents and clubs, the game's governing body should look at the bigger picture. Is getting a counterfeit passport really that much worse than getting a real one based on some long lost grandparent? But perhaps there is a third way, a compromise which might accommodate everyone. Why not avoid the citizenship issue entirely and simply have players select a "soccer nationality" at an early age, say 18 or 21? Your "soccer nationality" would then determine not just what country you play for, but what country you "belong to." With one stroke you would eliminate the favoritism players from certain nations enjoy. Zanetti could still have his EU passport (with all the benefits it brings), but, as far as Serie A is concerned, he would be a foreigner (which, as an Argentine, is exactly what he is anyway). There would still be no restrictions on EU players, but then, there is nothing that can be done about that. At least however it might help clear up some of the dubious dealings that have become commonplace in recent years. Don't hold your breath, however. I doubt it will happen, because it is not in the club's interests to do so and, more than ever, they are the ones who run the game. What will realistically happen is that all restrictions will be lifted and there will be no more distinctions made between EU and non-EU players. It may not be the ideal solution (thank you once again to the EU for messing up a perfectly good system) but at least it will end this fake passport charade. Based in London, Gabriele Marcotti writes a weekly column on international soccer for CNNSI.com.
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