Crystal Palace forward Eddie Nketiah is reportedly close to completing his decision to switch international allegiance from England to Ghana, with the required documents being prepared for submission to FIFA.
The 27-year-old striker has made considerable progress towards representing the Black Stars, with officials now putting together the necessary paperwork to formalise the change of association.
Nketiah, who qualifies to play for Ghana through his family background, has attracted the attention of Ghanaian football authorities for several years.
A successful application would strengthen Ghana’s attacking options as the Black Stars prepare for upcoming international assignments.
The former Arsenal forward recently returned from injury and has become a regular part of Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage’s plans.
Nketiah started Palace’s impressive 3-2 comeback win over Fulham on September 5, setting up Tyrick Mitchell for the opening goal as the Eagles overturned a two-goal deficit.
Despite making an appearance for England’s senior team, Nketiah remains eligible to change his international allegiance under FIFA regulations because his only senior appearance was in a non-competitive match.
He made his England debut in a friendly against Australia in October 2023 but has not played for the Three Lions since.
FIFA regulations allow a player to request a change of association when all of their senior appearances have come in non-competitive fixtures. However, the switch must receive formal approval before the player can represent the new country.
The regulations further provide that a player whose change-of-association application is still under consideration cannot represent either national team until FIFA reaches a decision.
Nketiah previously enjoyed an outstanding career with England’s youth sides, becoming the country’s record goalscorer at Under-21 level with 16 goals.
However, his limited opportunities with England’s senior team have left the possibility of representing Ghana open, despite years of uncertainty over his international future.
Ghana’s interest in the striker has remained strong. In June, Nketiah’s father disclosed that officials from the Sports Ministry and other stakeholders had previously engaged the family regarding the possibility of the forward playing for the Black Stars.
If FIFA approves the application, Nketiah would become eligible for selection by Ghana, potentially ending years of speculation over which country he will represent internationally.
The Crystal Palace striker has made three appearances this season and has already contributed one assist.
By: Prince Martey-Sogar