Mile Svilar remains ineligible for international football

AS Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar remains unable to play international football due to FIFA eligibility regulations. Despite being named Serie A's best goalkeeper for two consecutive seasons, the 27-year-old is currently without a national team.

Born in Belgium to Serbian parents, Svilar played for Belgian youth teams from U15 to U21. However, in September 2021, he accepted an invitation to play for the Serbian national team in a friendly match against Qatar. Following that appearance, Svilar expressed regret and sought to switch his allegiance back to Belgium.

Under FIFA rules, a player can only change nationality if their appearances for the first nation occurred before the age of 21. Because Svilar debuted for Serbia five days after his 22nd birthday, he is ineligible to represent Belgium. Furthermore, the Serbian national team no longer considers him an option after his decision to switch. While Svilar's legal team continues to pursue a solution, his path to international competition remains blocked.