Folarin Balogun makes switch to USMNT amid huge FIFA statement

Folarin Balogun has declared to play for the US men’s national team after switching from England.

FIFA confirmed on Tuesday that a request from the U.S. Soccer Federation to change his eligibility has been accepted.

The 21-year-old has played for England and the USA at youth level previously, before becoming a regular at Under-21 level for the Three Lions.

“My parents were on holiday there for a few months because we have family in New York,” he recently said in an interview with with the Ligue One webstie.

“But very soon after I was born, we all moved back to London. London is my city, it’s where I grew up, where my friends are, and if people ask me where I’m from, I say I’m English. But, yes, I am a mixture of all these cultures.”

FIFA regulations grant players the freedom to change their national eligibility before participating in a senior competitive match.

As a result, the USMNT now has the opportunity to summon Balogun, potentially including him in their fixtures for the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup in the summer.

Balogun’s Arsenal future remains unclear and will be resolved this summer following talks with manager Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu.

He has been at the top of the goalscoring ranks for Reims this season and with a tally of 19 goals is attracting interest from European heavyweights including AC Milan.