FALSE: SLFA has NOT held Talks with Antonio Rüdiger for Nationality Switch

Claim: The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has confirmed they are in advanced talks with a Sierra Leonean-based international player over a nationality switch.

Verdict: FALSE

Context: This claim emerged on social media platforms, particularly through a Facebook page named Sierra Leone Issues, garnering attention in sports groups. The assertion implies negotiations between SLFA and Antonio Rüdiger a Sierra Leonean international player regarding a nationality switch.

Evidence: Abdul Karim Kargbo, the Head of Media for the Sierra Leone Premier League Board, refuted the claim, asserting its falsity. He explained that due to the number of games played for Germany, the player's nationality switch for football purposes would not be possible according to the regulations.

Further research conducted by Sierra Check indicates that the rule of nationality switch for footballers, governed by FIFA, sets out the regulations under which a player can change their national team affiliation.

These include: 1. Eligibility Criteria: A player must hold the nationality of the country they wish to represent. 2. Appearance for Another National Team: A player who has already represented one national team in an official competition may still switch to another national team if:

a)    They played in a match (either in full or in part) at any level (excluding 'A' international level, which means senior national team competitive matches).

b)    They were younger than 21 years old at the time of their last appearance in an official match for their previous association.

c)    At least three years have passed since their last appearance in a match (either in full or in part) for their previous association in an official competition.

However, a player may only switch national teams once. Once a player has switched, they cannot switch back or to another national team. The player must apply to FIFA, providing evidence of their eligibility to switch. FIFA’s Players’ Status Committee handles these requests. In some cases, exceptions can be made, such as when a player's nationality was changed without their consent (e.g., changes in sovereignty of a territory).

Conclusion: The purported confirmation from SLFA regarding talks with a Sierra Leonean-based international player for a nationality switch is debunked. The evidence provided by Abdul Karim Kargbo, coupled with FIFA regulations, contradicts the claim. Thus, the assertion is deemed false.