Overseas Territories Lobby FIFA For Belongers' Participation

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(PLTM) - Football associations in a number of British Overseas Territories are currently in the process of lobbying the world’s football agency, FIFA, to allow persons with Belonger status from each Territory the opportunity to participate in FIFA sponsored events.

Along with the British Virgin Islands, the other British dependent territories throughout the region who are leading the efforts are Turks and Caicos, Anguilla, Montserrat and Bermuda.

As to the extent of the argument, the issue of each country’s top athletes not being able to play at regional and international events has been damping the success of the teams and their various associations.

As it stands, only holders of a British passport are allowed to represent the British dependent countries in any FIFA sponsored and endorsed events.

“The problem we have is that we have a good number of persons with Belonger status who are without British passports,” said President of the BVI Football Association (BVIFA), Mr. Andy Bickerton.

He noted that as a group, the Overseas Territories are in discussions with FIFA, and are determined to get some concessions from the body.

President Bickerton noted that as a result of previous conversations with FIFA, he was made aware of the possibility of persons who were born in the Territory, whether they have a British passport or not, to have an opportunity to play.

Secretary of the BVIFA, Paul Hewlett stated that the future of the BVI’s football industry lies in the hands of the younger generation, as they are the ones who are born here.

“In 8-10 years time, we won't be having this conversation. All the younger ones who are born here in the BVI would be able to step up and represent. So our focus is on the younger ones and developing their skills and their talent.”

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