FIFA grants Ghana's request

Accra, Jan 10, GNA - Soccer governing body, FIFA has granted Ghana's request for a nationality switch for Quincy Owusu-Abeyie. Randy Abbey, Communications Direction of the Ghana Football Association told GNA Sport that the decision was taken by the Federation on Thursday morning.

This would enable the Celta Vigo striker who applied to switch allegiance and play for Ghana have his wishes granted. The latest development means the former Arsenal forward would be available for selection to the Black Stars when Coach Claude Le Roy names his final 23-squad for 26 MTN African Cup of Nations commencing in Ghana on Sunday, January 20.

The 21-year-old Ghanaian played for the Dutch Under-20 team at the FIFA World Youth Championship in 2005.

Owusu-Abeyie has profited from a change in FIFA statutes that allows players with dual nationality who have featured for one country at junior level to play for another country as long as they are under 21 years. The player is among the 27-man squad currently camping at the commercial capital of the United Arab Emirate (UAE), Abu Dhabi since last week. If selected, the former Arsenal forward could make his debut for the "National Team A" on home soil. Ghana plays Guinea, Namibia and Morocco at the group stage of the competition that brings Africa's best 16 together for three-weeks.