That's not quite how it works. You only sign paperwork when switching. If you have multiple qualifications and have played for one of them you apply to switch under certain conditions. If you haven't played for anyone there is no one to switch from so no paperwork.
I think you are overrating Triantis.
That is really concerning. Why should the process be so much easier for someone to switch, than to cap them initially. That's ridiculous. Also, for a dual national, how does that work? What defines switching?
And less travel. No one likes 12+ hour flights
It's not easier to switch. To switch as a dual (or more) citizen by birthright then you first need to have played for one of those nations at some level. Once you've reached a certain level with that nation you can't switch. If you haven't reached that level you can apply to switch (normally once only) It's easier to stay as you don't need to sign anything. Up until the time you first play for a country in official competition you are free to move about. It's been a while since I checked the regs but I think (and feel free to point out if I'm wrong as things seem to change a lot and I'm going from memory) playing for a youth team in official FIFA or AFC competition ties you to a country but doesn't remove your ability to switch. Playing in 3 full A internationals or being selected in a World Cup or Asian Cup finals squad removes your ability to switch.
A lot of these lads were nowhere near Socceroo selection during the second round of qualification. Back then we were talking about players liker Irankunda who was given game time, Robertson who played a couple of friendlies then was unavailable and Volpato who knocked us back. We did debut a few players during the second round so it's not as if we just stuck rigidly to the World Cup and Asian Cup teams.
My understanding is that is not just any 3 full A internationals that are needed, but it must be 3 competitive A internationals. So the games must be e.g., World Cup or Asian Cup qualifiers. Friendly internationals do not count towards the 3.
That is harder. Triantis has played at every youth level for Australia. He's been in WCQ squads for the seniors. Yet can sign away his allegiance with out playing any games for Greece. None of the restrictions we're operating under i.e., needing to cap him x3 in A Internationals for the senior squad, or to be in an AC or WC finals squad. I'd love to read the rules again.
My thoughts exactly.
I'm pretty sure you're right. Friendlies don't count. We could play Triantis 6 times before the WC and still not be able to tie him, because they're all friendlies. Yet he can sign a form and be sweet to go for Greece. How is that fair.
As opposed to Okon right now? Even the way Matthews got rushed in shows it can be done.
If clubs buy players with potential at 17, why shouldn't we apply the same principle for the national team? Anyone who excels at U20 national team level and is at risk of playing for another country should be expedited in preliminary rounds especially.
We've really missed the boat. We're stuck in a hole where our next competitive game is the opening WC game. We could've put these matters to rest with smart capping as early as March 2024 and especially with Triantis beinh ahead of Brattan and Segecic ahead of Caceres.
I don’t remember anyone pushing for Segacic to be capped in March 2024. Happy to be proven wrong though. Not sure there was that much of a push for Triantis back then either.
What’s with the white text
There wasn't.
There should have been. They'd already excelled for the U20 and both were available. Triantis wasn't very involved at club level so there wouldn't have been a disruption. Segecic was in and out in The Netherlands and a squad inclusion would've put this matter to rest. I don't expect the FA or our coaches to have such foresight however.