The British Virgin Islands Football Association (BVIFA) President, Mr. Andy Bickerton, has had his call for a relaxing of FIFA eligibility rules gain support from the Caribbean Football Union's President, Mr Gordon Derrick (right). Photo: CFU

According to the BVIFA President, Bickerton, the highest potential of the game will only be realized in the Islands if FIFA is willing to amend the current arrangements on eligibility for selection to National Teams.

"At this time, 90% of our adult players, male and female, and 70% of our youngsters are not able to obtain a British passport as they do not meet the requirements of the British Nationality Act. Passports are issued by the British Government and not the Government of the British Virgin Islands. Many of our players are "Belongers" which is the maximum status the BVI Government can issue and which provides the holder with full citizens' rights such as voting and residency. The effect of this is that players born in the British Virgin Islands and having spent all their lives in the BVI, are not eligible under FIFA rules to represent their country."

CFU President, Derrick is supporting that call for discussion and review of FIFA's passport rules, to facilitate full opportunity for competition at the international level by Overseas Territories.

In noting the legitimate issue at hand, the CFU President noted that the British Virgin Islands case is also reality for a number of the CFU's Member Associations.

"We know and understand the problem and its implications.Member Associations such as Anguilla, Montserrat and the Cayman Islands, just to mention some, are also affected by this. We will be working with our Member Associations in this regard and with FIFA, with a view to establishing a framework that will facilitate their full participation in competitions at the international level."