TFF to review eligibility of players registered in small transfer window
Singida Black Stars players Emmanuel Keyekeh (left) and Arthur Bada. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- Among the players under review are three who changed their nationality to become Tanzanians and are now part of Singida Black Stars.
Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF)’s Legal and Players Status Committee will begin reviewing the eligibility of players registered during the mid-season transfer window tomorrow, as per rules and regulations.
Among the players under review are three who changed their nationality to become Tanzanians and are now part of Singida Black Stars.
The players are Emmanuel Kwame Keyekeh from Ghana, Josephat Arthur Bada from Ivory Coast, and Muhamed Damaro Camara from Guinea.
Additionally, the review will cover players from various clubs in the Mainland Tanzania Premier League, Championship, and First League, according to TFF’s Director of Competitions, Salum Madadi.
Madadi stated that the process is a standard procedure for TFF, aimed at verifying the legitimacy of the players and addressing any objections raised by clubs regarding those registered during the mid-season transfer window.
There are still ongoing arguments among football stakeholders and some lawyers regarding the procedures that led the three players to change their citizenship.
Many have questioned the procedures for acquiring citizenship in Tanzania, speculating on the implications for both the players and the league. However, Chief Spokesperson for the Immigration Services Department, Paul Mselle, clarified that the players had acquired citizenship under articles 9 and 23 of the Tanzanian citizenship law, Chapter 367.
This clarification has alleviated concerns and speculation regarding the players' statuses, emphasizing the importance of due process in the naturalization of foreign athletes.
The addition of these three international players is set to enhance the competitiveness of Singida Black Stars, making the team a formidable presence in both regional and international tournaments.
The granting of citizenship is a testament to Tanzania's commitment to nurturing talent and fostering diversity within its football ranks. It symbolizes the nation’s openness to foreign talent, positioning Tanzanian football on a path toward further growth and success.
