LAHORE: Former England U20 player Easah Suliman is all set to represent the Pakistan men’s football team after FIFA approved the request made by the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) to change his national eligibility.
The 25-year-old centre-back is currently representing UD Vilafranquense in the second tier of the Portuguese Football League and has had the opportunity to represent England at a number of events and also to captain their junior side.
He was also a part of England’s European U19 Championship-winning team in 2017.
He has a current market value of €350k and is playing for UD Vilafranquense while being on loan from Vitoria Guimaraes SC.
Easah Suliman has 142 appearances to his name in the club football and has scored two goals and one assist.
Taking to Twitter, the PFF confirmed that the football governing body has approved their request of changing Easah Suliman’s national eligibility and he will represent the national team in upcoming events.
“FIFA has approved a request by the Pakistan Football Federation to change Easah Suliman’s national eligibility from England,” the PFF said on its official Twitter account.
“The former England U20 player will now be representing Pakistan in the upcoming events,” it added.
Easah Suliman is a Shaheen! 🦅
FIFA has approved a request by the Pakistan Football Federation to change Easah Suliman’s national eligibility from England! 💥
The former England U-20 player will now be representing Pakistan in the upcoming events! ⚽️🇵🇰#wearepakistanfootball pic.twitter.com/iPI22uzDNj
— Pakistan Football Federation (@TheRealPFF) May 18, 2023
The head coach of the Pakistan men’s football team Shahzad Anwar expressed his delight over Suliman’s inclusion into the national setup and is hopeful that his presence will benefit other players in gaining valuable experience.
“His participation in 142 club football matches is proof of Easah Suliman’s dedication to the game and professional mindset. He has the ability to perform well for any team for a long period of time,” said Anwar.
“Fellow footballers will also benefit from his awareness and expertise in the technical aspects of the game,” he added.
READ: Rafael Nadal pulls out of French Open, set to end career in 2024