Questions have emerged over Roman Ferber's eligibility to represent Madagascar in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria on Friday evening, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.
Ferber has enjoyed the best form of his career since joining Luxembourg side FC Atert Bissen, scoring 35 goals and providing 13 assists in 37 appearances across all competitions
The Belgian-born striker has received his first call-up to the Barea after acquiring Malagasy nationality through marriage.
Ferber revealed that his wife played a key role in the process, with contacts established between him and the Malagasy Football Federation.
"I got married on January 8th, and it was through my wife that everything became possible. Contacts were then established with the Malagasy Federation. I was surprised because I wasn't the one who approached them," he told Le Soir.
"I first received a preliminary selection, then the final call-up. It's somewhat unexpected because I knew I didn't have a particularly good chance of ever representing the Red Devils."
Acquiring a new nationality does not automatically make a player eligible under Fifa regulations.
Players without an ancestral link can become eligible by completing at least five years of continuous residence in the country after turning 18, provided they meet Fifa’s regulations and the necessary clearance requirements.
Ferber was born in Belgium and does not have Malagasy parents or grandparents.
His eligibility therefore depends on whether he satisfies Fifa's requirements through residence.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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