Ethiopia’s diaspora database has more than 200 players. Samoa’s heritage search found 350-plus eligible players. Dual-national recruitment still starts with a legal check, then role fit and commitment.

A federation cannot turn interest into selection until it knows the player can be registered. FIFA’s eligibility explainer says its guide covers the procedure and documents needed for eligibility or change-of-association requests to the FIFA Players’ Status Committee. FIFA’s 211 members are responsible for making sure the players they register are eligible, including in cases involving youth appearances, limited senior caps, waiting periods and major-tournament restrictions.