The Ethiopian Football Federation has officially announced that players of Ethiopian origin will now be allowed to participate in Ethiopian leagues without being considered foreign players.
Previously such players were classified as foreign nationals, making them subject to restrictions and quotas. However, following a new amendment, they can now be registered and play as Ethiopian players in domestic competitions.
According to today’s press release from the Federation, this applies to players who hold the “Foreign Nationals of Ethiopian Origin ID Card” (commonly referred to as the Yellow Card), Have Ethiopian lineage through their parents or grandparents, and Do not require a work permit as foreign citizens to play in the country.
The EFF further clarified that when clubs sign players of Ethiopian origin, they will not be counted under the foreign player quota, nor will clubs be required to pay the foreign player registration fee.
This decision is expected to open new doors for players of Ethiopian descent across the globe to engage with Ethiopian football and is also expected to play an integral role in the Federation’s efforts to involve such players in the national team.
