Shamit Shome cleared to play for Bangladesh
Canada-based midfielder Shamit Shome has been cleared by FIFA to play for Bangladesh, Bangladesh Football Federation vice president Fahad Karim confirmed to The Daily Star today.
The 27-year-midfielder, who currently plays in Canada's Cavalry FC, is now available to play for Bangladesh in the upcoming Asian Cup qualifying match against Singapore at Dhaka on June 10. He is set to be Bangladesh's second high-profile foreign-based footballer after Hamza Choudhury.
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"We have applied to FIFA for his clearance yesterday evening and got the nod from FIFA tonight," BFF vice-president Fahad Karim told The Daily Star today.
"It is also surprising to get FIFA approval within 24 hours. It has been possible because Shamit played two matches for Canada outside the FIFA window, so those two matches were not counted. Also, as his parents are Bangladeshi, it made things easy for FIFA.
"And, lastly, BFF president Tabith Awal kept in touch with the concerned department of FIFA," said Karim, adding that Shamit will leave for Bangladesh after playing his club's league fixture on June 1.
Shamit, who showed interest to play for Bangladesh in early April, had already acquired his Bangladeshi NID. He has also received his Bangladesh e-passport, the details of which were sent to FIFA.
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