Celtic

FIFA approves Simunovic switch from Croatia to Bosnia

Published Jul. 26, 2017 6:33 a.m. ET

ZURICH (AP) FIFA has approved a change of nationality for Croatia-born defender Jozo Simunovic to represent Bosnia-Herzegovina in its push to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

FIFA says it informed the Bosnian federation on Tuesday that its players' status panel granted the request to change eligibility.

The 22-year-old Simunovic has Bosnian family roots but represented neighboring Croatia at youth level.

Simunovic could switch teams under FIFA rules because he never played a competitive game for Croatia's senior team.

The Celtic player can now be selected next month in Bosnia's squad for World Cup qualifying games away to Cyprus and Gibraltar.

Bosnia is third in its group, one point behind Greece in the runners-up spot, which can earn a playoff place.

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