Mile Svilar cannot play for the Belgium national team because an age limit regarding his paperwork leaves the AS Roma goalkeeper without an international home, according to reports by footmercato.net. Born in Antwerp and developed at Anderlecht, the 27-year-old was named Serie A’s best goalkeeper after two standout seasons in Italy, yet a brief appearance for Serbia in September 2021 permanently blocked him from switching allegiance under FIFA rules.
The Five-Day Rule That Blocked Belgium
The administrative block stems from a 45-minute appearance Svilar made in an international friendly against Qatar on September 1, 2021. Pushed toward the Serbian setup by his father, former goalkeeper Ratko, Svilar played in that fixture just five days after celebrating his 22nd birthday. Under FIFA regulations, players who have already featured in an official or friendly match can only change their sporting nationality if their first cap occurred before their 21st birthday. Because Svilar crossed that age threshold, legal challenges led by his representatives failed to alter his status, closing the door on a potential career with the Red Devils.
The Fallout in Belgrade and Rome
Belgrade officials rejected the retraction, leaving the player isolated from both federations. While he maintains elite status at club level with AS Roma—where his performances earned him individual recognition across the Italian top flight—he spends international breaks in Rome while major tournaments pass him by.
Senne Lammens Secures the Belgian Goalkeeping Post
Belgium’s coaching staff has turned elsewhere to address the transition period following Thibaut Courtois’s decision to take a physical and mental break from international football. Senne Lammens, the 24-year-old Manchester United goalkeeper, has stepped into the starting role. Lammens has delivered convincing performances during the current international window, anchoring the defense for fixtures such as Monday’s 20:45 match against France, while Svilar remains an onlooker.
Why Mile Svilar Cannot Return to Belgium
Why is Mile Svilar ineligible to switch back to Belgium?
FIFA rules require a player seeking to change national teams after a prior senior appearance to have played that initial match before turning 21. Svilar was 22 when he made his debut for Serbia.
Which club does Mile Svilar currently play for?
He plays in the Italian Serie A as the starting goalkeeper for AS Roma.
Who is currently starting in goal for the Belgium national team?
Senne Lammens of Manchester United has taken over the number-one spot following Thibaut Courtois’s temporary departure from the squad.
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