Idman.biz
Nikita Haykin, the goalkeeper of the Norwegian football team "Bodø-Glimt," may not be able to play for the Norwegian national team at the 2026 World Cup.
Idman.Biz reports that FIFA has rejected the 30-year-old goalkeeper's request for a change of federation to play for the Norwegian national team. This was reported by "Sportbox."
FIFA believes that Haykin does not meet the required continuous residence period to represent a new country. According to the rule, a football player over the age of 18 must have lived continuously in the country for at least five years to represent a new federation.
Haykin has been playing for "Bodø-Glimt" since 2019. However, his short-term move to the English football club "Bristol City" in 2023 interrupted his continuous residence in Norway. Therefore, the period is recalculated after his return to "Bodø-Glimt," and the goalkeeper may be eligible to play for the Norwegian national team no sooner than the 2028 European Championship.
The head coach of the Norwegian national team, Stole Solbakken, stated that they are awaiting the final decision on Haykin. According to him, if FIFA does not allow it, the goalkeeper cannot be included in the preliminary squad for the World Cup. The Norwegian Football Federation continues to dialogue with FIFA.
Haykin received Norwegian citizenship in April. "Reuters" wrote at the time that he could potentially be included in the Norwegian national team for the 2026 World Cup, but this required FIFA to approve the change of federation.
