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Around the beginning of August, Bradley Wright-Phillips was linked to possibly playing for Grenada in FIFA competitions. A day later those rumors were shot down by the man himself. Now the New York Red Bulls striker has been linked to another country other than his native England. That country is Jamaica.
Jamacian publication The Gleaner is reporting that the Jamaican Football Federation (JFF) is courting the 30 year old ahead of World Cup Qualifying that resumes in November with a match against Panama.
The article cites national team manager Roy Simpson, who has said that the federation has indeed reached out to Wright-Phillips, who is reportedly considering the move, even going as far as agreeing to prepare paperwork for a federation change if he decides to suit up for Jamaica.
"Both parties agreed that it is OK to pursue the paperwork," said Simpson, "just in case he decides to take up the offer."
For those wondering how he'll be able to suit up, his grandmother has Jamaican roots. This would allow him to suit up for the Caribbean country through FIFA statute Article 17: Acquisition of a new nationality.
Any Player who ... [assumes] a new nationality and who has not played international football [in a match ... in an official competition of any category or any type of football for one Association] shall be eligible to play for the new representative team only if he fulfills one of the following conditions:
(c) His grandmother or grandfather was born on the territory of the relevant Association;
Bradley does have 5 appearances for the England U-20 team, but has never appeared for the senior team. Seeing Bradley choose to play for Jamaica would be interesting as he'll join a fairly loaded set of forwards already in the Jamaican side, and would also start missing out on MLS matches as the league doesn't observe FIFA dates.
What do you think Red Bulls fans? Should Bradley Wright-Phillips suit up for Jamaica? Do you want to see him on the international stage?