Luiz Felipe Scolari has suggested that Diego Costa’s possible call-up to Spain sees FIFA ‘returning to the rules of the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s’.
The Brazilian born striker has been capped twice in friendlies this year by Scolari for the Selecao, but the Spanish Football Federation are believed to have applied to FIFA to confirm through their rules that he is still eligible for selection for Spain.
Qualifying through Spanish citizenship achieved earlier this year, it is believed there is a technicality that does not count friendly internationals as official games, leaving the door open for La Roja.
In announcing his latest Brazil squad and not including the in-form Atletico Madrid striker, Scolari warned of the precedent this case may set.
“FIFA are returning to the rules of the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, when Mazzola [Jose Altafini] played for Brazil and for Italy. Di Stefano, Preguinho also, if I’m not mistaken, Puskas,” reflected Scolari to reporters this week.
“Will I discuss the case with FIFA? No. [But] in a year, two or five years, a country could probably bring in 20 players and have a national team.
“You can play five, 10 or 100 friendlies and at 101, the player appears in an official game and is then recognised by FIFA. I find that strange.”
Scolari has named three La Liga-based players in his latest selection, including star man Neymar.
“Neymar has been playing very well at Barcelona. He has played much more for the team than himself, which is interesting. It is an evolution for Neymar.
“His arrival at Barcelona will give him more strength than he already has. He is demonstrating that he is one of the best in the world.”
