Countries accused of 'buying-in' talent

Equatorial Guinea and Qatar have been accused of 'cheating' because of the way they recruit overseas players for their national teams.

According to FIFA regulations players must have a "clear connection" to the country they wish to play for.

The rules state a footballer must have either lived in the country for at least three years, or have a parent or grandparent who was born there.

But some national teams have been accused of disregarding those rules to effectively buy-in international footballers.

FIFA declined BBC World Service's request for an interview, but did provide a statement on the issue.

They were keen to stress that FIFA is fully committed to ensuring players not only hold the relevant nationality but also have a certain link to the country for which they play.

The statement reads: "It is the responsibility of the association intending to field a player to examine if the player is eligible to play for them or not.

"Any opponent association is at liberty to lodge a protest based on the non-eligibility of a player.

"And FIFA strongly object to allegations that they "turn a blind eye" to the issue of naturalisation."