Tchité and Onyewu Become Belgian Citizens

July 16th, 2008 | By: julien | 1 Comment »

Mohamed Tchité and Oguchi Onyewu are now naturalized Belgians. Belgium’s Moniteur released the details. Both players have played for Standard de Liège and neither have any real connection to Belgium aside from playing in the Jupiler League. Tchité was born in Burundi from Congolese parents. Onyewu was born in the United States and his family originated from Nigeria. Unlike Onyewu, Mohamed Tchité has never been selected for a national team. He is eligible to play for the Rode Duivels, but do we really want him to? Burundi was conquered by Belgium awhile ago (1916) so at least Tchité has a colonial connection with Belgium similar to France’s Patrick Vieira. Vieira is Senegalese, but he at least grew up in France. He currently plays in Spain for Racing Santander. For both “Belgians” the biggest benefit from their naturalization is the EU passport, which simplifies transfers.

Tags: Belgian Naturalization, Onyewu, Tchité, Team News

Belgium World Cup RSS Feed

del.icio.us:Tchité and Onyewu Become Belgian Citizens

digg:Tchité and Onyewu Become Belgian Citizens

newsvine:Tchité and Onyewu Become Belgian Citizens

reddit:Tchité and Onyewu Become Belgian Citizens

fark:Tchité and Onyewu Become Belgian Citizens

Y!:Tchité and Onyewu Become Belgian Citizens

stumbleupon:Tchité and Onyewu Become Belgian Citizens

Comments

By Silva | August 29th, 2008 at 10:45 am

Julien,

I dont think Belgium has the right to include Tchite in the national team; the Red Devils. Rwanda has the right over the player, though he was born in Burundi, it should be categorically said that all his parents are Rwandese. the so- called Congo conection comes in just because he used a Congolse passport when he was coming to Belgium for professional trials. most people dont know that.

Under the FIFA rules now, Rwanda has the first priority to the player because right now he is 24 years which complicates the whole issues. Rwanda already has put this matter to the FIFA, and the world governing body assured Rwanda that Meme will play for them. unless Belgium negotiates with Rwanda and get their permission. If Rwanda says no, Gasana Meme (popularly known as Tchite Mohammed) will not represent Belgium.

Stay cool

Silva