Why does Athir Thomas play for South Sudan?
Born in Juba, South Sudan · Citizenship: Sudan
Short answer
Athir Thomas plays for South Sudan because he holds South Sudanese nationality and chose to represent the country at senior level (first senior call-up on record: 2012).
Birthplace and citizenship
Athir Thomas was born in South Sudan.
International career path
His international pathway, as recorded on Wikidata:
He played senior football for Sudan before switching. Since FIFA's 2020 rule change, a player who won no more than three senior caps (all before turning 21, none at a World Cup or continental finals) can change association once, after a three-year wait.
- Sudan — senior level, 2010 (2 matches, 0 goals)
- South Sudan — senior level, 2012–present
The rules in brief
A player can represent a country if they hold its nationality and have a genuine link to it: birth on its territory, a parent or grandparent born there, or several years of residency. Youth matches do not tie a player to a country. Since 2020, FIFA also lets a player switch once after a small number of senior appearances (no more than three, all before turning 21, none at a World Cup or continental finals) after a three-year wait.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Athir Thomas play for South Sudan?
Athir Thomas holds South Sudanese nationality and chose to represent South Sudan at senior level.
Where was Athir Thomas born?
Athir Thomas was born in Juba, South Sudan.
What nationality is Athir Thomas?
Wikidata lists Athir Thomas as a citizen of Sudan.