I have been trying to figure out how I could possibly get a scottish passport. My great grandfather was born in Kilmarnock and Lived there for 25 years until he came over here. Is this a close enough connection in order to get a passport? I emailed the Brittish Embassy and the Scottish government and both directed me in different directions. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Zizou10
I think someone might have beem pulling your leg! There's no such thing as a Scottish passport ........ just yet! Maybe once we escape from the English yoke, but not for the moment I'm afraid. As for whether you'd qualify for a British passport or not, if the authorities apply the FIFA eligibility rules (http://www.fifa.com/documents/static/regulations/statutes_08_2006_en.pdf) you'll not get one. In order to play for a country you need to go no further back than a grand parent born there. Even if your name is McZizou!!
I realized what I had typed right after I hit post. Im kind of ashamed that I did that really. Anyway this may be a bit off of topic, but are there any countries that dont have many regulations preventing Americans from playing in there country? Thanks again. Zizou10
I doubt there'll be many US citizens playing for Arbil, Sirwan, Sulaimania, Duhok, Mosul, Kerkuk, Samara, Najaf, Al Quwa Al Jawiya, Naft Aljanoob, Karbla, Misan, Shatra, Furat, Addala, Air Force, Army, Diala, Industry, Kahrba, Nafut, or Zawra in the Iraqi league!
You could always take up residence in the country of your choice for two years if you want to play on another national team. If you are just looking to play in another country and not for their national team, then you need a work permit, which is completely different from a passport.
You can only go back as far as Grandfather for both playing for a Nation or for applying for a Passport. You need to marry a Scottish Girl.
I'll tell you what.....I could always sell you my passport, you could play for Northern Ireland or the Republic....I was born on the "Island of Ireland". Dad is American...so you could still play for U.S (moved to Belfast in 1970..he must have kicked himself for that after the bombs started going off). Grandmother from Ayr...so you could play for Scotland. Grandfather from Bolton...so you should play for England. That should be worth a few Quid to someone, who is actually good at football, unlike me, I am rank rotten.
Wow, that would be worth something...the U.S. passport has to be about the worst for moving abroad. I was a reasonable player a few years ago, not so much due to skill, but I had a running scholarship--so I was often able to just wheel around people in the rec leagues. When I was in Scotland I was just a world class drunk and bartender.
Iron Man dont happen to have a 17 year old daughter do you? haha. Ive been researching and Sweden seems to be the most leniant? I have connections in Scotland, but not Sweden so that might be a bit our of the picture. Thanks for the help. Cam
Please forgive the non-soccer question, but since it was already brought up: Can you still obtain a UK passport if your parent/grandparent is now deceased? Is there an age limit? I am a 30yr old Canadian, but my Father was born and raised in Scotland, as was his parents and so on. My Father passed away in 2002, and my grandparents before that. I still have family there (Aunt/Uncle/Cousins), and have started researching my family's history, but I would like to know if it is possible to still get a UK passport.
I'm pretty sure that Canadian citizens can pick up a UK passport a lot easier due to being a Commonwealth member. As far as I know you can live/work in Scotland for 6 months before you need a Visa (unless you are an EU resident). Though you should certainly contact the home office about it. Two years residency on a work visa should make you eligible for dual citizenship.