Nationalities changes approved in Paris: Spain gains two, while banned Russia loses two. GETTY IMAGES

Spain leads the way in nationality changes approved by the IOC with two footballers, while Russia (which is banned from participating in these Games as such) loses two of its own. The IOC also approved 7 other changes ahead of the world's biggest multi-sport event, which begins in 40 days' time.


Spain's men's football team for the Paris Olympics has received IOC approval to select two players who have previously played for other countries.

Leeds striker Mateo Joseph has represented England (who are taking part in the Olympics as Great Britain) at U-20 level, while Roma defender Dean Huijsen has represented the Netherlands at youth level.

Mateo Joseph, born in Santander (Spain) on 19 October 2003, and Dean Huijsen, born in Amsterdam (Netherlands), were able to change their eligibility through FIFA to play for Spain at U-21 level, and these changes have now been recognised by the IOC.

As a result, both players will be able to play for Spain at Paris 2024, where they will face Egypt, Uzbekistan and the Dominican Republic in the group stage.

Mateo Joseph playing for England U20 during the international friendly, before switching nationality to Spain. GETTY IMAGES
Mateo Joseph playing for England U20 during the international friendly, before switching nationality to Spain. GETTY IMAGES


Spain won their only Olympic men's football title in Barcelona in 1992, with players such as Pep Guardiola, Kiko Narváez, Alfonso Pérez, Luis Enrique and Santiago Cañizares, among other greats of Spanish football.

At the recent Olympic Games in Tokyo, Spain won the silver medal (losing 2-1 in extra time to Brazil in the gold medal match) with players such as Unai Simón, Pedri and Dani Olmo, all of whom are now in the senior side.

In addition to the footballers, the IOC approved the change of nationality of nine other athletes, including two Russians who gave up their nationality to represent other countries.

Russia, who will not be able to send any athletes to Paris 2024 due to sanctions over the war in Ukraine (although they will be able to compete as Independent Neutral Athletes (INAs)), will lose athletes looking to the future.

Denis Taradin of Cyprus during a Mens iQFOiL race during Day Six of the Paris 2024 Sailing Test Event at Marseille Marina on 14 July 2023. GETTY IMAGES
Denis Taradin of Cyprus during a Mens iQFOiL race during Day Six of the Paris 2024 Sailing Test Event at Marseille Marina on 14 July 2023. GETTY IMAGES


Denis Taradin will compete for Cyprus in sailing and wrestler Chermen Valiev is now eligible to compete for Albania.

The other athletes who have changed their nationalityare Samalulu Clifton (canoeing) from New Zealand to Samoa; Colin Heathcock (fencing) from Germany to the USA; Gor Minasyan (weightlifting) from Armenia to Bahrain; Richard Murray (triathlon) from South Africa to the Netherlands; Lesman Paredes Montano (weightlifting) from Colombia to Bahrain; Alexis Peterson (basketball) from the USA to Germany; and Kim Polling (judo) from the Netherlands to Italy.