Earlier this month at the 59th FIFA Congress, soccer's governing body announced that the age restrictions regarding players' international status would be lifted. Within days, Schalke midfielder Jermaine Jones, who has played in three friendlies for Germany, announced he would offer his services to the United States.

Though many U.S. fans and journalists imagined the 27-year-old holding midfielder lining up for the U.S. in this summer's Gold Cup or in August's World Cup qualifier in Mexico, the U.S. Soccer Federation suggested that the age restriction would not lift officially until October 1. Now it appears the rule takes effect on Sept. 2, 60 days after FIFA's congress, which first makes Jones eligible to play for the U.S. in the World Cup qualifier on Sept. 5 at home against El Salvador. Jones was born in Germany to an American serviceman and German mother. He has spent his whole life in Germany.

 

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