Bangladeshi-origin footballer Hamza Dewan Chowdhury, who plays for English Premier League team Leicester City, has been cleared to play for Bangladesh. BFF General Secretary Imran Hossain confirmed Hamza’s FIFA clearance on Thursday (December 19) evening. Hamza also gave a video message.

In a video message published on BFF’s page, Hamza said, “I am going to play for Bangladesh. I hope to see you soon.”

The Bangladesh Football Federation had been in contact with Hamza for a long time. However, BFF’s application was pending in the FIFA Players Status Committee, the highest body in world football.

Earlier, Hamza applied for a Bangladesh passport last June. He received that passport in August. Soon after, he received the clearance from the English Football Association (FA).

Hamza Chowdhury’s parents are in Habiganj, Bangladesh. Although he did not get the light and air there as a child, he has visited Bangladesh several times.