A former Manchester United star has reportedly refused to allow his son to represent an African nation.
According to Arabic publication WinWin.com, former Dutch striker Robin van Persie has refused to allow his son, Shaqueel van Persie, to represent Morocco.
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It is said that the 18-year-old is eligible to play for the Atlas Lions due to his mother being Moroccan.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has tasked some of their officials with scouting talent in Europe with dual nationality in order to convince them to represent Morocco.
The FRMF reportedly wanted Van Persie's teenage son to join Morocco's youth ranks but were met with resistance, despite the mother's approval for the youngster to make the switch.
The report also claims that the retired centre-forward, Van Persie, received pressure from a senior official in the Dutch Football Association to not allow his son to represent Morocco.
As such, FRMF officials have since closed the file on the Feyenoord youngster, who has just recently signed a contract extension with the club.
This week, the young Van Persie signed a new deal with Feyenoord until June 2028.
In a statement on the club's website, he said: "It makes me feel proud that I can wear the Feyenoord shirt for the coming seasons.
"I feel a lot of confidence from the club and I work hard every day at Varkenoord to achieve my goals."
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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