Arsenal: Why Kepa Arrizabalaga was allowed to make second international debut amid surprise twist

Overlooked once again by Luis de la Fuente for Spain’s Nations League double-header against the Czech Republic and England in favour of Unai Simon, Joan Garcia and Arsenal team-mate David Raya, it was set to be a quiet international window for Kepa.

Or so we thought.

In a surprise turn of events, Kepa was called up to the Basque Country squad for their friendly against Venezuela and made his debut on Saturday, playing 45 minutes of the 1-0 win at San Mames.

While Athletic Club star Mikel Jauregizar scored the only goal of the game, some Arsenal fans may have been left wondering why their back-up goalkeeper was able to play for another national team.

Of course, it is well known that FIFA rules state that players cannot switch national teams after they've played three competitive fixtures.

However, despite Kepa winning 13 senior caps for Spain, he was cleared to play for the Basque Country because they are currently not recognised by FIFA.

As such, the win over Venezuela was not an official match, in the eyes of football's governing body.

Kepa Arrizabalaga won the last of his 13 Spain caps in March 2023

Getty

Future Kepa appearances for the Basque Country could be in doubt as they have started the process to secure official international status for the national team.

Part of a statement reads: “The Basque Football Federation (EFF-FVF) has revived the process to obtain international official status for the Basque National Team, both men's and women's.

“With this aim, it has approached the Supreme Sports Council and has communicated information about the initiative to the Spanish Football Federation.”