Majority of the FIFA Congress members have voted in favour of an amendment to lift the age limit of eligible players changing national associations.
A motion removing the reference to the age limit, was passed by 58 percent of the FIFA Congress, a move which opens the way for players to represent the country of a parent's birth.
Prior to Wednesday’s decision, players who had represented one country at youth level had to make the choice to change by their 21st birthday.
The removal of the age limit is the only change to the regulations - all other restrictions will apply.
The FIFA Congress also voted on the protection of minors with President Joseph S. Blatter saying: "It is our duty to the youth of the world to protect young players. We must do it together. Stop the slavery of these young players."
Under the new law: “A sub-committee of the Players' Status Committee will be in charge of the examination and possible approval of every international transfer of a minor player, which could be justified by one of the three exceptions mentioned in the relevant regulations. Approval will also be required for every first registration of a minor player who is not a national of the country in which he wishes to be registered.
“All football schools independent of already-registered clubs will be obliged to register themselves with the member associations. Moreover, all clubs that operate an academy will be obliged to report all minor players to the association upon whose territory the academy operates. Furthermore, each association is obliged to ensure that all players attending an academy or a football school that is not linked to a club shall be reported to the association.
“Finally, the value of the training compensation for players aged 12 to 15 will be substantially increased as a deterrent against the poaching of young talents.”