Holden becomes first American to play for Russia
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-09-13 13:34

However, the 29-year-old said he would have no problem facing the United States team on the basketball court.

"If the coach picks me to play for Russia against the U.S., then I would play. No regrets or hard feelings," he said.

"Of course, like any kid growing up in America I used to dream about playing for the U.S. but they didn't select me to play for their team, so I'm playing for Russia now."

CHANGED ALLEGIANCE

It is common practice nowadays for top athletes to switch their allegiance from one country to another but Holden will be the first person born outside the former Soviet Union to play for Russia at senior level.

Ukrainian-born soccer players, such as former Russia captain Viktor Onopko and ex-Manchester United winger Andrei Kanchelskis, were not regarded as foreigners by most Russian fans because they were all born within the old Soviet Union, which ceased to exist in 1991.

Foreigners have tried to represent Russia in the past but their attempts were short-lived.

Russia had four South African rugby players in their side as they tried to qualify for the 2003 World Cup.

The International Rugby Board expelled Russia from the tournament and fined them $122,000 for fielding ineligible players after a protest by Spain.

Cameroon-born Jerry-Christian Tchuisse was about to make his debut for Russia in the 2002 soccer World Cup qualifiers after receiving a Russian passport but then unexpectedly pulled out.

It was later reported that some of the senior members of the Russian team had not wanted a black player on their squad.

Tchuisse said he was wary of encountering racism.

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