‘Exiled’ Andorra captain Ildefons Lima set to be recalled after Covid-19 row

History-maker Ildefons Lima is set to be recalled by the Andorra national team after an absence of over a year following a Covid-19 row between the player and the Andorra Football Association, according to Andorran media.

Andorra are set to host the Republic of Ireland and Gibraltar on June 3 and June 7 in two warm-up matches.

In an interview with the Times of Malta last November, Lima had explained how the Andorra Football Association had vetoed him, releasing a statement to emphasize that Lima was left out for ‘non-sporting reasons’ prior to the start of the 2020/2021 UEFA Nations League campaign.

Read: History-maker Ildefons Lima let down by Andorra FA over COVID-19 row.

Lima made his Andorra debut at the age of 17 and went on to represent his country for 128 games across 22 years. He became the country’s record holder in appearances while at the same topped the all-time top scorer list with 11 goals, despite his role as a defender.

His next target is to become the second player to play international football in four different decades after Jari Litmanen of Finland.

Andorran portal Bondia reported that Lima is set to be called up by coach Koldo Alvarez after the 41-year-old player will withdraw the criminal lawsuit against the Andorra Football Association while the latter admitted that they had sidelined him on purpose.

Lima’s call-up will enable him to retire on the field of play just as he wanted after his long service for his country.

The Andorra captain has recently won the domestic league with Inter Club d’Escaldes.