FIFA has no timetable to act on a reported request by the Portugal federation for a switch in allegiance by FC Porto's Brazilian born Fernando, according to a report.
"We can not give an estimate on the expected deadlines," a spokesman for FIFA told Maisfutebol.
Portugal has reportedly taken steps to secure the allegiance of the defensive midfielder, who is also said to be a transfer target for Manchester United.
Fernando represented Brazil at the South America U-20s, and thus his petition must be considered by the FIFA player's status commitee, according to Maisfutebol.
The 25-year-old became a nationalized Portuguese citizen last year and is reportedly interested in playing for Portugal after being overlooked by Luiz Felipe Scolari on the Selecao.