FIFA FIFA Minor Protection & Youth Transfer Rules 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under FIFA's Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, what is the general rule regarding international transfers of players under the age of 18?
- They are freely permitted with club consent
- They are prohibited except in specific limited exceptions (Correct answer)
- They require only parental consent
- They are allowed if the player has played in the league for one year
Correct answer: They are prohibited except in specific limited exceptions
FIFA generally prohibits the international transfer of players under 18, with only a few narrowly defined exceptions to protect minors from exploitation.
Question 2: Which FIFA exception permits a minor aged 16–18 to transfer internationally within the European Union or European Economic Area?
- The minor has played professionally for two seasons
- The minor's family moves for reasons unrelated to football and the club is within 50km of the new home (Correct answer)
- The receiving club has an accredited academy
- The minor has represented their national team at youth level
Correct answer: The minor's family moves for reasons unrelated to football and the club is within 50km of the new home
FIFA allows EU/EEA intra-zone transfers of 16–18-year-olds when the family relocates for non-football reasons and the new club is within 50km of the family's new residence.
Question 3: What is the maximum distance a club can be from the minor player's home under the EU/EEA family relocation exception for international minor transfers?
- 25 km
- 50 km (Correct answer)
- 100 km
- 200 km
Correct answer: 50 km
The club must be located within 50 km of the minor's new family home to satisfy the EU/EEA relocation exception under FIFA regulations.
Question 4: Under FIFA rules, which body must approve an international transfer of a minor player?
- FIFA Disciplinary Committee
- FIFA Players' Status Sub-Committee (Correct answer)
- FIFA Transfer Matching System automated system
- The national association of the receiving country only
Correct answer: FIFA Players' Status Sub-Committee
Applications for international transfers of minors must be approved by the FIFA Players' Status Sub-Committee, which reviews each case individually.
Question 5: What condition must clubs satisfy to register a minor player acquired through an international transfer under the third FIFA exception (non-EU, 16–18 years old)?
- The club must pay a solidarity contribution to the player's former club
- The club must guarantee the player a minimum salary
- The club must provide adequate academic or vocational training and living conditions (Correct answer)
- The club must obtain a work permit in the player's home country
Correct answer: The club must provide adequate academic or vocational training and living conditions
Under the third exception, the receiving club must ensure the minor receives proper academic or vocational education, suitable living conditions, and the best possible football training.
Question 6: A football agent who facilitates an unauthorized international transfer of a minor may face which FIFA sanction?
- A warning letter only
- Loss of FIFA licensing and a ban from all football-related activities (Correct answer)
- A fine of $500
- Mandatory ethics training
Correct answer: Loss of FIFA licensing and a ban from all football-related activities
Facilitating unauthorized international transfers of minors is a serious violation that can result in the agent losing their license and being banned from all football activities.
FIFA FIFA Minor Protection & Youth Transfer Rules 1
Under FIFA's Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, what is the general rule regarding international transfers of players under the age of 18?