FIFA adopts new transfer rules, extending youth contracts to five years

FIFA announced comprehensive reforms to the international football transfer system that will take effect on 1 January 2027 after almost two years of consultation with clubs, leagues and players' unions. The changes follow the high‑profile Lassana Diarra case, which highlighted weaknesses in the existing framework.

The new regulations include a right for players earning less than €150,000 per year to receive 5 % of the fixed transfer fee as compensation, the introduction of standard buy‑out clauses modeled on the Spanish system, and a clearer process for unilateral contract breaches. Academy players under 18 will now be allowed to sign contracts for up to five years, up from the previous three‑year limit. FIFA also plans to increase its support fund for players with unpaid wages to $20 million and set up a new platform for cooperation with the players' union FIFPRO, covering issues such as rest periods, international calendars and player welfare.