Turkish Football Federation reforms youth player transfer rules

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has implemented a major reform regarding the transfer processes of amateur players under the age of 18. By updating Article 8 of the Amateur Football Player License and Transfer Instruction, the federation aims to prevent minors from being forced to remain at clubs due to exorbitant transfer fees demanded by clubs.

Under the new regulation, underage players can transfer to another club provided that a reasonable amount, pre-determined by the TFF, is paid into the relevant account and parental consent is obtained. Ural Aküzüm, a TFF board member, stated that the reform seeks to balance the economic rights of clubs that invest in training with the best interests and sporting development of the children.

In a separate development, the TFF also announced the fee schedule for the 2026-2027 amateur season. This includes license and transfer fees, with specific contribution payments for transfers made without club consent. For example, transfers from amateur to professional clubs without consent will incur significant fees, reaching up to 1 million TL for certain age groups. Meanwhile, some local clubs in regions like Trabzon are expressing concerns over the rising costs of equipment, licenses, and general operations, which threaten the sustainability of amateur sports.