FIFA to consider mandatory rule on club-trained players in starting lineups

The FIFA Council has approved the launch of a consultation process on the possible introduction of a new mandatory requirement for club teams. Under the proposal, every senior club team would be required to have at least one player on the pitch who was developed in its own academy and belongs to the under-20 or under-21 age category.

The decision to begin consultations was adopted unanimously on April 28 at a meeting of the FIFA Council in Vancouver. The organization now plans to consult all stakeholders, including national associations, leagues, clubs, and other football bodies.

At this stage, the matter is only a proposal: no final decision on the new rule has been made yet. After the consultations, the initiative will be submitted for consideration by the FIFA Council within the next 12 months.

If approved, the rule could have a significant impact on club football, as teams would be required to involve young players trained within their own system more actively. Such a measure could encourage the development of academies and give young footballers more opportunities to prove themselves at senior level.

At the same FIFA Council meeting, it was also decided that the 2029 FIFA youth World Cup will be held in Armenia and Georgia.