Training compensation for Armenian clubs in 2025: how much will be paid for academy graduates

FIFA has published updated data on training compensations for 2025. According to Circular No.1936, the Football Federation of Armenia (FFA) must classify all clubs in the country into categories III and IV. The club’s category determines the amount a foreign team must pay for the player’s training when an international transfer takes place before the end of the season in which the player turns 23.

UEFA training compensation amounts in 2025

• Category I – €90,000
• Category II – €60,000
• Category III – €30,000
• Category IV – €10,000

For Armenian clubs, only categories III and IV apply:

• Category III (developed academies) — €30,000 per year per player.
• Category IV — €10,000 per year.

These payments are mandatory for international transfers of players under 23. For example, if an Armenian academy graduate moves to a European club, his academy will receive €30,000 or €10,000 per training year, depending on the category.

International and domestic transfers

• International: For transfers abroad, the foreign club must pay training compensation at FIFA’s fixed rates, processed via TMS and the FIFA Clearing House.
• Domestic: The FFA regulates compensation rules and rates within Armenia.

Domestic compensation rates (AMD)

• Cat. I – 500,000
• Cat. II – 300,000
• Cat. III – 100,000
• Cat. IV – 40,000

Reduced rates (level 2) apply if the club itself terminates the contract:

• Cat. I – 80,000
• Cat. II – 60,000
• Cat. III – 40,000
• Cat. IV – 20,000

Thus, even if the contract is terminated, the club must compensate the player’s academy.

Armenian clubs’ categories in 2025 (PDF)

FIFA international:

• Cat. III — Pyunik, Urartu, Alashkert, Shirak, Ararat-Armenia, Ararat.

• Cat. IV — Van, West Armenia, Gandzasar, Lernayin Artsakh, Syunik, Mika, Nikarm, Andranik, Bentonit, FFA academies (Avan, Vagharshapat), all other academies and sports schools.

FFA domestic:

• Cat. I — Pyunik, Urartu, Alashkert, Shirak, Ararat-Armenia, Ararat, Van, West Armenia, Gandzasar.

• Cat. II — Lernayin Artsakh, Syunik, Mika, Nikarm, Andranik, Bentononit, FFA academies (Avan, Vagharshapat).

• Cat. III — academies and schools with 4+ age groups.

• Cat. IV — small and rural schools.

Significance of the rules
These rules play a vital role in developing youth football in Armenia:

• They financially protect clubs investing in young players.

• They make Armenian players’ transfers abroad more transparent and regulated.

Training compensation applies for all years of training from ages 12 to 21. For instance, Davit Hakobyan’s 2025 move from BKMA to Slovak club Podbrezová triggered around €80,000 in payments to Avan Academy for his development years.