In line with its commitment to youth protection, transparency and consistent application of regulatory standards, FIFA has published an updated edition of the Guide to Submitting a Minor Application.

The Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP) have, since 2001, strictly prohibited the international transfer of players under the age of 18, subject only to narrowly defined exceptions aimed at safeguarding minors. Under the current RSTP framework, the international transfer of a minor may be authorised only where one of six specific exceptions is fulfilled and approved by FIFA in advance. The updated guide reflects the evolution of FIFA’s regulatory framework and decision-making practice in this area. It has been published in response to the consistently high number of applications, the growing factual and legal complexity of cases and the need to provide stakeholders with clear, practical and consistent guidance on the applicable procedures and required documentation. In this context, the guide also reflects the procedural framework that applies to cases brought before the FIFA Football Tribunal. In accordance with the Procedural Rules Governing the FIFA Football Tribunal, minor applications must include the documentation requested through the Transfer Matching System (TMS), as described in the guide. As such, the guide forms an integral part of the applicable documentation requirements and serves as an authoritative reference to ensure that applications are complete and can be duly examined and decided upon.

The new edition of the guide includes, in particular:

i. a structured overview of the application process for the international transfer of minors, the first registration of a minor who is not a national of the association requesting the registration, as well as the first registration of a foreign minor who has lived continuously for at least the previous five years in the country of registration; ii. a detailed breakdown of the individual exceptions governing minor applications and the corresponding documentation required in each case; iii. an expanded FAQs section, drawing on a broad range of real cases assessed by the FIFA administration, with a particular focus on complex factual scenarios; and iv. relevant legal and regulatory reference materials, including FIFA circulars and selected Court of Arbitration for Sport awards, providing further context on the interpretation and rationale of the applicable rules. By consolidating the procedural guidance, case-based clarifications and regulatory references in a single document, the guide constitutes a practical tool for football stakeholders. Moreover, the accessible wording and clear breakdown of requirements make this new edition a powerful instrument that enhances public understanding of a technically complex and sensitive area of FIFA’s regulatory activity. The guide is publicly accessible via legal.fifa.com in three languages, providing a vital and transparent resource for the entire football community.