Irish players could be banned from joining British clubs until they turn 18 after a significant FIFA ruling today.
FIFA’s decision-making Council has confirmed the implementation of a 'Brexit exemption' to its international transfer policy from January 1, 2021.
With the United Kingdom leaving the European Union, British clubs are not allowed to sign players from the EU until they turn 18.
But today’s exemption means players aged 16-18 in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can transfer across those four football jurisdictions.
However, FIFA offered no such exemption for youth players in the Republic of Ireland to move to Britain.
It could yet be challenged in the courts, but as it stands Irish players will be unable to join clubs in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland until they turn 18.
And that would mark a radical departure as generations of Irish kids have moved across the water in their teenage years seeking fame and fortune.
It is estimated that between 40 and 50 Irish youngsters move to British clubs from these shores on an annual basis.
But young Irish players will still be allowed to transfer to clubs in other member nations of the European Union.
FIFA said in a statement today: “Acknowledging that the United Kingdom – one state with four separate FIFA member associations – will be leaving the European Union, the Council approved an amendment to the regulations to avoid situations in which minors would be unable to transfer within the same state.
“This amendment will apply generally to all situations where there are more than one association in the territory of a country and it will allow the transfer of players aged between 16 and 18 between those associations.”
Unless FIFA backtrack, the focus will quickly shift to the FAI, clubs in Ireland and the Government to invest heavily in underage structures if more players stay at home.
League of Ireland clubs have often generated valuable funds from selling teenage prospects to British clubs.
Shamrock Rovers were one recent example having pocketed almost €500,000 when Gavin Bazunu joined Manchester City in 2019 as a 16-year-old.
Bohemians already have a deal in place for their 16-year-old striker Evan Ferguson to join Premier League side Brighton next summer.
Professional and schoolboy clubs here in Ireland are tonight attempting to seek further clarity on what the FIFA ruling could mean for the game here.
The FAI has yet to comment.
