Football is not only “a beautiful game” and a passion for generations worldwide, but it has also become a massive industry that attracts countless individuals. Among those deeply invested in this industry are families who sacrifice everything to help their child become a top footballer, hoping for a lucrative career. Unfortunately, these efforts are often threatened by fraudsters who exploit this dream for financial gain.
In many countries, including Iran, so-called “agents” approach parents of players under 18. They start by making exaggerated and false claims, portraying the child as a footballing prodigy. They then sorrowfully explain that the local football infrastructure is too weak to develop such talent, insisting that if the child were in Europe, they would become one of the world’s best players. Ultimately, they persuade the parents to do whatever it takes to send their child to Europe for training and trials at big clubs. This emotional manipulation allows these fraudsters to make huge profits.
Parents, often selling their life’s savings, hand over large sums to these scammers, hoping their child will be registered in elite football academies. However, the outcome is almost always the same: at best, the child is enrolled in an amateur club or a football school with no connection to professional teams. A year later, the fraudster demands even more money, claiming the child needs further training. This cycle continues until the family either runs out of money or finally realizes the promises were all lies.
Beyond the financial loss, this deception can also cause severe emotional and psychological damage to the child. Many children end up disillusioned, with shattered self-esteem and no backup plan for their future.
I have personally witnessed cases where parents sold their only home or took out loans to secure a “bright future” for their child—only to find themselves struggling financially while their dreams collapsed.
In this article, we aim to raise awareness among families dreaming of their child’s success in football by outlining FIFA’s regulations on international transfers of players under 18 and offering recommendations to prevent falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.
FIFA Regulations
Article 19 of FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players imposes strict limitations on international transfers of minors (players under 18) to protect them. The core rule, stated in paragraph 1, is:
“International transfers of players are only permitted if the player is over 18 years old.”
This means that any transfer of a player under 18 should be considered impossible unless it qualifies under one of FIFA’s strict exceptions.
FIFA’s goal is to safeguard young players from being transferred before they mature. Children should enjoy playing football rather than being subjected to commercial exploitation. A young talent may never fulfill their potential if forced into an intense, high-pressure environment too soon. If their entire focus is on football, they risk losing both their childhood and proper preparation for the future.
It’s crucial to understand that merely being registered with a football federation does not requires an ITC. Additionally, for players under 10, their transfer must be explicitly approved by FIFA’s Player Status Committee before requesting an International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
The exceptions to the general ban on international transfers for minors are as follows:
Relocation of the Player to the New Country
A minor may move to a new country alone or with their parents, but such relocation must not be football-related. FIFA recognizes two main cases:
Moving with Family for Non-Football Reasons
If a player’s family moves to another country for work, residence, or other non-football-related reasons, the player has the right to continue their football development. However, to prevent abuse of this exception, FIFA requires that the move must not be made for football purposes. If a family relocates solely to advance their child’s football career, this exception does not apply.
Moving for Education
If a minor relocates alone for educational purposes, they may qualify for an exemption. However, this applies only if the new club is amateur and has no direct or indirect affiliation with a professional club.
Moving for Humanitarian or Political Reasons
Minors who move due to war, political persecution, racial discrimination, or other threats to their safety may be allowed to register with a new club in their new country.
Transfers of Players Aged 16 to 18
Although minors generally cannot be transferred, FIFA makes an exception for players aged 16–18 in two cases:
- Transfers within the EU or EEA: players in aforementioned ages are able to transfer freely within the EU or EEA. For instance, a 17-year-old player from Portugal can legally sign with a club in Germany.
- Transfers between federations within the same country: If two football associations exist in the same country, a player may transfer between them.
Cross-Border Transfers
A minor living near a national border may sign with a club in a neighboring country if:
- Their residence is within 50 km of the border, and
- The club they join is also within 50 km of the border.
In any case, the total distance between the player’s home and the club must not exceed 100 km.
Recommendations
The best way to protect your child is to follow FIFA’s philosophy on youth players. These regulations are based on years of experience and are designed to safeguard young athletes. If your child truly has talent, patience and the right development process are key. However, if you still consider an alternative path, consider the following:
Assess Your Child’s True Talent
Playing well in one match or receiving exaggerated praise from fraudsters does not make someone a football prodigy. Before making any financial commitment, seek assessments from professional talent scouts. Your child’s true talent may lie in another sport—or even outside of sports altogether. For example, Michael Phelps, one of the greatest Olympians, would never have reached the same level of success in football.
Understand FIFA’s Transfer Restrictions
If your situation does not fall under one of FIFA’s exceptions, any international transfer attempt will be extremely difficult, expensive, and ultimately unsuccessful. Many parents believe “powerful connections” can bypass FIFA rules, but this is a dangerous misconception. FIFA has sanctioned major clubs like Barcelona (2014), Chelsea (2019), and Atlético Madrid (2016) with transfer bans for violating these rules.
Verify the Credibility of Agents and Scouts
Never entrust your child’s future to someone without verifying their background. Research their previous transfers, collaborations, and reputation. Check if they hold a valid FIFA agent license and whether they are authorized to work with minors.
Always Have a Strong Legal Contract
If, after thorough verification, you still decide to work with an agent, ensure you sign a comprehensive written contract. Consult a legal expert to draft a contract that protects your rights in case of deception or fraud.
Conclusion
Protecting minors in international transfers is not just a FIFA regulation—it is a necessity for safeguarding their future. While achieving success in football is a dream for many families, allowing opportunists to exploit this dream can turn it into a nightmare. Rushed decisions and blind trust in unverified individuals can cost not only money but also your child’s future.
Understanding the rules, following legal pathways, and seeking professional advice are the best ways to avoid falling victim to this deception. Ultimately, the priority should always be the healthy and sustainable development of the young player, rather than an expensive, high-risk transfer to European football. Learn from the painful experiences of many other parents, and ensure your child’s growth is guided by wisdom, not desperation.