FIFA Youth Transfer Rules Challenged In Swiss Court

FIFA rules that restrict youth players from being transferred worldwide are being challenged in a Swiss court.

FIFA Youth Transfer Rules Challenged In Swiss Court

Zurich-based law firm Nater Dallafior Rechtsanwaelte stated it filed the case for a 17-year-old player from Africa. It declined to identify him or any European club supporting the case.

The case was filed Wednesday in Zurich’s cantonal (state) commercial court.

Soccer’s world governing body said it had not been notified by Thursday afternoon.

The case purports FIFA rules discriminate against youths from outside the 28-member European Union.

FIFA rules limit under-18s being transferred internationally to specific circumstances, such as a player’s family moving for non-soccer-related reasons. There are also some exemptions for 16- and 17-year-olds to comply with European labor laws.

Since 2014, FIFA has imposed transfer bans on Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid over youth signings.

FIFA is also currently mired in a dispute with several European national teams over their players’ displaying of poppies on their uniforms or in other ways during recent 2018 World Cup qualifying games on or near Armistice Day (Nov. 11), a day in which fallen servicemen in Europe are traditionally honored with poppies. FIFA rules strictly prohibit public display of any sort of political or religious symbols.

COLCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 10: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of England wears a poppy armband during the UEFA Under-21 Championship Group 8 Qualifier between England and Iceland at the Weston Homes Community Stadium on November 10, 2011 in Colchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)