FIFA mulls mandatory homegrown young player quota in club matches

It was decided at FIFA's council meeting in Vancouver on Tuesday that a formal plan would be put in place within a year after consultation with its global stakeholders.

New Delhi: FIFA is exploring the idea of making it mandatory for all professional clubs to field at least one homegrown young player throughout matches.

It was decided at FIFA’s council meeting in Vancouver on Tuesday that a formal plan would be put in place within a year after consultation with its global stakeholders.

Through this initiative, FIFA amins to increase game time for young players nurtured by clubs and rely penchant to buy talent from other clubs.

“The FIFA Council also unanimously approved a consultation process with all relevant stakeholders for a regulatory obligation that senior club teams are obliged to always have at least one homegrown player from the U-20 or U-21 category on the field of play, and for the proposal to be submitted to the FIFA Council in the next year,” it said in a statement.

Currently clubs are mandated to fulfill a quota of homegrown and club-trained players on every squad list in national and international club competitions, including the Champions League.

The rule would be stricter than the existing rule though no obligation on selection in starting line-ups.

Iran absent from congress

None of Iran’s football federation officials were present at the FIFA council meeting, deepening doubts over the country’s participation in the upcoming World Cup.

Reportedly, visa issues prevented them from attending the meeting, which could prevent their presence at the FIFA Congress on Thursday too.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino though called for unity, thoguh he didn’t speak about Iran’s no-show.

“Now, even more, we have to show the world that we are here and we are united, and we can come together from all over the world in a peaceful environment, that we can unite the world,” Infantino said.

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A journalist for 15 years, who keeps his eyes peeled on sporting events with a particular focus on football. Has worked at some of the most respected Indian media organisations including The Statesman, The Asian Age, IANS and Sports Illustrated. Ventured into books with 'Box to box: 75 years of the Indian football team', which he co-wrote and edited.

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