FIFA Approves New Transfer Rules, Introduces Mandatory 5% Player Share

By Chibuzo Obidike

FIFA has approved sweeping changes to its regulations on player transfers, contracts and football governance, including a new rule requiring certain players to receive a share of transfer fees generated from their international transfers.

Under the new regulations, players earning less than €150,000 in annual fixed remuneration will be entitled to a mandatory 5 per cent share of the fixed transfer compensation paid for their transfer.

The changes were contained in FIFA Circular No. 1970, dated September 1, 2026, following consultations with players’ representatives, clubs, leagues and other football stakeholders.

The reforms stem from the October 2024 ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union in the case involving former France international Lassana Diarra, which found aspects of FIFA’s transfer regulations incompatible with European law.

FIFA said the new framework is designed to provide a more objective, transparent, non discriminatory and proportionate system for international transfers.

The regulations also allow players and clubs to agree on a share of transfer compensation. However, for players earning below the €150,000 threshold, the five per cent entitlement will be mandatory, subject to specified exceptions under national law or collective agreements.

FIFA has also introduced clearer rules on compensation for breaches of contract, while an annual interest rate of eight per cent will apply to certain overdue payments when ordered by the Football Tribunal.

Another major change allows clubs, under specific conditions, to offer contracts of up to five years to players under 18, compared with the general three year limit.

The revised regulations also seek to streamline international transfers and the issuance of International Transfer Certificates, while strengthening protections for existing contractual rights.

FIFA further extended its temporary regulations relating to the exceptional situation arising from the war in Ukraine until June 30, 2027.

The new framework also formally recognises a social dialogue mechanism involving FIFA, FIFPRO, the European Football Clubs and the World Leagues Association, with future amendments to key transfer regulations expected to involve consensus among players’ representatives and employers.