Khaberni - The International Football Federation (FIFA) is considering implementing an important amendment to the game's regulations, which would require clubs to field at least one player under 20 or 21 years old, and from the club’s own youth, for the entire duration of the match.
The Federation explained in an official statement that its council unanimously agreed to initiate a consultation phase with all relevant parties on this proposal, to be officially presented to the FIFA council next year.
According to well-informed sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, the discussions among the presidents of the six continental federations were positive and focused on how to implement this measure to support the development of young talents.
These consultations will also address the definition of a "local player" within this context, with particular attention to medium-tier federations, not just major clubs, aiming to expand the base of participating young players and provide them with regular playing minutes.
In the English Premier League, current rules stipulate that the number of foreign players must not exceed 17 out of a squad of 25 players, allowing up to 8 spots for players classified as locals.
This rule does not cover players under 21 years old, who can be fielded without being listed on the roster, and it does not impose how they should be used within matches.
This season, clubs like Newcastle United, Manchester City, and Manchester United were highlighted as relying most on under-21 English players in terms of minutes played, noting that Manchester United has maintained a local player in its match squad list for 88 years.
Conversely, clubs like Leeds United and Burnley did not include any players from this category during the 2025-2026 season.
This proposal could have a direct impact on transfer policies, as the selling of local players is a pure profit source for clubs, which some teams exploit to avoid breaching financial sustainability and profitability rules.
