FIFA is opening talks on a rule that will require clubs to field at least one young homegrown player during matches

FIFA has started talks to make it mandatory for all professional teams to field at least one young homegrown player during a match.

The FIFA council agreed late on Tuesday to work on a formal plan within a year, following global consultations with stakeholders.

The measure is aimed at increasing playing opportunities for young players developed by clubs, especially teams that typically rely on bought and imported talent.

FIFA said it is addressing “a regulatory obligation requiring senior club teams to always have at least one homegrown player from the Under 20 or Under 21 category on the field of play.”

Such a rule would be stricter than existing regulations in national and international club competitions, including the Champions League, which require a quota of the club’s own and trained players on the squad lists.

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However, these rules do not oblige clubs to select such players in their starting line-up or use them during matches.

Champions League rules require each team to reserve at least eight places for “locally trained players” in a maximum squad of 25.

A locally trained player is defined by Champions League organizer UEFA as a player who has been developed by the club itself or by another club in the same country for at least three full seasons between the ages of 15 and 21.

Published on April 29, 2026