On 10 June 2026, the Bureau of the FIFA Council approved a major new regulatory framework for global football transfers, updating the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP). The reforms take effect on 1 January 2027 and follow negotiations with FIFPRO, the European Football Clubs (EFC), the World Leagues Association (WLA), CONMEBOL, and UEFA in response to the landmark CJEU Diarra case ruling.
The amendments to the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP), the Procedural Rules governing the Football Tribunal (Procedural Rules), the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC), and the FIFA Governance Regulations (FGR) establish a balanced, transparent, objective, non-discriminatory and proportionate framework for the international transfer system, developed jointly by FIFA and football stakeholders.
11 Key Points
1.Global Social Dialogue
The transfer system enters a new era: the revised regulatory framework is the result of a genuine social dialogue, and it is based on consensus between all stakeholders involved. For the future, any change to the RSTP will be implemented only if there is full consensus between all the social partners.
2. Consequences of a Breach of Contract
The provisions setting out the consequences of a breach of contract (article 17 RSTP) have been fully restructured and modernised. They introduce a clear, systematic, balanced and transparent framework for determining liability, compensation, and sanctions.
3. Liquidated Damages Clauses
The revised RSTP provides a balanced and transparent framework for so-called “liquidated damages clauses”. Parties may predetermine the compensation due for a breach of contract, with clear limits and guardrails. For players earning a fixed yearly remuneration of up to USD 150,000, any agreement on the financial compensation must, as a minimum, grant the player a payment equal to the residual value of the contract that was breached, unless exceptional circumstances justify a lower amount.
4. Calculation of Compensation
The revised RSTP establishes a balanced and transparent methodology to calculate compensation for breach of contract. As a principle, the consequences are equal for clubs and players: a party that suffers from a breach of contract is entitled to full compensation. For players and clubs, objective and transparent criteria are introduced to specify the amount of compensation, having regard to the individual circumstances of each case and the financial realities of the transfer system.
5. Minimum Compensation
As a principle, a player and a club shall always be awarded, as a minimum, an amount equal to the residual value of the contract that was breached. Only in extraordinary circumstances can the amount of compensation awarded be lower than the residual value.
6. Penalty Payment
In addition to compensation, in case of abusive conduct, a penalty payment of up to six monthly salaries shall be awarded to a player or a club.
7. Joint and Several Liability / Inducement to Breach
If a player signs a new contract within 45 days of a breach of contract by the player, it shall be presumed that the new club induced the player to breach the contract.
8. Extended Contracts for Players Under 18
Under the revised RSTP, clubs who engaged in training a player under the age of 18 may – subject to specific conditions – enter into contracts of up to five years (as opposed to the general limitation of three years).
9. Player Participation in Transfer Fees
The revised RSTP introduces a revolutionary new concept whereby players may participate in transfer fees paid in respect of them in the context of an international transfer.
10. Enforcement
Under the revised FDC, the Disciplinary Committee of FIFA will be automatically competent to enforce decisions issued by recognised National Dispute Resolution Chambers, if a decision is not enforced by the relevant association within 60 days
11. ITC Procedure
The revised RSTP further streamlines the international transfer process. It determines clear timelines for the issuance of ITCs. Specific safeguards are introduced, on the one hand, to protect players from irreparable harm and, on the other hand, to enable clubs to reserve financial claims.
FIFA website: www.fifa.com