FIFA Council Advances Mandatory Homegrown Youth Rule
FIFA's governing council agreed late Tuesday to develop a formal plan requiring professional clubs to field at least one homegrown Under-20 or Under-21 player during matches. The body aims to finalize the proposal within a year following global consultations with stakeholders. The measure targets clubs that often depend on purchased or imported talent over youth development.
The proposed rule would impose a strict obligation to have such a player on the field at all times, going beyond current requirements in national and international competitions. Existing squad rules, for instance, mandate quotas of homegrown or locally trained players but do not require their inclusion in lineups.
UEFA's Champions League rules reserve at least eight spots for locally trained players in squads of up to 25. UEFA defines locally trained players as those who spent at least three full seasons at the club or another domestic club between ages 15 and 21.
The initiative seeks to boost playing time for club-nurtured youth. FIFA plans stakeholder consultations before advancing to a binding regulation.
