Fifa changes the rules on loans. Objective: to launch young people

The rules on loans will change from 1 July. This was announced by FIFA, which will bring into force the new rules with the aim of developing young players, promoting competitive balance and preventing hoarding. Among the novelties there is the obligation of a written agreement defining the terms of the loan, in particular the duration and financial conditions, the prohibition of sub-lending of a professional player who is already on loan to a third club and a limitation of the number of loans per season between the same clubs.

The objectives

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According to FIFA’s intentions, the new rules will prevent rich clubs from accumulating players, encourage the development of their young talents and promote competitive balance in football. But the limits that are expected to take effect in July are limited in scope: players aged 21 and under are exempt from FIFA rules. Clubs will be limited to a maximum of eight outgoing and 8 incoming loan players in the 2022-23 season. They will be reduced to 7 in the following season and to six from 1 July 2024. A maximum of three outgoing and 3 incoming players can be exchanged with the same club. Short-term deals should also be blocked. The minimum loan agreement will be between two transfer windows – typically January and June-August during the European low season – and the maximum period will be one year. The sub-loan of a player already on loan will be canceled.

The exemptions

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Fifa has stated that the proposed rules do not apply to players aged 21 and under and to players trained by the club. The proposed new lending system will go to its next board meeting, probably in March.