FIFA introduce major transfer rule impacting every Premier League player

FIFA have approved the introduction of a significant rule change impacting all Premier League transfers.

Despite the 2026 FIFA World Cup getting underway on Thursday (June 11), world football’s governing body continues to make impactful decisions on other aspects of the game.

With the transfer window set to open on June 15, clubs are also hard at work deciding who they will sell and recruit this summer.

Several agreements are already in place, with Anthony Gordon agreeing to sign for Barcelona for a £69.2 million fee, while Brazilian midfielder Ederson has also agreed to sign for Manchester United for £35 million.

And while the aforementioned players will no doubt be looking forward to getting going at their new clubs, in recent years, several out-of-favour players have endured torrid experiences at clubs by becoming members of so-called ‘bomb squads’.

In the summer of 2025, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho were forced to train away from the rest of the Manchester United squad before eventually securing moves elsewhere.

READ MORE: FIFA's strict World Cup rule broken twice in opening game between Mexico and South Africa

Ben Chilwell, Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi experienced a similar situation under Enzo Maresca at Chelsea.

Now, an agreement between FIFA and the international players’ union (FIFPRO) could spell the end of these types of situations.

FIFA has announced that buyout clauses will become mandatory in all professional contracts, despite them largely already being used by La Liga clubs.

Players are also set to get a cut of their transfer fee, something which is already in place in Spain for footballers who earn below €150,000 (£130,000) annually. Those who earn below the aforementioned amount will receive 5 percent of their fixed transfer fee.

This will allow players to move freely and effectively stop clubs from forcing them to train without the opportunity to play, or holding them against their will by using costly price tags.

If clubs “separate a player in an abusive manner from training with the team”, then that player has the right to cite “just sporting cause” and will be able to leave for no transfer fee with compensation for their contract still potentially being available.

FIFPRO issue statement on rule change

In a statement, FIFPRO explained: "Players will be better protected from abusive practices. Demoting players, forcing them to train in isolation as a form of pressure, withholding passports or abusing registration procedures are now expressly prohibited. These practices have affected too many players for too long and have no place in modern football.

"Players will further benefit from stronger enforcement of their rights. Clubs that fail to respect their contractual obligations will face swifter and more effective sporting and financial consequences, while overdue payments will now attract an eight percent interest rate. Where clubs fail to pay salaries and national football authorities fail to act, players will have a more direct route to FIFA, helping to ensure that binding decisions are enforced wherever they play.

"The reforms also provide greater certainty for players and clubs alike. Liquidated damages clauses and agreed exit mechanisms are encouraged from the outset of a contract, while ensuring that their quantification remains reasonable and proportionate, to ensure that the vast majority of players worldwide see their remuneration guaranteed as a minimum threshold. Key elements of the transfer system, including the protected period and joint liability mechanisms, are being refined to ensure greater proportionality and legal certainty.

"Young players also stand to benefit. Club-trained young players will be able to sign a five-year first professional contract, creating greater stability and development opportunities while benefiting from safeguards designed to protect their sporting, educational and economic interests.

"At the same time, the reforms preserve the core foundations of the transfer system, striking a better balance between player rights, contractual stability and the long-term interests of the game."

The changes will come into effect from January 1, 2027, with the deal running until December 2031.