French federation lifts licence ban on unaccompanied minors | OneFootball

The Fédération française de football has overridden a FIFA circular in force since September, allowing unaccompanied minors to obtain licences and play again. The federation said in a letter that regional leagues have been told to issue licences at amateur clubs.

The move reflects the federation’s view that the measure is discriminatory under French law and that national law prevails where frameworks differ. It also notes potential criminal liability for the FFF, identified by the Defender of Rights, and rejects a uniform application of FIFA rules in such circumstances.

The rule concerned is article 19.2 of the Règlement du Statut et du Transfert des Joueurs, which protects minors by strictly regulating international transfers and registrations. It had never been applied in France, with FIFA granting a waiver renewed every two years, which was not renewed in September, sidelining 1,300 unaccompanied minors at weekends.

At FC Lillers in the Nord, 16-year-olds Amadou, from Guinea, and Hady, from Mali, had been limited to training and watching from the stands, with football key to integration and friendships.

Grassroots clubs also faced practical hurdles around insurance and retention, with some unable to cover players without licences and participation dropping in teams of unaccompanied minors.

The youngsters can now return in the coming days if they meet FFF conditions, including registration as amateurs in amateur clubs, playing only at regional level, and no transfer to a professional club before they turn 18.

Source: L'Équipe