Italian Football to Make Big Changes to Loans Over Time | OneFootball

The FIGC, the Italian Football Association, has decided to gradually reduce the number of loans each team can make, implementing a FIFA directive that dates back to 2022. The tweak will come into effect next summer. The final cap will be set at eight in 2027/2028, but there’ll be a transitional period in the next couple of seasons when it’ll be ten and then nine, Italia Oggi reports (via Calcio e Finanza).

The limit will be valid both ways. However, the new rules don’t concern U-23 players. Two clubs can complete at most three loans no matter the age of the footballers involved. The body will also reduce the maximum length of temporary spells to one season.

FIGC aims to contain the interdependence between sides, especially in different divisions. The modification will also impact the duration of the contract of the outbound players. They’ll need to have four years on their deals before leaving.

It’ll still be possible to terminate the spell early if the two sides agree to it. In that case, the outfit that loses a contributor is entitled to a compensation that matches his salary for the entire season.

FIGC introduced the new rules concerning loans to attempt to modernize the system and promote better equity and more sustainable growth and valorize youth systems. Their efficacy will be evaluated over time, eyeing the goal of making Italian football more competitive. The Premier League installed something similar a few years ago.