Aston Villa clear to register youngster after winning court appeal against FIFA | OneFootball

Aston Villa have been allowed to register teenager Brian Madjo after their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport was upheld.

Madjo signed for Villa in January from French club Metz, but Unai Emery’s side were unable to register the 17-year-old as FIFA deemed the transfer as an international transfer. This stemmed from Madjo, who was born in Enfield, appearing for the Luxembourg national team before switching his allegiance back to England, his country of birth.

FIFA’s ruling meant due to international transfers being unable to take place until the player turns 18-years-old, that Madjo would be unavailable to feature for Villa until January 2027. The club took this decision to CAS, where they have now upheld the decision, allowing the 17-year-old to be registered ahead of the new Premier League and Champions League campaigns.

In a statement from the club it said: “Aston Villa can confirm that the club’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport regarding the registration of Brian Madjo has been upheld. 

“17-year-old Madjo signed for the club from Metz in January. Born in Enfield, London and a UK citizen, he left England at a young age and was raised in Luxembourg but has been unable to play due to FIFA‘s rules on the international transfer of minors. 

“The striker has scored four goals in pre-season so far, including two in the opening friendly fixture against Walsall. 

“The court’s decision today means that Brian will be registered as an Aston Villa player and eligible to play in official competition matches for the forthcoming season.”