Aston Villa face year-long wait for new signing after bizarre FIFA ruling

Tom Weber

Updated: 7 Mar 2026 13:36 GMT
4 min read

Aston Villa could be forced to wait another year for the arrival of January signing Brian Madjo, as FIFA is blocking his transfer from Metz.

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The Birmingham club brought in several January reinforcements after a disappointing summer window, notably signing Douglas Luiz, Alysson and Tammy Abraham.

One transfer that perhaps went a bit under the radar was that of teenage striker Madjo. Aston Villa paid a sizeable €12 million for the 17-year-old, but he has already become something of a forgotten man, through no fault of his own or the club.

Madjo, who made five senior appearances for Metz in Ligue 1 earlier this season, has still not formally arrived at Villa Park despite his deal having been officially confirmed.

The reason for this is that FIFA, somewhat bizarrely, continues to block his transfer, according to journalist Ben Jacobs. Football's governing body argues that his move constitutes an international transfer.

FIFA blocks Madjo deal

As per FIFA rules, players under the age of 18 are not eligible to complete international transfers unless they move within the European Union. Before Brexit, it was not a problem for English clubs to sign underage players from other countries.

Since Brexit, it has become virtually impossible for English clubs to complete these transfers unless certain exemptions apply. However, Villa assert that the teenager should be allowed to complete his transfer because he holds an English passport.

© Aston Villa FC - Brian Madjo during his Aston Villa unveiling

Madjo was born in Enfield and represented the country of his birth at the youth level, previously playing for the U17s before being called up to the senior Luxembourg national team. He is also eligible to represent Cameroon.

FIFA does not accept this reasoning and has refused to sanction the transfer. Villa will explore all legal avenues to change FIFA's stance, but the worst-case scenario is that the Birmingham outfit will have to wait until next January for Madjo to arrive. He turns 18 on 12 January 2027.

The problem is that holding an English passport does not by itself mean that a player is automatically eligible to move. Even with the necessary documentation, international clearance is required, and this often hinges on non-footballing matters.

For example, the player must be accompanied by his parents, who need proof of residence and employment in England.

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