FIFA announces big transfer rule change that affects all Premier League players
FIFA has just approved an important new rule that will affect all Premier League transfers. Even though the 2026 FIFA World Cup starts on Thursday (June 11), the world’s football bosses are still making big decisions about how the game works.
With the transfer window opening on June 15, clubs are already busy planning who they want to buy and sell this summer. Some deals are already done, like Anthony Gordon agreeing to join Barcelona for £69.2 million, and Brazilian midfielder Ederson signing with Manchester United for £35 million.
While these players are excited about their new teams, some players in recent years have had tough times by being left out and pushed aside, often called being part of a ‘bomb squad.’ For example, in the summer of 2025, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, and Alejandro Garnacho had to train separately from the Manchester United squad before moving on. Similar situations happened to Ben Chilwell, Raheem Sterling, and Axel Disasi at Chelsea under Enzo Maresca.
Now, thanks to an agreement between FIFA and the players’ union (FIFPRO), these problems might come to an end. FIFA says that buyout clauses will become compulsory in all professional contracts — a rule already common in Spain’s La Liga. Also, players will get a share of their transfer fee if they earn less than €150,000 (£130,000) a year, which is a new benefit. Those players will receive 5% of the set transfer fee.
This change will help players move more freely and stop clubs from forcing them to train alone or holding them back with super-high prices. If a club treats a player badly by isolating them from training, the player can leave without a transfer fee being charged, while still possibly getting paid for their contract.
FIFPRO said: “Players will be better protected from bad treatment like being demoted, forced to train alone, having passports taken away, or other unfair rules. These things have hurt many players for too long and don’t belong in today’s football. Clubs who don’t follow the rules will face faster and stronger punishments, including financial penalties. Players will also get help sooner if clubs don’t pay their wages, even if their national football authorities don’t act.
“These new rules will give both players and clubs more security. Contracts will encourage clear exit options that are fair and reasonable. Young players will also benefit — they can sign five-year first professional contracts, helping them grow while being protected in their sport, education, and money.
“Overall, the changes keep the transfer system balanced, protecting players’ rights and keeping the game stable and healthy for the future.”
These new rules will start on January 1, 2027, and will run through to December 2031.