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FIFA has confirmed that there will be a ‘Brexit waiver’ to allow the transfer of 16-17 year old players between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, but will not include players of that age from the Republic of Ireland.
The FIFA Council recognized that the UK is “a state with four separate FIFA member associations” and that minors should be able to transfer freely between these associations.
However, they also specified that the exemption will not apply to the Republic of Ireland.
Ninety-one Irish players have moved to English clubs in the last seven transfer windows.
On Thursday, the English FA confirmed to RTÉ Sport that they were awaiting guidance from FIFA on how Brexit may affect the movement of players under the age of 18 from Ireland to the UK.
After Brexit, players from EU countries will need to get endorsement from the governing body [GBE], which is similar to the work permit system that already exists for players from outside the EU.
The GBE will operate a points system based on international senior and youth appearances, club appearances and the quality of the selling club and its league.
Players who accumulate the required number of points will automatically earn a GBE, while players below the threshold can be considered for a GBE by an Exceptions Panel.
The FA told RTÉ Sport that “as a guide, Irish citizens do not need to obtain a GBE due to the Common Travel Area Agreement.”
However, it now seems likely that minors will not be allowed to move to the UK before they turn 18 after Brexit is finally completed on January 1, 2021.
Follow the FAI Cup final through our live blog on RTÉ.ie / sport or the RTÉ News app, watch live on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player or listen to the commentary on RTÉ Radio 1 Extra.
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