Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players - January 2025 edition
The January 2025 edition of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, approved on 22 December 2024 and in force from 1 January 2025; this edition set out the rules on a player's return following the early termination of a loan contract and the criteria for calculating compensation.
| Approval | 22 December 2024 — Bureau of the FIFA Council |
| In force from | 1 January 2025 |
| Structure | 29 articles + annexes |
| Status | Superseded — replaced by the July 2025 edition |
What are the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players?
The FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP) determine the binding global framework for the registration of players, their amateur or professional status, transfers between clubs affiliated to different associations, contractual stability, the protection of minors, and the training reward and solidarity mechanisms. Certain provisions of these regulations must be incorporated without modification into the internal regulations of every member association.
About the January 2025 editionChanges from October 2024
This edition was approved by the Bureau of the FIFA Council on 22 December 2024 and entered into force on 1 January 2025.
Principal changes from the previous edition
- Rules on the early termination of a loan contractIt was provided that, where the contract between the player and the new club is terminated unilaterally before the end of the loan period: the player has the right to return to the club of origin, must immediately inform the club of origin of the termination and of the intention to return, and the contract suspended during the loan period is reinstated as of the date of return — in particular as regards the club of origin's obligation to pay remuneration.
- Clarification of the general test of "just cause"It was added that, in general, just cause exists in any situation in which "the other party cannot reasonably and in good faith be expected to continue the contractual relationship".
- Criteria for calculating compensationIt was clarified that the party injured by a breach of contract is entitled to receive compensation, and that compensation — subject to article 20 and Annexe 4 on training rewards, and unless otherwise agreed in the contract — is calculated by reference to the loss suffered and on the basis of the "positive interest" principle.
- Joint and several liability of the new clubIt was clarified that the player's new club is jointly and severally liable for the payment of compensation where, having regard to the circumstances of each case, it is established that it induced the player to breach the contract.
- Conditions for trials of minor playersAdditional conditions were laid down for the trial of a minor player, including that the trial period must begin in the season in which the player turns 16, or 15 where the prescribed conditions are met.
Who this document matters to
For clubs engaged in international transfers, players and coaches under contract with a foreign club, agents and sports lawyers, this document is the principal basis for the legal assessment of a case. In any dispute, the applicable edition of the regulations is the one that was in force at the time the relevant event occurred; for that reason, access to the text of earlier editions has practical importance for past cases.