FIFA Block Lifted: Aston Villa Win Appeal For Brian Madjo Registration

CAS overturns FIFA Ban against Madjo

Aston Villa win CAS appeal over FIFA block to register teenager Brian Madjo. Villa Cleared to register 17-year-old Madjo after CAS victory.

Brian Madjo eligible to play for Villa after CAS upholds appeal against FIFA...

Aston Villa have won their appeal to register forward Brian Madjo after the Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned FIFA’s ban on the 17-year-old. The Premier League club confirmed on Tuesday that Madjo, who signed from Metz, is now eligible to play in official competitions.

Born in England, Madjo grew up in Luxembourg and made three appearances for the country last year before switching to represent England at Under-17 level.

The 6ft 4in striker signed for Villa from Metz in January for £10 million, about $13.44 million. But FIFA blocked his registration, citing rules that restrict international transfers of players under 18. They claimed Madjo counted as a Luxembourg international.

Villa, the Europa League holders, took the case to CAS. They argued that because Madjo was born in England and holds UK citizenship, FIFA’s block should not apply.

"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,” Villa posted on X.

Madjo has been in good form in pre-season, netting four goals so far. That includes a brace in Villa’s first friendly against Walsall.

Villa’s next big test comes on August 12th when they face European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup.