Ian Rush: Time FIFA changed rules on teenage transfers

08 September 2009 01:00
IT'S time that FIFA outlawed the transfer of footballers under the age of 18. The ban on buying players imposed on Chelsea after the way they went about signing Gael Kakuta from Lens has put the topic in the spotlight and I believe the rules need to be changed. It's so difficult for youngsters and their parents when they are being offered ridiculous amounts of money to move abroad. I can understand why big clubs want to secure the best possible talent from around the world but I just think those kids would be better off staying in their own country until they are 18. At the moment kids can be snapped up on contracts when they turn 16 and that's too young. I was at a UEFA conference about six months ago and spoke to Michel Platini about this. I know it's something they have been looking at for a while and hopefully things will change now. That transition from the age of 16 to 18 is the most important part of a footballer's career.

Source: Liverpool_Echo