FIFA bans player transfers from non-UN member countries

At its 74th General Assembly in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, FIFA overwhelmingly approved an amendment (202 votes to 4) preventing player transfers from non-UN member countries. This decision was part of a broader package of player transfer regulation amendments proposed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB).

The move follows a similar decision by the African Football Confederation (CAF) in March 2021, which unanimously voted not to recognize non-UN member countries during its 43rd Ordinary and Elective General Assembly. Both FIFA and CAF now restrict membership and player transfers to UN member states.