Aston Villa’s CAS appeal jeopardises Champions League squad composition

Aston Villa lodged a challenge to FIFA at the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Wednesday, aiming to secure the registration of 17‑year‑old forward Brian Madjo. The unresolved appeal leaves the club’s Champions League squad composition uncertain ahead of the 2 September deadline.

Villa invested a reported €12 million in January to sign the north London‑born striker from French club Metz. Despite the fee, FIFA’s refusal has kept Madjo out of any competitive match for the Premier League side this season.

FIFA blocked Madjo’s registration because its transfer rules forbid international moves by players under 18. The former Luxembourg international will not turn 18 until January, placing him outside the exemption window.

FIFA does allow exemptions for 16‑ or 17‑year‑olds moving within the European Union. Britain’s exit from the EU means the exemption does not apply to Villa’s transfer.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport confirmed that Villa’s appeal hearing proceeded on schedule, but it set no target date for a final ruling. The absence of a timetable forces the club to await the tribunal’s decision before the squad deadlines. UEFA requires a Champions League squad list by 2 September, while the Premier League deadline follows the close of the transfer window on 1 September.

Madjo last appeared in a competitive Ligue 1 match for Metz in December. He featured in three senior Luxembourg friendlies in 2025 before switching allegiance to England’s under‑17 side.

A photograph by Thomas Padilla captures Madjo alongside Jean‑Philippe Krasso during a League One encounter between Paris FC and Metz at the Jean‑Bouin stadium. The image underscores the player’s recent activity in French football before his move to England.