Berlin seeks financial recompense for player development when athletes switch national allegiances.
The German Football Association (DFB) is reportedly lobbying FIFA to implement a compensation system for national team switches, arguing that significant investment in player development warrants financial recognition when players opt to represent other countries.
Andreas Rettig, the DFB’s Sporting Director, voiced strong concerns over the current regulations, describing them as fundamentally unfair. He highlighted the substantial resources German clubs and the DFB invest in nurturing young talent, only to see these players later represent other national teams without any financial return for the German football system.
“It is illogical that we spend five years or more developing a young player, only for that talent to leave for free to benefit another national team,” Rettig stated. He further explained that the DFB is exploring options with FIFA to introduce regulations that would require players who have represented Germany at youth levels to pay compensation before switching to another national team.
This move comes amidst growing concern in major European football nations about the increasing number of dual-nationality players choosing to represent their countries of origin after being developed in German, French, or Dutch academies. Reports suggest that Germany has lost several prominent players in recent years who opted to play for other national teams.
Rettig indicated that proposals are being drafted to present to FIFA, aiming to amend the regulations governing national team eligibility. These proposals would seek to ensure fair financial compensation for federations that have contributed to a player’s development and preparation for international football.
Analysts suggest that the implementation of such a system could trigger broader reforms in international football, especially given the increasing prevalence of dual-nationality players. It could also encourage federations to invest more confidently in emerging talents, knowing that their investment would be protected should a player choose to represent another nation.
