Aston Villa Appeals FIFA's Under-18 Transfer Ban at Court of Arbitration for Sport

Aston Villa has taken FIFA to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to challenge the governing body's refusal to register 17-year-old forward Brian Madjo. Villa reportedly bought Madjo from French club Metz for 12 million euros ($13.6 million) in January, but FIFA blocked his registration due to rules limiting international transfers for players under 18. The appeal hearing went ahead on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, with no immediate ruling.