What is International clearance?

In accordance with FIFA Regulations, international clearance is required for any player over the age of 10 who is seeking to register for a club in England and has previously been registered for a club abroad (including the other Home Associations), or who is a foreign national seeking to register for the first time in this country.


International clearance is applicable at all levels of the game. It is the registering club’s responsibility to verify a player’s registration history in order to ascertain whether international clearance may be required.


Clubs and competitions operating near the borders between England and Wales/Scotland need to be particularly cautious - a player can only play football in one country (subject to international clearance) and cannot play football in two countries on different days, under any circumstances. Further information and the application form can be found here.

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