Aston Villa will challenge FIFA at sport’s highest court next month as they try to register young striker Brian Madjo in time for the new season.
Madjo, who turns 18 on January 12, joined Villa last winter from French club Metz. He was born in Enfield, near London, but also holds Luxembourg nationality and has won three senior caps for them.
FIFA have so far blocked Villa from registering Madjo, due to a rule that prevents minors – meaning under-18s – from moving between countries, though certain exceptions are permitted.
Villa plan to contest FIFA’s ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland, with the hearing scheduled for July 1.
Aston Villa want striker Brian Madjo registered in time for the new season
The fee Villa paid for Madjo could eventually reach £10million and he is considered across Europe as a player of considerable promise.
Before joining Villa, Madjo had made two starts in Ligue 1 for Metz, accumulating 162 minutes in total across his five appearances. He also represented England at Under-17 level.
Aston Villa declined to comment.
