PROFESSIONAL clubs worldwide, including Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League sides, could soon be required to start at least one homegrown youth player in every competitive match under a new FIFA proposal.
The move would mark a shift from existing regulations in many leagues, which only require academy graduates to be listed in matchday squads. FIFA’s plan would require them to take the field from kick off.
Under the draft proposal, the player must be developed within the club’s system and typically aged 21 or under. Clubs without active academies would need to establish youth structures or risk sanctions.
The rule forms part of FIFA’s wider strategy to address the declining use of academy players at senior level. Data from the CIES Football Observatory shows only 12.5 percent of minutes in top flight leagues globally went to club trained players last season.
If adopted, the regulation would affect all 18 PSL clubs. While most run junior teams, integration into the first XI varies.
FC Platinum, Ngezi Platinum Stars and Highlanders are seen as consistent in promoting youth. Highlanders’ Bosso 90 project and Ngezi’s Mhondoro academy regularly feed players into lower divisions. Some Harare based clubs have faced criticism for relying heavily on experienced signings.
“Clubs will have to rethink recruitment,” said a ZIFA technical director who requested anonymity due to ongoing consultations. “You can’t just buy experience anymore. You must build it.”
Questions remain over implementation, including how to define homegrown status, manage loan players and apply the rule to cup competitions and continental fixtures.
There are also concerns about player welfare and competitive balance, with smaller PSL clubs warning the mandate could force them to field unprepared teenagers against seasoned opponents.
FIFA has not released a timeline. A working group is consulting confederations, leagues and player unions. Any change would likely require approval at the FIFA Congress, with 2027 seen as the earliest possible rollout.
The proposal sits alongside other youth focused reforms, including increased solidarity payments for training clubs and limits on international youth transfers.
