Aston Villa can register forward Brian Madjo for official competitions after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld its appeal against FIFA’s block on playing the 17-year-old, who joined from Metz, the Premier League side said on Tuesday.
England-born Madjo grew up in Luxembourg, which he played for three times last year before representing England Under-17.
The six-foot-four striker joined Villa in January for £10 million ($13.44 million) but FIFA, whose regulations limit the international transfer of players under 18, blocked it from registering Madjo, arguing he was a Luxembourg international.
Europa League winner Aston Villa appealed against FIFA’s decision to CAS, arguing Madjo was born in England and was a UK citizen.
“The court’s decision today means that Brian will be registered as an Aston Villa player and eligible to play in official competition matches for the forthcoming season,” Villa posted on X.
Madjo has scored four goals in pre-season so far, including two in Villa’s opening friendly against Walsall.
Villa takes on European champion Paris Saint Germain in the UEFA Super Cup on August 12.
Published on Aug 04, 2026
