On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, Aston Villa announced that they can officially register forward Brian Madjo for competitions after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld their appeal against FIFA's block. FIFA had prevented the Premier League club from registering the 17-year-old striker, who joined Villa from Metz in January for £10 million ($13.44 million), citing regulations that limit international transfers of players under 18 and arguing Madjo was a Luxembourg international.

Madjo, born in England and raised in Luxembourg, played three times for Luxembourg last year before representing England's under-17 team. Villa contested FIFA's decision at CAS, asserting that Madjo was born in England and is a UK citizen.

Aston Villa confirmed on X, "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."

Madjo has already scored four goals in pre-season, including two in Villa's opening friendly against Walsall. The club is set to face European champions Paris St Germain in the UEFA Super Cup on August 12, 2026.

Sources