The AFA is exploring new opportunities to recruit talent abroad through the academies. This strategic approach opens up a new landscape for all national federations, as long as they comply with FIFA regulations.

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AFA seeks talent in a regulatory loophole

After winning the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia in 2023, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has launched an ambitious initiative under its AFA International programme, opening football academies in both the Americas and Europe. In Europe, the first academy has been established last April in Vallecas, Madrid, following the agreement reached with Vallecas F.C., offering daily training and educational activities under the Argentinean football methodology. Simultaneously, on the American continent, the AFA has presented two academies, one in Medellin, Colombia, with the collaboration of Leones C.F. and the other one in Pembroke Pines, Miami, with the help of Latin United F.C., all of this as part of its strategy to promote the development of football in Argentina. all as part of its global expansion strategy.

It is clear that the AFA is looking to expand its international presence, consolidate its brand in strategic markets, capitalize on commercial opportunities and develop football talent through its methodology. However, one of the AFA's major aspirations is to attract players with Argentine nationality who reside in the countries where the academies are located, attracting young talent that can compete with the Argentine national team.

With the creation of the academies, the AFA aims to generate an approach to those nationals displaced to countries abroad and who may be eligible to represent both, the Argentine national team and the country where the young player is displaced.

However, the creation of football academies by national federations, such as the AFA, could lead to a proliferation of federation academies around the world in search of young nationals moved to other countries. That is why federations using this novel strategy must make sure that they do not breach the various regulations issued by both FIFA and the legislation of the country where the academy is based.

Regarding FIFA regulations, article 19 of FIFA Statutes obliges member federations to manage their affairs independently and without interference from third parties. This implies maintaining a proper separation between the federation and the clubs involved in the academies. For this reason, it is necessary to carefully delineate the independence of the federation from the partner clubs where the academies are based, ensuring that operations do not interfere with the primary functions of each entity. This includes clear agreements on the management of the academies, the use of resources and the distribution of benefits.

The independence of the national association from the host club is a fundamental requirement to avoid possible influences. Therefore, FIFA prohibits clubs from entering into a contract that allows third parties to assume a position whereby they can influence employment and transfer matters related to the independence, policy or performance of the club's teams, with severe penalties for non-compliance (article 18 bis RETJ).

Therefore, although there appear to be no explicit prohibitions, the AFA and other national federations must operate their academies within a clear and transparent legal framework, avoiding conflicts of interest and ensuring that these activities contribute to the positive development of football, safeguarding the interference of third parties in the world of football, which is one of FIFA's major concerns.