FIFA have designed new rules for recruiting teenagers.

Arsenal were the first to see the potential of signing 16-year-olds before they turn professional in their own country, taking Cesc Fabregas, inset, from under the noses of Barcelona.

The midfielder has become one of the world's most prized players. Until now, the maximum compensation that had to be paid to the club that developed a youngster was £118,000.

Now, Fifa has raised that to a minimum of £410,000 compensation for a 16-year-old who has spent five seasons being trained in his own country. The figure rises to £490,000 for a 17-year-old, and £572,000 at 18. Football's world governing body has promised to keep a strict eye on the situation, says The Times.