FFA begin tough transfer stance with former Blacktown junior Caira

Football Federation Australia has begun its tough transfer stance for youth players by playing hardball with English club Aston Villa.

Former Blacktown City junior Reece Caira has been offered a youth contract by Villa but cannot take up the offer until he receives an International Transfer Certificate from FFA.

The 16-year old was born in western Sydney and both of his parents hold British passports but under FIFA regulations, players under the age of 18 cannot move abroad simply to further their football careers.

“It's definitely a tougher line, and we make no apologies for that. The rules of FIFA are quite clear, and in many ways we are simply making sure we enforce them more rigorously,” said FFA CEO Ben Buckley.

"But, fundamentally, this is about trying to make sure players are not misled, at the same time as protecting our own development programs … there's less and less reasons for a player to go overseas at a young age. That's the message we want to get across."