FIFA makes TMS mandatory for all transfers

Fifa says their new online transfer system will be more transparent and protect minors as the deadline approaches.

From this Friday, 1 October 2010, all international transfers will have to go through Fifa's Transfer Matching System (TMS).

Clubs are required to match the details of any international player transactions and upload proof of payment, identification of agents and documents to confirm a player’s new employer.

If the buyer and seller provide differing information, the player can’t change teams. All deals must be concluded before the transfer window closes, and FIFA has created an online clock to end the ambiguities over last-second agreements.

The system will also shut down as soon as the transfer deadline is passed, preventing any confusion over whether paperwork was lodged in time.

Clubs in Ghana have already undergone training with the use of the Transfer Matching System as the Ghana Football Association seeks to ensure that all international transfers conform to the new regulations.

The network went online in 2007 and most major leagues have been using it during the last couple of transfer windows. From Friday, every club will be required to log the details of each player either sold or purchased in an international deal or have the transaction blocked.

With a simple login password, FIFA staff and national soccer officials can inspect deals from anywhere and search for instances of foul play.

The world governing body believes the system will prevent money laundering, protect minors and make transfers more transparent. Officials, however, insisted that stiff sanctions await clubs that break the rules—from warnings and fines to a deduction of points and even transfer bans.

For all of its benefits, details of transactions won’t be shared with the public.

"This is a historic moment for football," added Fifa president Sepp Blatter.

"TMS is a relatively simple online system but it will have a tremendous impact on the international transfer of players.

"Thanks to TMS, football's authorities have more details available on each and every transfer. The most important thing is that it increases the transparency of individual transactions and helps us to tackle issues such as the fight against money laundering and the protection of minors in transfers."

FIFA legal chief Marco Villiger said: “In an online system, you cannot cheat.”

Villiger said the system eventually will be expanded to include national transfers as well, so that all player movements in the world can be monitored.

“This is definitely the future,” he said.