Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP)

1. Players may only be registered during one of the two annual registration periods fixed by the relevant association. Associations may fix different registration periods for their male and female competitions. As an exception to this rule, a professional whose contract has expired prior to the end of a registration period may be registered outside that registration period. Associations are authorised to register such professionals provided due consideration is given to the sporting integrity of the relevant competition. Where a contract has been terminated with just cause, FIFA may take provisional measures in order to avoid abuse, subject to article 22.

14. III. REGISTRATION OF PLAYERS

• a. As an exception to paragraph 1, a female player may be registered by an association outside of a registration period to temporarily replace a female player that has taken maternity leave. The period of the contract of the temporary replacement female player shall, unless otherwise mutually agreed, be from the date of registration until the day prior to the start of the first registration period after the return of the female player that has taken maternity leave.
• b. A female player may be registered by an association outside of a registration period upon completion of her maternity leave (cf. article 18 paragraph 7; and article 18quater) subject to her contractual status.
• c. Associations shall adapt their domestic rules accordingly. However, priority shall be given to ensuring that a female player that has returned from maternity leave is eligible to participate in domestic competitions, and the sporting integrity of the relevant competition.
• d. As a temporary exception to paragraph 1, a professional whose contract has expired or been terminated as a result of COVID-19 has the right to be registered by an association outside a registration period, regardless of the date of expiry or termination.

  2. The first registration period shall begin on the first day of the season. This period may not exceed 12 weeks. The second registration period shall normally occur in the middle of the season and may not exceed four weeks. The two registration periods for the season shall be entered into TMS at least 12 months before they come into force (cf. Annexe 3, article 5.1 paragraph 1). All transfers, whether a national transfer or an international transfer, shall only occur within these registration periods, subject to the exceptions in article 6. FIFA shall determine the dates for any association that fails to communicate them on time.

  3. Players may only be registered – subject to the exception and temporary exception provided for in article 6 paragraph 1 – upon submission through the electronic player registration system of a valid application from the club to the relevant association during a registration period.

  4. The provisions concerning registration periods do not apply to competitions in which only amateurs participate. The relevant association shall specify the periods when players may be registered for such competitions provided that due consideration is given to the sporting integrity of the relevant competition.