Transfer Matching System

The FIFA Transfer Matching System (TMS) is an online system that makes international transfers of players between clubs quicker, smoother and more transparent. Introduced in February of 2008 with a test phase, the system is now used for all international football transfers in all 208 FIFA member associations and by over 4600 clubs worldwide.

“Thanks to TMS, football’s authorities have more details available on each and every transfer,” said FIFA President Jospeh S. Blatter. “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.”

The process for a transfer in TMS is a simple one, and modernises and streamlines the old paper-based method. Both clubs involved in the transfer of a player are required to enter identical information. If there is any variation in the information on either side, the transfer will be blocked and, as a result, the required International Transfer Certificate (ITC) cannot be issued until the discrepancy is resolved.

The transfer details required in TMS include identification information on the player to be transferred, club details, all payments (including the amount, timing and bank details). All the details provided must also be backed up by evidence such as uploaded copies of the player’s identification documents, his new employment contract and the transfer contract between his former and future clubs.

The system also helps to reduce instances of underage players being transferred internationally. Since 2009, all transfers of underage players must first be approved by a sub-committee of the FIFA Players’ Status Committee along with any applications for a minor player to the registered for the first time in a country where they are not a national. Both the initial request and the subsequent decision-making process are handled in TMS. The protection of minors is a priority for FIFA and will be a focus of future compliance activities.