AdminAston Villa have won their appeal over the registration of Brian Madjo, clearing the way for the teenage forward to be included in Unai Emery’s first-team squad this season.
Madjo joined Villa after making history at Metz, where he became the French club’s youngest-ever Ligue 1 debutant after featuring five times in 2025.
His move to Villa in January 2026 was reportedly worth up to €12 million, but his career at Villa Park was immediately complicated by a registration dispute with FIFA.
The 17-year-old had represented Luxembourg three times after moving there at a young age, leading FIFA to consider his transfer an international move.
Under the regulations, he would have been unable to register with an overseas club until turning 18 in January 2027.
Villa challenged that decision, arguing Madjo should be considered English because he was born in London.
He had also switched international allegiance, scoring four goals in nine appearances for England Under-17s.
The club took the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and on August 4, Villa’s appeal was upheld.
Madjo has already impressed during pre-season, scoring twice against Walsall before finding the net against Real Sociedad and Indonesia All Stars.
With Ollie Watkins and Tammy Abraham ahead of him, Madjo may have to wait for regular opportunities, but cup football could offer his first competitive breakthrough.
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