7-Year-Old Spanish-Born Child Barred from Football Due to Immigration Status

Wassim was born in Spain, but he does not have a residence card. His situation is not unique; other children find themselves in similar circumstances, unable to play in local clubs because of their administrative status, reports El Diario.

A FIFA regulation, put in place to protect young players from abuse related to international transfers, has indirectly contributed to preventing the registration of foreign children in football clubs. In addition, a recent Spanish law on sports, aimed at federating immigrant minors in "legal residence situations", creates an additional obstacle for undocumented children, specifies the same source.

Although FIFA revised its regulations in 2022 to facilitate the registration of migrant children, the criteria remain difficult to achieve for children like Wassim, particularly in autonomous cities such as Melilla or Ceuta. Administrative requirements, such as the residence certificate, passport and school certificate for the last five years, are major obstacles for these children.

When asked what he thinks about it, Wassim’s answer is very simple: "Please let me play. I want to go back to my team."