The Canadian Soccer Association has released the following procedures with regards to International Transfer Certificate (ITC) process for Minor Players of Refugee status and/or One Parent Only in Canada:

As has been previously communicated, as per Article 19 of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, Protection of Minors (10 to 17 years of age):

1. International Transfers of players are only permitted if the player is over the age of 18.

Accordingly, the CSA is forbidden from requesting an international transfer for a minor player, except for two exceptions as allowed by FIFA:

1. The player’s parents moved to the country in which the new club is located for reasons not linked to football/soccer.
2. The player lives no further than 50 km from a national border and the club with which the player wishes to be registered in the neighbouring association is also within 50 km of that border. The maximum distance between the player’s domicile and the club’s headquarters shall be 100 km.

FIFA does not allow for any exceptions for foreign exchange students under their existing regulations

For minor players who meet the two exceptions above, must apply for an ITC and must include the following documents in their request:

• Proof of identity and nationality (i.e. passport) – Player
• Proof of identity and nationality (i.e. passport) – Parents
• Proof of birth date (birth certificate) – Player
• Employment Contract – Parents
• Work Permit – Parents
• Proof of residence – player and player parents (i.e. proof of home ownership, rental agreement)
• Proof of distance for 50km rule (i.e. google maps showing location of club/residence)
• Parental authorization

The requirements listed above also apply to foreign nationals who are registering to play soccer for the first time. The parental authorization letter must clearly indicate that their son/daughter were not previously registered to play soccer.

With regards to the documentation as it relates to refugees and players who arrive in Canada with only one parent, the CSA will consider the mandatory document requirements as having been met provided at least one (1) of the following documents have been provided by both the parent(s) and player(s):

• UNHCR Asylum Seekers Certificate; or
• Canada Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR); or
• Permanent Resident Card

With respect to minor players refugees, or not) who find themselves in Canada with only one parent, the parent must provide a signed and dated letter detailing the reasons as to why only one parent is currently in Canada (either due to work commitments, divorce, etc.).

Notwithstanding the above, should FIFA Integrity and Compliance request a review, they may request additional documentation in order to ensure compliance with the FIFA regulations. Further, should FIFA introduce regulations specific to the processing of refugee player status, Canada Soccer (and the Ontario Soccer Association) would be required to implement any such instructions.

Further questions should be directed to Charonne Thomasos. Clubs and their membership are asked to contact their local District Association if they have any questions.