Uefa chief Michel Platini has seen his plans to
ban transfers for any player under the age of 18 supported by
clubs, leagues and associations.
Platini wants international transfers involving players under 18
banned and at a meeting of the Professional Football Strategy
Council in Switzerland, his plans were given the thumbs up.
The Professional Football Strategy Council is composed of
elected representatives of the associations, clubs, leagues and
players from throughout Europe, and advises Uefa's Executive
Committee on issues of strategic importance for European
football.
Fifa also has an observer on the panel, and Platini's ideas
were, in principle, agreed to.
"The question of minors is above all a moral and
ethical issue - we have a duty to take concrete steps to protect
young players and training clubs," said Platini.
"I am delighted that the key stakeholders of the European
football family have a common view on this major subject and I
welcome the signature of this important resolution."
Although football's big hitters have agreed to Platini's plans
they will now need to be ratified by the European Union, who at the
moment only have a limit of 16 for legal cross-border
transfers.
European Union sports commissioner Jan Figal has said he would
ask for all 27-member nations to back proposals, if Platini could
provide evidence that it would put an end to exploitation of young
footballers.
