International Clearance
In accordance with FIFA Regulations, international clearance is required for any player over the age of 10 who is seeking to register for a club in England and has previously been registered for a club abroad (including the other Home Associations), or who is a foreign national seeking to register for the first time in this country.
If the player is under the age of 18, they are subject to the provisions of FIFA Article 19 (attached below). International clearance is applicable at all levels of the game and further information on how to apply for international clearance for amateur players can be found via the link below
Please be vigilant when registering players. If you think they have played abroad they will need clearance back before they can play in England.
("Abroad" even applies to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland)
Make sure you ask your players if they have played outside of England before you register them. If they have you will need to contact The FA Registrations Department. They will do their utmost to get the player cleared for you as soon as possible.
For application forms please visit the FA website
If you require further information on international clearance in relation to professional players please contact The FA Player Status team using the details opposite.
Matches against Foreign Opposition
Hoping to go on a club tour abroad this season? Or perhaps you're looking to test yourself against foreign opposition on your own patch? Before you do either, you need to get approval from The FA.
Permission isn't needed if you're playing a one-off match against teams from Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, although it is required for matches against teams from the Republic of Ireland and other FIFA countries.
The approval process is simple, just fill in the form below and return it to us via email - info@herefordshirefa.com
Please note that clubs playing at Steps 1-4 of the NLS are no longer required to obtain the approval of their County FA and can submit the form directly to sanctioning@thefa.com.
FA Player Status Department
For general queries, submission of registration documents or international clearance requests
email: registrations@thefa.com
Post: Player Status, The FA, Wembley Stadium, PO BOX 1966, SW1P 9EQ
Fax: 0844 980 0663