Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP)
The RSTP is the most complex document in the FIFA Football Agent Exam. This guide covers all 10 parts, 29 clauses, and 7 annexes — with a focus on training compensation, solidarity mechanism, contractual stability, and protection of minors.
Open-book exam — digital only
You may access study materials during the exam, but only on the same device. No printed documents, second screens, or external URLs are permitted. Pre-load all 9 official PDFs before the exam starts.
Readiness check deadline — April 14, 2026
All registered candidates must complete the mandatory Pre-Exam Readiness Check by April 14, 2026. Failure to complete it disqualifies you from the exam with no right of appeal.
All 9 official FIFA study documents (2026 exam)
Open / download all →RSTP structure — what each part covers
Scope of application
Who and what the RSTP covers
Status of players
Amateur vs. professional; registration
Maintenance of contractual stability
Art. 13–18; protected period; just cause
Transfer of players
Registration windows; loan; transfer agreements
Training compensation
Art. 20 + Annexe 4; categories; calculations
Solidarity mechanism
Art. 21 + Annexe 5; 5% distribution
Jurisdiction, dispute resolution
FIFA Tribunal; DRC; national bodies
International transfers of minors
Art. 19; five exceptions
Third party influence
Art. 18bis; third party ownership prohibition
Agents
Cross-reference to FFAR for agent involvement
Critical RSTP numbers to memorise
| Topic | Key Number / Rule | Article |
|---|---|---|
| Solidarity mechanism total | 5% of transfer compensation | Art. 21 + Annexe 5 |
| Solidarity — ages 12–15 (per year) | 0.25% per year (4 years = 1%) | Annexe 5 |
| Solidarity — ages 16–23 (per year) | 0.50% per year (8 years = 4%) | Annexe 5 |
| Training compensation — training period | Ages 12 to 21 | Art. 20 + Annexe 4 |
| Protected period (general) | 3 years / seasons | Art. 17 |
| Protected period (under 28) | 2 years / seasons | Art. 17 |
| Minimum age — first pro contract | 16 years old | Art. 18 |
| International transfer of minors — ban | Under 18 (with 5 exceptions) | Art. 19 |
| Border exception distance | 50km from national border | Art. 19 |
| RSTP annexes total | 7 annexes | Annexes 1–6 |
Solidarity mechanism — worked example
Calculation questions appear frequently. Here is a step-by-step worked example:
Scenario: Player X is transferred for $10,000,000. He was trained by Club A from age 12–15 and Club B from age 16–20.
Free RSTP practice questions
See all mock exams →Under RSTP Article 21 and Annexe 5, what percentage of a transfer fee is distributed as the solidarity contribution?
Under RSTP, what is the training period for training compensation purposes?
Under RSTP Article 17, what is the 'protected period' during which a unilateral contract termination without just cause attracts the most severe sanctions?
Under RSTP, what is the first exception that allows a club to register a minor player internationally?
How many annexes does the RSTP contain?
Answer key
Q1 — RSTP Article 21 + Annexe 5
The solidarity mechanism distributes 5% of any transfer compensation paid for an international transfer of a professional player to clubs that contributed to the player's training between ages 12 and 23. This is one of the most tested calculations in the exam.
Q2 — RSTP Article 20 + Annexe 4
Training compensation is payable when a player is transferred internationally before the end of the season of their 21st birthday. The training period covers ages 12 to 21 (or 12 to 23 for goalkeepers). This applies when a player signs their first professional contract or is transferred internationally before age 21.
Q3 — RSTP Article 17
The 'protected period' under RSTP Article 17 is defined as 3 years for all players, or 2 years for players who were under 28 years of age when they signed the contract. Termination without just cause within the protected period triggers sporting sanctions (suspension) in addition to financial compensation.
Q4 — RSTP Article 19
RSTP Article 19 prohibits international transfers of players under 18. The first exception is when the player's parents move to the country where the new club is located for reasons that have nothing to do with football. There are four further exceptions: EU/EEA players aged 16–18 moving within the EU/EEA; players living within 50km of the national border; refugees or players requiring humanitarian protection; and players moving as part of a student exchange programme.
Q5 — RSTP — Annexes overview
The RSTP contains 7 annexes: Annexe 1 (Minimum requirements for standard player contracts), Annexe 1bis (Minimum requirements for female players), Annexe 2 (Maintenance of order and discipline), Annexe 3 (Promotion of training), Annexe 4 (Training compensation), Annexe 5 (Solidarity mechanism), and Annexe 6 (FIFA Clearing House). Knowledge of the annexes and their subjects is tested directly.
RSTP frequently asked questions
What does RSTP stand for?
RSTP stands for Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players. It is FIFA's core regulatory framework governing player registration, player status (amateur vs. professional), international transfers, contractual stability, training compensation, and the solidarity mechanism. The RSTP has 10 parts, 29 clauses, and 7 annexes.
What is training compensation under RSTP?
Training compensation is a financial payment owed to clubs that trained a player between the ages of 12 and 21 when that player signs their first professional contract or is transferred internationally before the end of the season of their 21st birthday. The amount is calculated using category-based cost tables set by each confederation. Article 20 and Annexe 4 govern training compensation.
What is the solidarity mechanism under RSTP?
The solidarity mechanism (RSTP Article 21 + Annexe 5) requires that 5% of any transfer fee paid for an international transfer of a professional player is distributed among the clubs that trained the player between ages 12 and 23. The distribution follows an age-bracket formula: clubs training the player from age 12–15 receive 0.25% per year, and clubs training from ages 16–23 receive 0.50% per year. The receiving club is responsible for distribution.
What is the difference between training compensation and the solidarity mechanism?
Training compensation applies when a player signs their first professional contract or is transferred internationally before age 21 — it compensates training clubs for the cost of development. The solidarity mechanism applies to all international transfers of professional players regardless of age — it distributes a 5% share of the transfer fee among all clubs that trained the player from ages 12 to 23. Both can apply to the same transfer if the player is under 21.
What is the 'protected period' under RSTP?
The protected period is the first 3 seasons or years (whichever comes first) after a contract is entered into, or 2 seasons or years if the player was under 28 at the time of signing. Terminating a contract without just cause during the protected period results in sporting sanctions (automatic suspension of up to 6 months) in addition to financial compensation. This is one of the most tested areas of RSTP.
What are the exceptions to the international transfer ban for minors under RSTP Article 19?
RSTP Article 19 generally prohibits international transfers of players under 18. There are five exceptions: (1) The player's parents relocate to the new country for reasons entirely unrelated to football; (2) The transfer is within the EU or EEA and the player is between 16 and 18; (3) The player lives within 50km of the national border and the club's registered address is also within 50km of that border; (4) The player is a refugee or requires humanitarian protection; (5) The player moves as part of a student exchange programme. All five exceptions are directly testable — memorise them.