As a young player’s talent develops, their chances increase, with invitations to trials, interest from larger clubs, and the prospect of a real career. This is where a concept that often surprises parents comes into play: training compensation. While it may sound complicated, it plays a crucial role in young players’ future football.

What exactly is training compensation?

According to the regulations of the Polish Football Association (PZPN), a training compensation is the fee a club that acquires a player is obligated to pay to the player’s former club. This fee is intended to cover the costs of training and developing the player.

This isn’t a punishment or obstacle, but rather a form of recognition and reward for the club’s efforts in laying the groundwork for a player’s future career. These funds often reinvest into the training system, supporting the development of the next generation of players. 

How is the equivalent amount calculated?

The equivalent amount is calculated according to the formula:

E = L × W × M 
E – due amount of the equivalent 

L – period in which the player was registered at the club (between the year in which he turned 12 and the year in which he turned 21), 

W – base coefficient assigned to the age category 

M – multiplier corresponding to the league class of the acquiring club

For players aged 21 to 24, depreciation must be considered when calculating the allowance’s value.

FIFA is developing the FIFA Clearing House system, which automates and streamlines settlements between clubs for training fees and so-called solidarity contributions. The project aims to increase financial transparency, simplify procedures, and support clubs in the settlement process so that funds go where they truly belong.

A Real-Life Story – “Blocked Talent”

A Leicester City player’s example shows how training compensation can affect a career. The former captain of Leicester City’s U-18 team was seen as one of the best talents of his era. When his youth contract was ending, the club offered him a modest professional contract, with potential but no promise of playing time. However, the player wanted to try playing in a lower league to develop his skills.

However, any interested club would have to pay around $450,000 in compensation for him. This is an unreachable sum for smaller teams and an insurmountable barrier for the player.

The player had two options:

1. accept an unattractive offer and stay put, with no real prospects
2. risk a dispute, a tribunal, and a possible label of “problematic,” which could end his career

As a result, the player was unable to go somewhere to play and improve. Ultimately, injuries and a lack of playing time led to the end of his career.

There are more such cases; young players often become hostages of the system that was supposed to protect them.

What if the clubs can’t come to an agreement?

In the event of a dispute regarding the amount or validity of the compensation, the matter may be referred to:

• Mediation or negotiation between clubs,
• Polish Football Association (PZPN) Dispute Resolution Committee,
• FIFA Football Tribunal, if the transfer is of an international nature.

The goal of these procedures is to find a fair solution that does not hinder the athlete’s development.

Why is the training compensation not only an obligation but also an opportunity

This system, although sometimes perceived as a barrier, has many advantages:

• strengthens smaller clubs by giving them funds for further training,
• motivates academies to invest in youth development,
• ensures greater security of players’ career paths,
• builds a more sustainable football development system.

Summary

Training compensation isn’t just about numbers and regulations. It’s a system that helps maintain balance in the world of football, between ambition and responsibility, between dreams and financial realities.

Thanks to it:

• clubs have real motivation to work with young people,
• young players can develop in a professional environment,
• parents feel more secure when they see that the system works in their children’s best interest.

Our law firm will be happy to help you understand how the training compensation system works in practice. We support players, parents, and clubs at every stage, from regulatory analysis, through negotiations and mediation, to representation before the Polish Football Association (PZPN) and FIFA.

Thanks to our experience in sports law and our knowledge of national and international regulations, we help find solutions that protect players’ interests and support their further development in football.

Sources: 

1. Polish Football Association (PZPN). (2018, as amended in 2021 ) . Resolution No. V/88 of the PZPN Management Board of May 23, 2018 on the principles for determining compensation for player training. [In Polish: Uchwała nr V/88 Zarządu PZPN z dnia 23 maja 2018 r. w sprawie określenia zasad ustalania ekwiwalentu za wyszkolenie zawodników] Retrieved from https://www.pzpn.pl
2. Marcotti , G. (2019, November 22). How football’s training system can ruin a player’s career. ESPN. https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/37577998/how-football-training-system-ruin-player-career
3. FIFA. (2025). Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP). Federation Internationale de Football Association. https://www.fifa.com/legal/rules-and-regulations