According to FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, you will find that, under these regulations, every player participating in organised football must be assigned a FIFA ID.
Article 5, Paragraph 1 states:
Each association must have an electronic player registration system, which must assign each player a FIFA ID when the player is first registered. A player must be registered with an association to play for a club as either a professional or an amateur in accordance with the provisions of Article 2. With the exception of players participating in friendly matches during a trial, only electronically registered players identified with a FIFA ID are eligible to participate in organised football. By the act of registering or accepting a trial, a player agrees to abide by the statutes and regulations of FIFA, the confederations, and the associations.
You can find the full document here:
All players participating as amateurs or professionals must have a FIFA ID. Hobby players are not required to have a FIFA ID, but they may be assigned one if desired.
Futsal and beach soccer players should also be registered; however, there is currently no obligation to assign them a FIFA ID. This may change in the future, so we recommend assigning FIFA IDs to these players as well.
These are the entities that require a FIFA ID from a regulatory perspective. Please also note that, to comply with the FIFA Transfer Matching System (TMS), clubs should also have a FIFA ID, as it is required during the transfer process. Additionally, any player eligible for an international transfer (typically aged 10 and above) should have a FIFA ID, as this information is required in TMS.
Finally, while the above outlines the mandatory requirements, we encourage Member Associations to consider assigning FIFA IDs to all football stakeholders. Coaches, referees, and other participants benefit from having a FIFA ID, as it improves global traceability of individuals within and across Member Associations. Furthermore, should FIFA ID requirements expand in the future, adopting this practice early will ensure readiness at the local level.
FAQ: FIFA ID Requirements and Player Registration
Q: Are all players required to have a FIFA ID?
A: Yes. According to FIFA regulations, all players participating in organised football—whether amateur or professional—must be assigned a FIFA ID when they are first registered with an association.
Q: Do hobby or recreational players need a FIFA ID?
A: No. Players who participate only in informal or hobby football are not required to have a FIFA ID. However, they may still be assigned one if desired.
Q: What about futsal and beach soccer players?
A:Registration is required for these players. Assigning a FIFA ID is currently not mandatory. However, this may change in the future, so it is recommended to assign FIFA IDs proactively.
Q: Do clubs need a FIFA ID?
A: Yes. Clubs should have a FIFA ID, especially to comply with the FIFA Transfer Matching System (TMS), where it is required during transfer processes.
Q: Which players must have a FIFA ID for transfers?
A: Any player eligible for an international transfer (typically aged 10 and above) must have a FIFA ID, as it is required within TMS.
Q: Are there benefits to assigning FIFA IDs beyond mandatory requirements?
A: Yes. FIFA encourages Member Associations to assign FIFA IDs to all football stakeholders, including: Coaches, Referees, Other officials. This improves: Global traceability, Data consistency, Readiness for future regulatory changes.
Q: Should Member Associations assign FIFA IDs even when not required?
A: Yes. While some cases are not currently mandatory, proactively assigning FIFA IDs ensures compliance with potential future regulations and improves overall data quality and system integration.
Q: Where can I find more information or clarification?
A: Please refer to the official FIFA regulations linked above or contact the relevant support teams for further assistance.