FIFA has approved a major rule change that will impact every Premier League player, mandating buyout clauses in all professional contracts and giving certain footballers a direct cut of their transfer fees. The agreement between world football’s governing body and the international players’ union FIFPRO aims to eliminate the so-called “bomb squad” phenomenon, where out-of-favour players are forced to train away from the first team and effectively held against their will. The decision comes just days before the summer transfer window opens on June 15, with clubs across Europe already busy negotiating deals.
The issue of bomb squads has become increasingly visible in recent seasons. At Manchester United, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho were all forced to train separately from the main squad in the summer of 2025 before eventually securing moves elsewhere. Similarly, Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell, Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi endured the same treatment under manager Enzo Maresca.