Villa win CAS appeal over Fifa’s block on registering 17-year-old Madjo

Aston Villa's appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has been successful, allowing them to register 17-year-old forward Brian Madjo for official competitions. Madjo, who joined Villa from Metz in January for a fee of £10 million (US$13.44 million), had been blocked by Fifa due to regulations limiting international transfers of players under 18.

Born in England and of UK citizenship, Madjo represented Luxembourg in three matches last year before switching allegiance to England's U-17 team. The six-foot-four striker, who stands out with his height, has already made an impact in pre-season, scoring four goals, including two in Villa's first friendly match against Walsall.

The appeal was successful because CAS ruled that Madjo's English birth and UK citizenship should take precedence over his Luxembourg international status. Villa confirmed the decision on social media, stating that Madjo will now be registered as a Villa player and eligible to compete in official matches for the upcoming season. The club is set to face French champions Paris St Germain in the Uefa Super Cup on August 12.