Villa drown FIFA at CAS

Aston Villa has secured the right to register young forward Brian Madjo for official competitions following a successful appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). FIFA had initially prevented the 17-year-old, who joined the Premier League club from Metz, from playing due to regulations concerning the international transfer of players under 18.

The governing body argued that Madjo, who grew up in Luxembourg and represented its national team three times last year before switching to England's U-17 squad, was a Luxembourg international. Aston Villa, however, contested this decision, emphasizing that Madjo was born in England and is a UK citizen. The club had signed the six-foot-four striker in January for a reported £10 million ($13.44 million).

The CAS ruling means Madjo is now eligible to play for Villa in the upcoming season. He has already made an impression during pre-season, scoring four goals, including two in the opening friendly against Walsall. Aston Villa is preparing to face European champions Paris St Germain in the UEFA Super Cup on August 12.

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The court’s decision today means that Brian will be registered as an Aston Villa player and eligible to play in official competition matches for the forthcoming season.