WBSC announces new Athlete Transfer Rules to come into effect in 2025

The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) is pleased to announce the new Athlete Transfer Rules, which will come into effect from 1 January 2025.

The rules apply to all National Federations, Continental Associations, clubs and athletes, and set out general principles concerning the transfer of baseball/softball athletes between clubs affiliated with different National Federations.

Developed by the Player Transfer Working Group and approved by the WBSC Board in May, the rules have been established over several years with the objective to establish a solid structure and provide a clear overview of athlete transfers.

Athlete Transfer Rules
Athlete Transfer Rules - Appendix 01
Athlete Transfer Rules - Appendix 02

The Athlete Transfer Rules will help createa level playing field regarding transfers across the WBSC’s jurisdiction andprotect the global system, and applies to all athletes aged 18 or older.

Moving forward, a transfer can only occurthrough the issuance of an International Transfer Certificate (ITC). The ITC isa document that validates and certifies that a player can be transferred andplay in another country and is tied to a single international transfer, so itmust be requested and issued whenever conditions for an international transferarise.

Athletes’ Commission and Working Group member Randolph Oduber emphasised the importance of introducing the rules and ensuring fairness among all WBSC member federations.

“The implementation of the Athlete Transfer Rules in 2025 will ensure that all the WBSC member federations are treated fairly when it comes to player transfers"

Athletes’ Commission and Working Group member Randolph Oduber

“The implementation of the Athlete Transfer Rules in 2025 will ensure that all the WBSC member federations are treated fairly when it comes to player transfers, therefore protecting WBSC’s vast global ecosystem," Oduber said. "Our aim is not to make transfers difficult for players, but to ensure they are appropriately regulated.

“There has been significant work put in by my fellow Working Group members, but we are pleased with the outcome and hope that the first iteration of these rules provide the foundation for player transfers in the long term.”

Oduber was joined in the Working Group by WBSC Executive Vice President and Softball Division Chair Craig Cress, Pierluigi Bissa, Rainer Husty (Austria NF President), Maria Soto (WBSC Softball Division Vice Chair) and Kruno Karin (WBSC Europe President).