Manchester United will be unable to repeat the treatment of Marcus Rashford under new FIFA rules that ban clubs from isolating players to force transfers. The practice, known as a 'bomb squad,' was used last summer when then-manager Ruben Amorim sent Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia to train away from the first team and told them to find new clubs.
Bomb Squad Ban
Under the new regulations, players can demand a free transfer if a club “separate[s] a player in an abusive manner from training with the team.” This removes the club's ability to recoup a fee even if the player has years left on their contract. The rules take effect on January 1, 2027, but clubs may adjust their behaviour beforehand.
“Players will be better protected from abusive practices,” a FIFPRO statement read. “Demoting players, forcing them to train in isolation as a form of pressure, withholding passports or abusing registration procedures are now expressly prohibited. These practices have affected too many players for too long and have no place in modern football.”
United and Chelsea Affected
All bomb squad members except Malacia found new clubs last season. Rashford returned from loan at Barcelona, while Malacia was released. Only Rashford remains at Old Trafford. Chelsea also used the practice, isolating Ben Chilwell, Raheem Sterling, Armando Broja, Carney Chukwuemeka, Axel Disasi and David Datro Fofana. Most have since left, but Disasi and Fofana only departed on loan.
