Strict FIFA rule leaves Super Eagles star stranded ahead of AFCON

Super Eagles midfielder Christantus Uche has been left with no pathway to a January move, as FIFA regulations have officially blocked any possibility of a mid-season transfer.

Despite his impressive form last season in Spain, the Crystal Palace man now faces a frustrating spell on the sidelines.

Reports from The Athletic confirm that Uche is unable to leave Crystal Palace in January due to FIFA’s strict two-club rule, which prevents a player from representing more than two teams in a single season.

While a footballer may be registered with three clubs, official matches can only be played for two. Uche has already reached that limit, first featuring for Getafe earlier this season, where he contributed a goal and an assist in three La Liga games, before switching to Crystal Palace in the summer.

His limited minutes under Oliver Glasner have raised concerns, with the midfielder appearing just seven times across all competitions for a combined 67 minutes.

Interest from Bundesliga clubs had sparked hopes of a loan spell to revive his form, but FIFA’s regulations have effectively shut the door. As a result, Uche must remain at Selhurst Park until the season ends.

Uche arrived in England after a strong 2024/2025 campaign at Getafe, where he notched four goals and six assists in 38 league matches.

But Crystal Palace has been a different challenge entirely, with the 24-year-old struggling to break into Glasner’s plans. His lack of playing time not only threatens his club development but also poses a risk to his international ambitions.

With the 2025 AFCON approaching, Uche will hope increased opportunities at Palace help him regain rhythm and stay in contention for a Super Eagles call-up.

There remains a slim possibility of being recalled from his loan if a break clause exists, but unless triggered, Uche is set to spend the remainder of the campaign in London, bound by a FIFA rule he can do nothing to change.