Retention Process - May 2026

Retention Process - May 2026

Guidance setting out the steps clubs must take in order to retain any of their current contract players for the 2026/2027 season, will be issued in April.

Please note that the retention period is the month of May, or, if later, the seven-day period that follows the date of the club’s last competitive first team match. Any Offers of Re-Engagement will therefore need to be sent in order to be received by the player during this period. Offers sent earlier will not be valid.

Options can be exercised at any time during the season.

In the event of a player, who is under the age of 24 prior to 30th June 2026, not accepting a valid Offer of Re-Engagement and subsequently signing on contract or non-contract terms for a new club in England, the two clubs must agree a compensation fee. 

Your completed retained list will need to be submitted to The FA no later than 1 June 2026.

Please await the guidance before raising any queries in relation to the retention process.