From aspirations to exploitation : the hidden costs of restrictive transfer regulations in Maltese youth football

Abstract

Global concerns regarding youth footballers’ well-being and safeguarding persist, particularly in contexts with limited professionalisation. This qualitative study explores the experiences and psychological impact of domestic club transfers on young players and their families in Malta. Nine parents/guardians of U15 and U17 players (six boys, three girls) shared their experiences of facing transfer restrictions and excessive fee demands. Reflexive thematic analysis was utilized to analyse the data. Parents reported emotional distress, marital strain, and mental health issues, while they observed their children experiencing anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, and, in extreme cases, suicidal ideation. These findings expose gaps in domestic safeguarding regulations and highlight the urgent need for transparent policies. Sport psychology consultants are well-positioned to advocate for systemic reform and support families during the transfer process. This study provides insights relevant to similarly structured nations seeking to protect the mental health and rights of young athletes.