FIFA regulations state that players may only begin trial training at clubs outside their home country during the season in which they turn 15. Consequently, the visit took place one season too early to be in compliance with the rules.
Omar Ouerghemi’s Norwegian club Lovenstad FK shared details about the player’s stay in Ikast via social media posts, reports Bold.dk
FC Midtjylland confirm that the player’s family requested a school visit to "Guldminen" (Midtjyllands talent facility) to gain insight into the sports-focused independent school’s educational offerings and daily life.
At "Guldminen", sports are an integrated part of the school day, and FC Midtjylland is responsible for that aspect. As a result of the visit, the young Norwegian participated in training activities organized by the club.
"However, we should have been more attentive to the regulations that apply when school visits also include sporting activities under our auspices."
"We accept responsibility for this, and we are therefore reviewing our procedures to ensure that similar visits are handled correctly in the future," says the club to Bold.dk
Last year, the Danish Football Association (DBU) introduced new sanctions in an effort to curb the poaching of young talent in Danish youth football. Both elite clubs that illegally recruit children for their talent, academies and grassroots clubs that authorize such transfers now risk facing penalties.
These sanctions were introduced after the newspaper "Politiken" documented attempts by elite clubs to recruit children as young as six years old. DBU's rules state that football clubs are not allowed to poach players before the transition to the Under 13 level.