Keith Wyness reveals Aston Villa's chances of winning Brian Madjo appeal amid Max Dowman claim
Aston Villa's appeal to register Brian Madjo ahead of his 18th birthday currently hangs in the balance.
That is according to former Villa chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) may view it as a "restraint on trade" for the 17-year-old if he is forced to continue to wait for his registration.
The Villans paid around £10million to sign the starlet from Metz back in January, but are unable to use him until he turns 18 in January 2027.
Wyness has suggested that it is "ridiculous" that the forward hasn't been allowed to play for his new club so far, and feels that the likely success of Villa's appeal is currently "50-50."
The Luxembourg international was born in England, but has been blocked from turning out for Villa by FIFA, who prohibit international transfers for U18 players.
The second city outfit are set to have their appeal heard by CAS on 1 July, in the hope that he could become available to Unai Emery for the start of 2026-27.
FIFA 'restricting an opportunity' for Brian Madjo
Villa's former chief Wyness - who served as CEO at Villa Park between 2016 and 2018 and now runs a consultancy business advising elite clubs - believes that FIFA are "restricting an opportunity" for Madjo with their current ruling.
The former boardroom man argued that the success of the likes of Max Dowman and Rio Ngumoha means it is no longer a "ridiculous argument" that such a young player could have a big chance to thrive.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, he made it clear that Villa have become very frustrated with the situation.
"CAS could decide that this is a restraint of trade for the young kid. The fact that he's born in the UK doesn't really matter in the football sense, although I think it should do to some degree," Wyness said.
"They'll have lots of examples now of 17-year-olds actually breaking into the Premier League and performing, so it's not a ridiculous argument anymore when you see Max Dowman and all the rest of them coming through.
"That argument could win the day if they're genuinely restricting an opportunity here. Otherwise, it'll have to wait until his birthday in January, and he'll have to just sit there in limbo.
"Hopefully, CAS may see some sense. He'll be frustrated, everyone will be frustrated, the club have invested in him, and they haven't been able to use him.
"It's 50-50, but I'm hoping that he gets a chance to play, because I don't think any young talent should be restricted because of the basis of some ridiculous rule like this."
Aston Villa ready to reignite Lucas Bergvall chase
Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Villa are ready to reignite their chase of Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall this summer.
The Sweden international has made it clear that he is keen to leave North London and explore a new challenge this summer, which has piqued the interest of several Premier League clubs.
Villa and Chelsea both made enquiries into the 20-year-old's future back in January, and they are now ready to pounce once again.
Nottingham Forest have also shown an interest in the youngster in recent days, and it is understood that it is currently an "open race" for his signature.