Story perspectives

Villa 4-2 loss, Madjo barred, Asia tour set

7/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Aston Villa lost 4-2 to Real Sociedad in a pre-season friendly at Bescot Stadium on Tuesday.
Unai Emery mixed seniors with academy prospects, starting João Gomes while Hemmings scored and Madjo equalised.
Seventeen-year-old striker Madjo, signed for £10 million, cannot play until his CAS appeal on his London-birth exemption is resolved or he turns 18, prompting Villa to travel to Asia to face Indonesia All Stars, BG Pathum United and Bayern Munich.

History

Historical Context

FIFA’s crackdown on youth transfers began with early bans – Chelsea in 2009 and Barcelona’s two-window ban and £305,000 fine in 2014 for signing minors. That precedent frames Aston Villa’s £10 million signing of 17-year-old Madjo, whose eligibility hinges on a pending CAS ruling, forcing the club to reshape its pre-season itinerary.

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Story summary

Aston Villa lost 4-2 to Real Sociedad in a pre-season friendly at Bescot Stadium on Tuesday.
Unai Emery mixed seniors with academy prospects, starting João Gomes while Hemmings scored and Madjo equalised.
Seventeen-year-old striker Madjo, signed for £10 million, cannot play until his CAS appeal on his London-birth exemption is resolved or he turns 18, prompting Villa to travel to Asia to face Indonesia All Stars, BG Pathum United and Bayern Munich.

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