Max Dowman and Rio Ngumoha face Champions League registration issues
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Credit: Imago
Jack Heath
Sat 30 August 2025 7:45, UK
Max Dowman and Rio Ngumoha could be about to deal with Champions League registration issues for their respective clubs with the tournament fast approaching.
The start of the Premier League season has been marked by a staggering prevalence of extremely young talent playing well ahead of their time.
Step forward Arsenal wonderkid Dowman and Liverpool hotshot Ngumoha who have been featuring for their clubs despite being under the age of 18.
Ngumoha scored the winner for Liverpool against Newcastle at just 16-years-old, announcing his name on the domestic stage in a late 3-2 win.
Similarly, Dowman won a penalty for Arsenal against Leeds as the Gunners ran out 5-0 victors with the young Englishman tormenting defenders in his brief cameo.
However, there could be a potential hiccup for their Champions League registration due to the current status of the players.
Credit: Imago
According to a report by The Athletic (29 August), if the teenagers are named in as not being “locally trained”, this could affect both Arsenal and Liverpool in their squad selection process.
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The Athletic learnt that there are “no age restrictions” for players to play in UEFA competitions but, when teams have to name two squads (List A and B), rules apply.
“Locally trained” players form eight of the maximum 25 footballers for List A, defined as spending a minimum of three entire season between the ages of 15 and 21 at their current club or from the same country, according to UEFA.
If the Gunners or the Reds opt to name either youngster in their List A squad, given neither of them hit the criteria to play in List B, they would take up a “non-locally trained” spot.
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Football Insider verdict
Even with the potential barriers to entry for the Champions League, it is highly likely that the pair will force their ways into the main squad given their sheer quality.
Although the duo have much to learn with so much of their careers ahead of them, I’ve been impressed by how quickly they have adapted to playing on the main stage.
Moreover, there is ample opportunity for the teenagers to keep developing and playing regular football.
Premier League 2024-25Rio NgumohaMax DowmanAppearances11Minutes played826Goals10Assists01 (from penalty)(Source: Sofascore)
Dowman will be challenging for the right-wing spot with Noni Madueke, especially following the injury to Bukayo Saka.
Conversely, after the departure of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich, Ngumoha only has Cody Gakpo as outright competition for the left-wing, suggesting he will pick up more minutes off the bench and in cup competitions.
Both clubs have ensured to prioritise the Englishmen’s career trajectory and progress, which should reward the Premier League giants for certain later in the future.