Jorthy Mokio has been removed from Ajax's primary squad list for the UEFA Conference League league phase, triggering concern among supporters about the Belgian midfielder's involvement in European competition. The 16-year-old was initially registered on the A-list but is now expected to feature on UEFA's reserve B-list instead, a move that reflects the club's careful squad management ahead of the campaign.
How UEFA's Squad Registration System Works
European football operates under strict UEFA registration rules designed to balance competitive integrity with youth development opportunities. Clubs submitting their Conference League squads face a maximum of 25 players on the A-list, the primary roster for competition. Ajax met Wednesday's 2 September deadline with their initial submission, but the regulations allow flexibility through the B-list mechanism.
The B-list provides clubs with an alternative registration pathway for younger players. Any player born in or after 2005 who has been contracted to their club for a minimum of two consecutive years becomes eligible. This system essentially creates unlimited squad depth without consuming limited A-list slots, freeing space for potential new signings like Thilo Kehrer, Viktor Tsygankov, Diego Pugno, and Simon Adingra—all of whom are already confirmed on Ajax's primary roster.
Mokio's Timeline and Transfer Status
Born 29 February 2008 in Genk, Mokio arrived at Ajax in mid-2024. His two-year service threshold was reached this summer, making him newly eligible for B-list registration. However, the timing created a registration anomaly: he cannot be moved from the A-list to the B-list mid-cycle, but Ajax can formally add him to the B-list before their opening Conference League match against Hajduk Split on 15 October. UEFA permits clubs to submit B-list amendments up to 24 hours before that fixture.
Ajax's squad includes a notable contingent of youth-developed talent alongside established names like Sofyan Amrabat and Julian Brandt. The club must maintain at least eight locally trained players—those contracted between ages 15 and 21 for a minimum three-season span—to satisfy UEFA's homegrown requirements. This structural obligation explains why the B-list mechanism serves as a critical tool for balancing commercial ambitions with regulatory compliance.
The situation underscores how European football's registration architecture rewards long-term youth investment while enabling clubs to pursue marquee signings without roster constraints. Ajax's ability to add Mokio to the B-list in coming weeks ensures the midfielder remains available for Conference League duties, despite his apparent absence from initial UEFA documentation.
