Why the FA and the Premier League are set for a post-Brexit war amid dispute over ‘radical’ homegrown quota plans
The Premier League is reportedly furious about the Football Association's plan to increase the homegrown quota after Britain leaves the European Union.
Clubs in English football's top tier are currently permitted 17 non-homegrown players in their 25-man squads and the FA wants this reduced to 13.
The governing body sees Brexit as an opportunity to promote young English talent, with clubs potentially unable to sign players under the age of 18 from EU countries once the transition period ends.
A plan set out by the FA highlights the need to bolster the England squad in certain areas and avoid 'mediocre overseas players blocking opportunities for up and coming talent'.
But according to the Mail, the Premier League is fuming with the FA's 'radical' and 'speculative' proposal.
How will Brexit affect Premier League transfers?
- FIFA does not permit the international transfer of under-18s unless certain exceptions apply - one of which is if the player is moving within the European Union or European Economic Area.
- There had been concerns that this current window might be the last chance to register under-18 players from the EU, with Britain officially leaving the EU at 11pm on Friday.
- However, FIFA's understanding is that under the terms of the UK's Withdrawal Agreement, EU law - including on freedom of movement - remains in force until the transitional period ends.
- There will be no issues concerning older players moving to the Premier League from the EU in the summer either, with the transition period still in effect. Currently non-EU players have to satisfy a Home Office points-based system in order to be registered.
- It is currently unclear if that 'governing body endorsement' system will be extended to include players from the EU beyond December 31, 2020, or whether entirely new regulations will be introduced.
- But Premier League clubs will almost certainly be unable to continue recruiting under-18 players from the EU or EEA beyond the end of the year.
Organisers of the top-flight argue there is no evidence this would provide any benefit to the England team, and favour the current split of 17 overseas and eight homegrown players per squad.
They reportedly fear the changes could damage the competition's quality and affect the performance of English teams in Europe.
It is understood representatives from the FA will make a presentation to top-flight clubs at the next Premier League shareholders' meeting on February 6.