The FA are planning to overhaul some of their rules on foreign players in the Premier League as Brexit looms over Great Britain. The top clubs in the league such as Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea are going to be the hardest hit as the FA look to implement these new restrictions.
Currently, clubs are allowed up to 17 overseas players in their 25 man squad for league games but the new rules could see this number drop to just 12, meaning several overseas players could find themselves out the door of their respective clubs.
As things stand, only Man City and Tottenham are using up their full quota of 17 overseas players including star names such as David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne starring for the table toppers. However, clubs such as Liverpool and Chelsea are also pushing their limit (16) with few opportunities for homegrown talent.
This may mean good news for Gareth Southgate and the England side as some young English talent are given more opportunities in the Premier League. However, with the overseas influence set to drop, the quality and commercial potential of the Premier League could also drop with it, spelling danger for the top flight.
According to the report published in The Times: “The FA would in return agree to give a governing body endorsement, usually issued for a non-EU/European Economic Area elite player to help the development of football in England, for a work permit for every foreign player who gets a contract with a Premier League club.”
The FA refused to comment on the matter, but they could be about to seriously shake up the Premier League.