Plans to limit 'foreigners' in domestic football

FIFA and UEFA are making fresh efforts for a new system to limit the number of foreign players imported into domestic football, it can be revealed.

The two bodies are drawing up proposals to put to the European Commission which would build on the decision by Brussels in June to grant football special employment status for transfers.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has instructed the world body’s Player Status Committee, which meets next Thursday, to look at the possibility of ruling that at least six of the 11 players on any team be eligible for the national side of the league they are playing in.

Meanwhile European body UEFA have already held preliminary talks with the EC suggesting a plan which would make clubs include in their first-team squads a percentage of players - of any nationality - from their youth systems.

If either scheme comes to fruition it would have dramatic effects on Premiership clubs such as Chelsea, who have in the past fielded a complete team of foreigners.

FIFA communications director Markus Siegler told PA Sport: ‘‘One idea is that six players on a team should at all times be eligible for the national team, in order to protect the young players in all countries.

‘‘It would be good for football and we are fully in line with UEFA. It will form part of the negotiations and discussions with the political authorities in Europe.’’

UEFA communications director Mike Lee insisted the EC would be unwilling to make any ruling on nationality as it could be challenged in court following the Bosman ruling.

He told PA Sport: ‘‘If you try to base this purely on nationality it will fail and we have suggested an idea where a certain number of players developed through a club’s youth system must be part of their first-team squad.

‘‘We have taken the lead in this and have had initial discussions with the EC about this. There has been some sympathetic reaction from them and an indication that it is worth exploring further.

‘‘It would give clubs real incentive to develop players.’’

The easy availability of cheap foreign players has led many clubs to ignore players from their own countries, and the Premier League would support a plan to limit the numbers of imports, though it would be several years before any scheme can be implemented.

There are currently no limits to the number of foreigners, whether from European countries or not, in British football.

The only restrictions are that a non-EU player fulfils work permit criteria - ie plays in 75% of internationals for a side ranked in the top 70 of world football. A side could play 11 Brazilians if they wished.

Premier League chief spokesman Philip French said: ‘‘We have to protect the domestic football structure and we would support a system that would ensure a proper balance.’’

PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor warned that the big clubs might try to block any moves.

He said: ‘‘They are trying to use the special sporting protocol that the EC agreed for the transfers rules, but the big clubs are sure to take a different view and use EU legislation to try to stop it happening.’’