Premier League rejects FA plan on home-grown talent after Brexit

The Premier League has dismissed Football Association plans to increase the number of home-grown players in squads after Brexit.

The FA wants to reduce the number of non home-grown players in each 25-man squad from 17 to 13 but, in return, will make it easier for clubs to gain work permits for foreign players. They would need only a Premier League contract.

It is hoped the changes would benefit the England team, allowing more young players to play in the Premier League, with the FA asked to find a new formula by the Home Office to cope with the effects of Brexit. The Premier League can continue with the present system but the FA has established that twothirds of existing European players in the league would not be eligible for a permit.

However, the Premier League believes that given its value, not least to the Exchequer in taxation, with revenues of £3.3 billion, the Government would not impose harmful restrictions. A spokesman said: “The Premier League has held a range of conversations with Government and stakeholders regarding the impact on British football of the UK leaving the European Union.

“We currently operate rules that limit the number of non homegrown players clubs can have in senior squads, while also working with clubs to operate a world-leading player-development system which delivers for England teams at every level. There is no evidence stronger quotas would have a positive impact on national teams.

“We approach this matter in the interests of British football as a whole and have held positive discussions with the EFL [English Football League] and the Scottish Professional Football League, who both agree Brexit should not be used to weaken playing squads.”