April 29 – Players from the European Union will have to go through a points-based system similar to that which currently applies to non-EU footballers before being allowed to play in the English Premier League under new proposals caused by Brexit.
Britain’s departure from the European Union means that in the future EU players will have to pass the same criteria as those from South America, Asia or Africa. Until Brexit, they were allowed to move freely.
The English Football Association, Premier League and government are reportedly set to decide on the criteria for work permits. The new system would come into force when the UK officially leaves the EU, which is expected to be the start of 2021.
The impact on player transfer and movement was described by the FA as “the most significant risk of Brexit”.
The points-based system, known as the Governing Body Endorsement (GBE), will apparently take into account the following factors: size of transfer fee, proposed wages, the world ranking of their particular country and international experience.
The tightening of rules around of the movement of European players into the Premier League could in theory see home-grown talent given a greater chance but the counter-effect could be a reduction of any tv rights deal because of fewer star names.
All 25-man Premier League squads currently have to include eight home-grown players. The FA is reported to want it raised to 12.
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