Premier League clubs seek Brexit exemption to hold on to European players

April 3 – Premier League clubs have urged the British government not to allow immigration regulations under Brexit to damage the free movement of players into the country.

Scores of European stars playing in the Premier League would not currently qualify for work permits under rules governing visas for non-EU overseas players though the counter-argument is that Brexit will enhance the development of home-grown talent with the knock-on effect of helping the progress of the national team.

“The Premier League is the greatest league the world has ever known,” said West Ham co-chairman David Gold. “Why would you stifle that? Why would you want that to change?”

Stoke City chairman Peter Coates was passionately in favour of staying in the EU. “I’m pessimistic about leaving,” Coates said. “Nothing’s changed my mind. Hopefully, football will find a way of looking after itself when it finally happens – whenever that will be. That could be years down the line.

“What this is creating is uncertainty and we shall all look back in five years’ time and think, ‘What the hell have we done this for? We’re worse off’. And, in 10 years’ time, we’ll still be saying the same thing.”

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