BEVERLY HILLS, December 01, (THEWILL) –Â The English Football Association (FA), English Premier League and English Football League (EFL) have unveiled revised entry requirements for overseas players that take effect after Brexit.
The United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union (EU) on December 31, 2020 effectively ends the freedom of movement enjoyed between EU countries and the UK. It also curtails the rights of persons from members states to work in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
By implication, England’s football governing bodies England were required to propose to the government how they will manage the flow of overseas players in and out of football clubs.
This they have done and plans for the implementation of a new points-based system have since been approved by the Home Office.
In this revised system, to sign players from the EU, clubs must now secure a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE). This GBE will be awarded an application for players on the basis of three main criteria:
(i) Senior and youth international appearances;
(ii) Quality of the selling club, based on the league they are in, league position and progression in continental competition;
(iii) Club appearances, based on domestic league and continental competition minutes
There shall be an Exceptions Panel which will be tasked with considering applications for players who fall short of those requirements.
Under this arrangement, English clubs will be forbidden from signing overseas players under the age of 18, and limited to six under-21 signings per season, with three of those allowed in the January window.
Richard Masters, chief executive of the Premier League considered these changes in a positive light as they still allow for the signing of superstar foreign players, though he admitted that they force some concessions on the League.
He said: “The Premier League has worked with the FA to come to an agreement to ensure no part of Brexit should damage the success of the Premier League, or the prospects of the England teams. We welcome the news that the Home Office has approved the Governing Body Endorsement plan for the January 2021 transfer window.
“Continuing to be able to recruit the best players will see the Premier League remain competitive and compelling and the solution will complement our player development philosophy of the best foreign talent alongside the best homegrown players.
“Following the January transfer window, we look forward to reviewing the agreement with the FA.”
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
