Fifa’s desire to force the controversial 6+5 blow on English clubs, which has been seen as a major threat to the Premiership, has been dealt a heavy blow by the European Commission. It had hoped that the rule, under which six players in every starting line up would have to be qualified to play for the national team where the club is based, could be introduced under a ‘specificity of sport’ provision, giving it an exemption from EU legal rules. Last month Fifa delivered a 200-page report compiled by legal experts in support of its claims.
Fifa’s desire to force the controversial 6+5 blow on English clubs, which has been seen as a major threat to the Premiership, has been dealt a heavy blow by the European Commission. It had hoped that the rule, under which six players in every starting line up would have to be qualified to play for the national team where the club is based, could be introduced under a ‘specificity of sport’ provision, giving it an exemption from EU legal rules. Last month Fifa delivered a 200-page report compiled by legal experts in support of its claims. Jan Figel, the European commissioner who covers sport, has ordered an analysis of the report ahead of talks with Fifa. But even before those talks Figel has effectively kicked out Fifa’s ambitions. ‘The Commission cannot agree to an illegal system,’ he said. ‘So, as long as Fifa keeps on proposing the 6+5 rule as it is currently formulated, the Commission will not be able to endorse it within the EU. It’s as simple as that: the 6+5 rule cannot apply within the EU.’ He added that the ‘specificity of sport’ provision was a red herring as he considers 6+5 to be discriminatory. But he issued a ‘come and get me’ challenge to Fifa. They could impose the rule, any player or club could take them to court. ‘And they would win.’
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