The Football Association is proposing to ban non-EU players from playing in the Football League as part of a package of measures to give greater opportunities to domestic players.
The Football Association is proposing to ban non-EU players from playing in the Football League as part of a package of measures to give greater opportunities to domestic players.
This may not look as drastic as it might seem as many players of African origin qualify for EU citizenship through countries such as France and Belgium. Some players from Latin America are also able to qualify for EU citizenship through Portugal and Spain. Of course, the position would change if Britain or England left the European Union.
Nevertheless, even League 2 clubs sometimes have players who are internationals from, for example, small countries in the Caribbean which are well down the Fifa rankigs.
The Dyke Commission is not proceeding with the controversial ‘B’ teams proposal which met with a lot of opposition from clubs and fans. However, it is considering a plan which would allow the under 21 sides of top clubs to play in the Johnstone Paints Trophy. This might enliven the paint drying competition which normally attracts interest only when it reaches its final stages.