English FA to cut foreign players in Premier League

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Europe

In a bid to deal with Brexit and boost the number of homegrown players, the English Football Association (FA) is planning to reduce the number of overseas players in Premier League squads to 12 from 17, according to the Times.

The proposal, to be put to the clubs this week, would mean significant changes to a number of sides. Thirteen clubs have more than 12 overseas players in their first team squads this season.

The FA would in return agree to give a governing body endorsement, usually issued for a non-EU/European Economic Area elite player to help the development of football in England, for a work permit for every foreign player who gets a contract with a Premier League club, the report said.

Overseas stars such as Man City's Bernardo Silva (R) and Man United's Ander Herrera (L) may be in danger of facing the chop if new rules are in place this season. /VCG Photo

“We are continuing to work with the Premier League, EFL (English Football League) and a range of government departments, including: DCMS (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport); Home Office; Treasury during this consultation period,” an FA spokesperson told Reuters.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Monday that there were still considerable unresolved issues with the European Union over Brexit as the two sides approached the “endgame” in negotiations for departure from the bloc.

The number of foreign players in current Premier League clubs

17 - Manchester City, Tottenham, Brighton, Huddersfield, Watford

16 - Chelsea, Liverpool, Fulham, West Ham

15 - Arsenal

14 - Manchester United, Newcastle

13 - Leicester

12 - Crystal Palace, Wolves

11 - Southampton

10 - Everton

7 - Cardiff

6 - Burnley

5 - Bournemouth

Source(s): Reuters