[Twenty Eight]

Here is an extract from a Barrister we use a lot. Interesting slant on the number of players.

The Court also considered national and UEFA rules governing maximum numbers of foreign players allowed in teams – this is often disregarded when the Bosman ruling is discussed, but it was similarly important. Again, that such rules can pose a restriction is obvious; a club in France will be less likely to make a move for a Belgian player if they are only allowed to field two non-French players in any given line-up. UEFA tried to run a justification defence once more, arguing that for wholly sporting reasons the safeguarding of a national core to team squads was valid. Somewhat predictably, the Court rejected UEFA’s arguments again – clubs must be free to sign and field any number of players of any EU nationality.

This provides one of the most interesting areas for potential changes post-Brexit. UEFA is of course distinct from the EU, so the FA will retain membership after withdrawal from the Union – continued membership in a European body still subject to EU rules will inevitably limit the scope for change following withdrawal. In particular, the Bosman rule in respect of free transfers is likely to survive in the UK to the extent that clubs will still be unable to demand a transfer fee for a move that takes place following the expiry of a player’s contract.