FA Doubt Homegrown Plan
UEFA’s new ruling concerning the imposition of homegrown talent in European competition squads has been greeted with a mixed reception by the FA.UEFA’s new ruling concerning the imposition of homegrown talent in European competition squads has been greeted with a mixed reception by the FA.
The governing body would prefer national associations to impose quotas in their leagues to create a more level playing field.
Although raising no objection, Football Association executive director David Davies has stressed that they would not be implemented in the Barclays Premiership in the foreseeable future.
Talking to PA Sport, Mr Davies said: “There are reservations in a number of countries and our view is that we have no plans to extend this domestically.
“We are not in the business of gesture politics but we will discuss this with the Professional Games Board in early May.
“Will the object of these proposals actually be achieved? Perhaps all that will happen is that some clubs will go abroad to bring in players at an even younger age.”
From the season the 2006-07 season, four ‘homegrown’ players must be included in the 25-man squads for Champions League and UEFA Cup games - at least two trained by a club’s own academy with a further two developed by other clubs within the same association.
In the following two seasons, one additional place for a club-trained player and one additional place for an association-trained player would be reserved on the so-called ‘A’ list.
Therefore, by the start of the 2008-9 season, the impact will be much greater as the minimum number of homegrown players required per club will rise to eight - four club-trained and four home country - or almost one third of the total squad size.
In suggesting a legal challenge from the wealthiest clubs, UEFA chief executive Lars-Christer Olsson commented: “We know that there are a few clubs questioning the program, but we have also understood they are definitely a minority in their own leagues.
“You never know what will happen if it gets caught up in court, but we’ve had very positive feedback from the European Commission.”
Vice-president Per Ravn Omdal told UEFA’s official web site: “It is a matter of fundamental importance for the future of football.
“We have to improve the quality of player training - and after a consultation process on our proposals, we believe that a broad consensus has emerged.
“UEFA has a responsibility to deal with the issue to safeguard the future of football. Not enough is being done to train young players.”
Related Links:
Declaration of the UEFA Congress on the subject of local training of players
Football’s Coming Homegrown
The XXIX Ordinary UEFA Congress in Tallinn also agreed that Lennart Johansson should extend his final term as UEFA president for another year.
Michel Platini and Franz Beckenbauer are expected to put their names forward for the top UEFA post.