Brexit rules will require half of PL squads to be homegrown
The United Kingdom's exit from Europe will spell trouble for the majority of Premier League clubs that rely heavily on foreign talent.
Under new proposed measure from the FA that are designed to tackle the Brexit process, up to HALF of every Premier League squad will have to be homegrown.
According to 'The Times', the extreme plans will be pitched to all 20 top flight clubs this week, and will stipulate that the maximum number of foreign stars per Premier League club be slashed from 17 to just 12.
Of the current Premier League teams, 13 consist of a strong core of foreign players, with more than a dozen in each of these teams' first team squads.
Manchester City and Tottenham Hotpsur are two of five clubs that have the maximum 17 foreign stars in their squads, while Chelsea and Liverpool are among four sides to have 16.
With the Brexit negotiations reaching a conclusion, Premier League clubs face a D-day of sorts, if they are unable to agree a deal with the Football Association.
Without an agreement being reached, payers from inside the EU could be forced to undergo the same process required by non EU players, such as the obtaining of a work permit.
It is rumoured that the FA will provide a 'governing body endorsement' for a work permit for every overseas player who joins a Premier League side, in exchange for a deal to boost the overall number of homegrown talents.
Currently, the 'homegrown' status is handed to any player who spends a minimum of three years in an English or Welsh football academy between the ages of 16-21. Yet after brexit, clubs will have to wait until a player reaches the age of 18 before they can sign them.
The government is also set to give its approval if the two parties reach a common agreement.
However, like all changes brought into the UK during the Brexit process, they would be subject to a trasition period until at least the end of 2020.
To date, the Premier League and the football association are yet to agree terms on any proposed changes.
The League are keen to introduce work permits for all players, regardless of current stipulations that rely on international caps, FIFA ranking, transfer fee or wages.
Meanwhile, the FA are happy with their current rules, which stipulate that a club must have at least 7 homegrown players among each 18 man match day squad.