Pictured Above: FIFA President Sepp Blatter
Fifa have voted in favour of the ’six-plus-five’ rule which would place restrictions on foreign players.
The president of football’s world governing body, Sepp Blatter, hopes to see the initiative implemented by the 2012/13 season.
The ruling would limit the number of overseas players any one team can field in their starting XI to just five.
Fifa have grown increasingly concerned by the number of foreign stars infiltrating Europe’s top leagues, with the English Premier League standing out as the most obvious example.
Despite fears from the European Union that the introduction of the rule would contravene freedom of movement regulations, Blatter insists that Fifa would proceed “within the limits of the law”.
The good news though, is that the EU have completely rejected the claims that the rule is to go ahead, here’s what John McDonald—spokesman for the European Commissioner for Sport—told BBC why he does not expect Blatter’s ambitions to succeed.
“It is a non-starter as far as we are concerned,” he said.
“Interestingly, the wording that Mr Blatter mentioned this morning at his press conference was that FIFA’s resolution is to explore within the limits of the law the six-plus-five rule.”
“And they can explore as much as they like, but, unfortunately, a six-plus-five rule is against Community legislation.”
Source: BBC Football
For the supporters that would like to know how many English players we have in both First and Reserve & Youth teams, here they are:
Goalkeepers
Defenders
Midfielders
Mark Randall – First Team
Theo Walcott – First Team
Justin Hoyte – First Team
Kieran Gibbs – Reserves
James Dunne – Reserves
Henri Lansbury – Reserves
Jack Wilshere – Reserves
Craig Eastmond – Reserves
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas – Reserves
Conor Henderson – Youth
Emmanuel Frimpong – Reserves
Chuks Aneke – Youth
Rorie Deacon – Youth
Forwards
Tags: arsenal, blatter, british talent, FIFA
May 30, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Why do you think the rule is stupid?
I think that it is a good rule which will provide the national team with a wealth of players to dive into! Ok might be a bit rubbish when there aren’t as many foreign players but it will give us the chance to develop our home grown youngsters!
As you can see from the list, i don’t think that this would necessarily effect us that much! Many of that list have already expressed their desire to break into the first team.
I am actually in favor of this rule BUT can’t see it happening as it will never be within the EU rules!
May 30, 2008 at 12:17 pm
This rule is stupid, and i hope all Big teams boycott this rule.
May 30, 2008 at 12:17 pm
It would effect us majorly. The likes of Jack Wilshere, Gavin Hoyte and co aren’t ready for First Team football and it would mean Wenger would have to scour the market for the most expensive English talent.
May 30, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Is there a reason you spelled ludicrous like the rapper ludacris?
May 30, 2008 at 12:20 pm
I hate Sepp Blatter!!!!!!
May 30, 2008 at 12:23 pm
haha. Thanks for that mate, I didn’t use spell check. :p
May 30, 2008 at 12:27 pm
There is no need to panic about the rule. It will not be implemented till the 2012/3 season at the earliest. Then most likely the courts will have established that it will only apply to non europeans only.
May 30, 2008 at 12:29 pm
in the 70’s and 80’s english teams won all the throphys in europe yet in the national team either did not even get to final’s or went out in the early rounds and lets look at brazil and argentina 1st and 2nd in world rankings all but a few of their players play in europe not south america and croatia the team that beat england most players again dont play in croatian league in fact spain that has most home grown players never win anything the bottom line is bad manager and players like terry and rooney that get away with murder every week but cant do it at international level because they get punished. also lets not forget players with a bad attitude.
all blatter is interested in is cash remember when foe died on pitch he went ahead with final so to aviod having to refund sponsors shithead is all he is.
all that will happen is chelsea and united will buy all the english players for inflated transfers swp 20m/rooney 29m/rio29m/carrick 17m need i say anymore
May 30, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Clacko – we didnt have foreign players around in the 70’s or 80’s and England won bugger all then. I’d like to ask you a question. So what makes you think by limiting them now things will change?
English players will still be crap and over priced.
May 30, 2008 at 12:31 pm
The rule is stupid as it won’t help, it will create a wider pool of players for the national teams to choose from, but so what? If most of them are average, they won’t have a hope in hell of being picked anyway.
It looks to achieve it’s goals by forcing teams into playing certain players, it’s madness. Fifa is full of old school, old men, with antiquated views.
Even Platini said it is a silly rule, nice idea, but the practicality of it is non-existent. People like Young, Agbonlahor, Seers, Wilshere, Ashley Cole, Terry, Ferdinand, Bentley and co., have all made it in spite of the prescense of foreigners. All of them are good to world class, so where is the problem?
This can be applied to Italy, Germany, Holland, Spain and many more countries, the national teams have so much talented players to choose from, so where is the problem in the first place?
May 30, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Its about time people in FIFA saw septic bladder’s intentions for what they really are , its not about restoring & preserving national teams its because its the British sides domination of europe lately & how strong the league has become .
While i can’t know 100% if its true , i feel he has some grudge against the British footballing system and sees this as a way of hurting us the most.
For example , the crowd trouble in italy has gone largely ignored even though its mainly racist & not the usual terrace insults you hear over here.
Anyway septic bladder can fuck off , its always been a case of who is best plays rather than where they are from & if that changed I for one wouldn’t pay my hard earned money to travel to the arsenal games to see them every week.
May 30, 2008 at 12:34 pm
There should be a petition. Can somebody make one?
May 30, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Hi Clacko
“I think that it is a good rule which will provide the national team with a wealth of players to dive into! Ok might be a bit rubbish when there aren’t as many foreign players but it will give us the chance to develop our home grown youngsters!”
Unfortunately, I can’t see it working like that. Players will of course improve if given more starts, but regular playing time won’t turn a good player into a top-class player. And the benefits for the English contingent might even be negated or diminished by the reduction in competiton – they wouldn’t have to fight so hard for their (virtually) guaranteed places. Plus English players could become even more expensive than they already are if every team HAD to have a certain number. I think the “homegrown” rule is much more sensible and workable, as it rewards a club for nurturing a player and promotes stability.
May 30, 2008 at 12:37 pm
No need to petition me tom , its a form of discrimination and will never pass. They may work it to be as someone said above non eu players but that would just help the uk teams as far as work permit goes etc
what would be next ? umm i dont like the number of black men in british sides , lets limit them to 3 per team. Oh and gingers only one per team! its madness and it will not happen
May 30, 2008 at 12:43 pm
I’m sure there is one being bounded about, i’ll tell you if I find one.
May 30, 2008 at 12:44 pm
I dont remember any such talk, or similar, when the Italian teams in the 80’s had the monopoly in europe eg AC Meelan Or Juve. When Blatter quoted 4 teams from one league in QF, 3 in SF, 2 in the final its not good for European football etc, for me it just explained what we already knew, he hates the English. All the time this idiot is in charge he will come up with ideas detrimental to our league, i wish he could be sacked the fkin knob !
May 30, 2008 at 12:46 pm
I think they’ll be way to much opposistion from the leading clubs around Europe for this to happen.
As said before me, it’s a form of discrimination.
May 30, 2008 at 12:47 pm
hey under uefa rules any player under the age of 21 who has been traineed by a club under the country’s football association regardless of nationality is eligible to play as one of the six “homegrown” players.I’ll put up the link to that soon if u need it.
May 30, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Yep, much appreciated mate. That means Cesc counts as homegrown.
May 30, 2008 at 12:53 pm
I think Arsenal will have to start wearing green if this rule goes through and also play all our games in Nigeria.
May 30, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Foreign players work very very hard to become real proffesionals, but now FIFA is trying to behave like a dictator. Why in the 21 century and is this the right thing to do by the so called WORLD FOOT BALL GOVERNING BODY!
Thi is gonna affect mostly players from AFRICAN COUNTRIES and and africans will be left behind because of this idiotic and racisim culture in FIFA.
SHAME SHAME SHAME and FIFA should be resolved, it doesent help poor states from africa which benefit from players who come and play in europe. Plse plse respect and apply equal opportunity to all on this planet. SIMS DAVIS
May 30, 2008 at 1:06 pm
The top English players will make it into their team because of their ability, if they are good enough they will make the team! IMO this would weaken the national team and the premier league… The players will only be in their club teams because of the nationality and not their ability. If this were to happen i highly doubt the national team will change much. And it will weaken the premier league, the english players are too comportable with where they are… how many English players are playing overseas? None! The foriegners are the reason that the EPL is so strong. And its against the law and discrimanatory… its not gonna happen…. How many of sepp Blatters proposals actually come through… None!
May 30, 2008 at 1:11 pm
This rule won’t be implemented cos it’s obviously against EU regulations and if it was then any player could go to court claiming discrimination and would almost certainly win the case.
Out of that list of English players, the only ones who can be potential starters in the future are Theo, Wilshere, Lansbury (if he’s not injured) and possibly Jay Emmanuel Thomas as well as Benik Afobe and Frimpong in the distant future. I don’t think Randall or Simpson for example are Arsenal quality, although they are Premiership quality.
UEFA are in favour of the homegrown rule though which would probably be beneficial to us because our youth academy’s finally improving and producing good players like Cesc, Bendtner, Barazite Nordtveit etc and it would finally stop Chelsea from buying all the stars, although they might just outbid everyone for the best young players instead.
May 30, 2008 at 1:17 pm
fifa are taking the easy way out ,rather than spending time and money on improving coaching at grass roots level in established countries and developing the game in low ranked nations. they are trying to get in quotas in. what does this mean ? spurs may buy a player of darren bents calibre for 25-30m instead of 16 m in 2012
btw how does fifa legislate on club football ? they are incharge of international football aren’t they !!
May 30, 2008 at 1:53 pm
people are dreaming if they think the rule could/ would improve england’s chance in international football… get a grip of the root cause and that’s not the number of foreign players!
May 30, 2008 at 1:56 pm
This rule is stupid because….
Firstly, as you’ve mentioned yourself, the rule is against EU law so it’s a bit stupid to attempt to enforce a rule that is against the law don’t you think?
Secondly, and this is the important one, Forcing a team to field at least 6 players of a certain nationality does not necessarily mean that that countries national team will be stronger. Do you really think that England’s failings are a direct (or indirect for that matter) result of Arsenal (or any other top flight team) not fielding 6 English players on a regular basis? It’s not! England have failed because, they haven’t had a good manager for 20 years (Bobby Robson), there are too many “undropable” players due to media hype, the media have too much influence over public and managerial opinion, the players don’t seem to care enough, and they don’t know how to function as a team (arguably the managers fault).
In Arsene Wenger’s own words, “sport rewards quality”. There is no bias (unless this rule is enforced) in sport. If you’re good enough, you’ll make it.
The premiership attracts the best players in the world because there is money here and consequently because it is the best league in the world. Only the best English players make it to this level, and because they are playing with and against the best in the world, the quality of those English players’ games is raised further.
Enforcing this rule would only serve to reduce the quality of the premiership and hence reduce the quality of the English players playing in the league. It would also increase the number of mediocre players in the league.
Think back to the early 90’s when the league became the premiership. Just before Zola and Bergkamp and Co arrived. There weren’t many foreign players. Now, compare the quality of football then to the quality of football now. It was pretty shit wasn’t it? (and don’t try to tell me it was more exciting then coz it wasn’t) Was the English team any more successful then? NO!
Tell me, how would enforcing this rule do anything other than bring English football back 15 years?
The bottom line is – English kids are not skilled in the technical aspects of the game in the same way an Italian or a Brazilian kid is. That’s what counts when it comes to the top level. If English players (or any other nationality) were good enough they wouldn’t need a 6-5 rule (or whatever the fuck it’s called), they’d already be playing in the top leagues of the world!
May 30, 2008 at 2:16 pm
The rule is fucking ridiculous.
IT’S RACIST.
PLUS – AND THIS IS A BIG FUCKING PLUS – ENGLISH PLAYERS ARE INHERENTLY SHIT, WHICH MEANS HAVING MORE ENGLISH PLAYERS = WORSE CLUBS.
May 30, 2008 at 2:20 pm
This rule makes no sense!!!! It is just an excuse for England not qualifying. The reasons why england failed to qualify were:
1) Lack of balance in the midfeild. Gerrad and Lampard cannot play together….
2) Needed a better manager…like capello
3) Media Pressure!!!
4) Lack of team rotation and lack of striking options.
5) Education:- In most countries, there is a lack of education and as a result playing sports is a way out of poverty. In england we have amazing education. Look at all the worlds best players, they lack education…..Ronaldinho…C Ronaldo….Fatista….Ribery…Zizou…Pakiau…Daniel Komen….Tendulkar…
Just to Rub it in…. Cricket started in england and they still have not won a worldcup….Come On!!!!
May 30, 2008 at 3:07 pm
sepp blatter is deluded. this will never happen. sepp was the man who wanted women footballers to wear skimpier clothes. the reason why england did not qualify for euro 2008 is because of a shit manager not because of the amount of overseas players in the league.
May 30, 2008 at 3:30 pm
This rule is stupid Clacko because i essence it means that we must rule out quality foreign players in favour of english players of a same or lesser standard but those who cost more. I will mention 1 scenario: who would you rather have, or rather who is the better player Darren Bent or Thierry Henry – and who cost more when they were purchased pre-season? Yer thought so………………… Oh n btw, just because we change foreign players for british doesn’t suddenly mean that all of the british players are really good, it just means our league devalues itself. Sepp Blatter is an idiot but yer, go ahaed and support him. Not like we are all great footballers, jusc Macca was a rubbish coach.
May 30, 2008 at 3:40 pm
[...] Chris at Gooner Talk calls the idea ludicrous, Soccer Guru carries the headline “Sepp Blatter destroys [...]
May 30, 2008 at 6:09 pm
I am going to go against the tide here, I think this rule isnt a bad rule. But it is one that will affect the English league more than any other league. I love the fact we got so many skilfull players at Arsenal and the fact we play fotball like no other team in the premiership and arguably the world. But the reason we are that good is because we have a manager who knows that young players around Europe are much more technically gifted than any English players, and there are no real excptions, Walcott, Rooney, J Cole….. compare them to Messi, Fabregas, Ronaldo. I would have no problem with this rule If supported a team in Spain or Italy or France. What the FA need to do is sort out the grass roots game then we would not need to worry. But untill then what we would have is inflated prices for any half decent ENGLISH PLAYER. Why are the French so good compared to the English? Thats what the FA have to ask. I really hope this rule does not come into play. But if it does the English football system has to be ready to produce the quality other countries do
May 30, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Blame Arsene Wenger if we fall out. Perhaps, its Arsene’s continuous fielding of foreign XI since Sol and Cole left which has brought this rule.
Some of the foreign players we have are not good, of championship quality and there are better English players available in League 1 and the champioship but Arsene don’t look there to recruit.
That’s why players like Djourou, Senderos, Eboue etc not of higher quality but still there because Arseene just like foreign players whether good or bad.
Its strange that since we won our last cup in 2005, only teams with English players have won something, MANU, CHAVSKI, POOL and now SPURS.
So you see, English players may not be all that bad.
May 30, 2008 at 6:58 pm
They are bad, have you not seen the English National team, they cant string three passes together. Its the foreign element that adds the technical ability to the game. Liverpool play direct, Chelsea do at times. Only United dont an they have Carrick, Rooney and Scholes, who are pretty good technically
May 30, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Senderos and Eboue are good players, We dont blame Wenger we applaud him. Even Spurs fans didnt go against their manager when he was performing badly, show some loyalty Gooners
May 30, 2008 at 8:10 pm
for a premiership team to field 5 or 6 players they’d need approx 7 or 8 on their books. your looking at having 200 english players in the premiership. where will you find twenty good enough for the premiership? never mind 200.
what will happen to our talented foriegn stars? they won’t sit about on the bench watching a bunch of dead beat english thugs kicking the long balls up field and chasing them like a bunch of school kids.
they will go to spain, italy, france and germay. that will be the end of the premiership. fans won’t stop around to watch third rate players. they won’t pay good money to watch third rate football. we’ll end up like the scot’s.
+ sky money will go with the talent, abroad.
May 30, 2008 at 8:12 pm
hey jillu.
whenever i’ve seen united play against the top 4 it’s always been the long diagonal ball to whoever.
they might try and play football against the lower teams, but against any half decent teams they play the long ball.
May 30, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Its illegal and the European Union will keep fighting it cause its descrimination. I’m Irish and I bloody love Arsenal and the premiership bloody love it but the unbelievable thing is that this all came about cause the English national team has never lived up to its potential, it’s ridiculas if England had won a world cup or major trophy in recent times then there wouldn’t be any of this crap. We wouldn’t have twats like David Bentley coming out recently and saying having so many foreign youngsters at Arsenal was impeding or whatever his growth when he was there, bullshit it doesn’t matter where the guy beside you is from if you’re good enough you’re good enough. He’s just bitter. Blatter also it would seem doesn’t like the whole ‘Big 4′ contesting everything well how about salary caps or whatever. Would that not even things out? Still I think we’ll be alright with Randell and the next great hope Wilshire. Also how expensive are english players honestly they became expensive when the likes of United and Chelsea went and paid top dollar for their players and didn’t even try to “haggle”, Ferdinand straight 30 mil, Carrick 18mill? Jesus. Shaun Wright Phillips 20 or 22 mill. At least we know how to negotiate. I’m starting to rant sorry.
May 31, 2008 at 4:44 am
Fellas,
This isn’t a rule to improve local players, improve international football, nor to improve England’s chances to make the next World Cup. It’s a rule to change domestic football so that a domestic league reflects the footballing culture of a particular country.
We take it for granted that the French, English, Spanish, Italians and Germans all play football slightly differently. FIFA wants to preserve that. Competitions like the Champions League should be about discernibly different footballing cultures facing off against each other. We still get a bit of that now, but with the increasingly multicultural nature of the big, big teams, all the big clubs are starting to play like each other. It takes away from the spectacle.
I’m not advocating for the rule; I think it’s a restraint of trade and it should be thrown out. However, I do understand the sentiments behind the rule, and I do believe that the differences in national footballing styles should be preserved. It’s just that a quota system is a heavy-handed way of doing it.
May 31, 2008 at 4:48 am
Fellas,
This isn’t a rule to improve local players, improve international football, nor to improve England’s chances to make the next World Cup. It’s a rule to change domestic football so that a domestic league reflects the footballing culture of a particular country.
We take it for granted that the French, English, Spanish, Italians and Germans all play football slightly differently. FIFA wants to preserve that. Competitions like the Champions League should be about discernibly different footballing cultures facing off against each other. We still get a bit of that now, but with the increasingly multicultural nature of the big, big teams, all the big clubs are starting to play like each other. It takes away from the spectacle.
I’m not advocating for the rule; I think it’s a restraint of trade and it should be thrown out. However, I do understand the sentiments behind the rule, and I do believe that the differences in national footballing styles should be preserved. It’s just that a quota system is a heavy-handed way of doing it.
Fuck me down, though – I should put this down in my blog.
May 31, 2008 at 7:46 pm
[...] associations, leagues and clubs also say the plan is unfair and unworkable. Chris over at Gooner Talk is one of many who calls the idea [...]
June 2, 2008 at 6:00 am
Let’s get this right…. FIFA have not voted in favour of the 6-5 rule, they have simply voted to explore the possibility, just the same as the FA decided to explore the possibility of a 39th game overseas. It just means more research into its viability, nothing more, nothing less.
Fact is, it’ll never happen as the EU won’t allow it, so it’s all a waste of our time and FIFAs. And by the way, Blatter is a senile prick who for some reasons hates English football and should be got rid of. Doesn’t he realise that no-one gives a shit about international football anymore?