Brexit-anxiety has engulfed businesses across the UK over the past few months, and when it comes to English football, the Premier League is not shielded from the uncertainty. For decades, England’s top tier has become increasingly international, with clubs sourcing the best talent from around the world. But this has meant playing time has been reduced for English players, something that hasn’t sat well with the game’s governing body.

The FA sees Brexit as a chance to increase the number of English players in the Premier League, which it says will boost the chances of the national team by exposing more players to the best football. But the Premier League has rejected this view, saying there is “no evidence” it would work.

As part of their plan, the FA has called for a cut in the maximum number of non-homegrown players allowed in each team’s 25-player squad from 17 to 12.

A “homegrown” player is currently defined as one that’s been registered with the FA for at least three years before they turn 21, regardless of nationality.

It’s a rule that’s allowed Manchester United’s Paul Pogba to qualify as homegrown, because he first signed at Old Trafford as a 16-year-old. The FA is also considering reducing this age by which players must have three years of association with the FA to 18. While plenty of negotiations between the FA and the Premier League remain, few teams would be unaffected by the rule changes floated.

The Premier League’s on-the-pitch-product has led to enormous value off-the pitch, and the Premier League is by far the richest league in the world with revenues reaching £4.5bn for 2016-17. Additionally, eight of the world’s 20 richest clubs are English, and the Premier League fears that stricter quotas on non-homegrown players would hit those clubs by making them less competitive.



Brexit could mean players from EU and European Economic Area countries are subject to the same, visa and work permit restrictions as players from countries outside the EU, making the criteria for signing players stricter and making it harder for teams to trade.

This year’s January transfer window was noticeably slower compared to a year ago, which could signal, among other reasons, that teams are keeping a watchful eye on Brexit developments, and are reluctant to spend large sums of money on players they may be forced to sell. In the bigger picture, the managers are themselves divided. Jürgen Klopp, the Liverpool manager, said Brexit “makes no sense”. But on the other hand Neil Warnock, manager of Premier League Cardiff City, said he couldn’t wait to get out of the EU.

With just 43 days until the UK is due to leave the EU, time is running out for the FA to find a balanced deal that not only promotes the prospects of English players, but also one that protects the immense wealth of its prized asset, the Premier League.