Koscielny would not have qualified for a work permit, under the proposed rules

Serious differences have emerged between the Premier League and the FA over work permits for European Union players after Brexit, it can be revealed.

The Premier League wants any foreign player who is given a contract and included in a 25-man first-team squad to be eligible for a work permit — a change that would also make it much easier for non-EU nationals to join clubs in England’s top flight.

Club chairmen are fearful that imposing the same rules on European players that non-EU players now face would leave the Premier League at a huge disadvantage compared with European rivals. Had such rules been in place, players such as Riyad Mahrez, N’Golo Kanté and Laurent Koscielny would not have qualified for permits when they were