FIFA backs player quota despite EU warning
Football authority votes for home player plan in face of Commission protest
Football's governing body FIFA voted today to support a controversial plan to introduce a minimum quota of "home" players in club matches, despite a warning from the EU Commission that it could be challenged as contrary to European law.
The plan, promoted by FIFA President Sepp Blatter, would mean a minimum of four home players taking the field for club sides from 2010, rising to five in 2011 and six in 2012.
At its congress in Sydney today, FIFA members voted 155-5 to allow Herr Blatter to explore the idea further with UEFA President Michel Platini. However the decision stops short of a commitment to introduce the rule.
Herr Blatter wants to use the rule to protect the national identity of clubs and give motivation to young players. Some leading clubs have fielded sides composed entirely of foreigners.
The President believes his plan is compatible with EU law because it does not restrict the number of foreign players who can sign contracts with clubs, but only the number who can take the field at any one time. However EU Employment Commissioner Vladimir Spidla has said that if any member country allowed its domestic association to implement the plan, the Commission would be obliged to begin infringement proceedings.
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