Blatter's 6+5 Rule favoured by Sydney Congress

Blatter's 6+5 rule sailed through todays FIFA Sydney Congress with 155 in favour and a mere 5 against. There were 40 abstentions. Wonder how our lads would have voted if they had got the opportunity!

The essence of the 6+5 rule is that FIFA is now in a position to start convincing top professional clubs to limit foreign players to 5 in club starting line-up by 2012. The apparant intention is to open up opportunities for local talent and promote national teams. This FIFA sanctioned 6+5 rule however contravenes EU law. Meanwhile, Platini, the new UEFA President assured the FIFA Congress that the UEFA supported the rule in principle. The UEFA however had a more favourable alternative up their sleeve.

The UEFA proposal of the "home-grown player" rule is widely believed to be a better compromise with EU Law and stand less chance of resistence from European associations. The "home-grown player" rule do not discriminate on nationality. Any player who has been developed by the club for the last 3 years and between age of 15 to 21 will be eligible. The UEFA rule while not flouting EU Law is also mindful of ensuring that professional football clubs do not abandon local training structures and rush madly about buying players. Clubs are encouraged to instead develop local talent.

The English FA President expressed his reservations on the future of the FIFA rule as passed by the Congress, pointing out that players should win a place on their national teams purely on performance and not nationality. The English FA appeared to favour the UEFA stand with the remark they were interested in finding a position that was in conformity with Law while accomodating the commercialisation and globalization of the EPL.

Blatter is to meet the President of the EU Parliament June 5 to "explore" this FIFA position with respect to EU Employment Law.