Lower English clubs vote for ‘homegrown’ players

LONDON (AP)—English clubs playing in the three levels below the Premier League voted Thursday to force the inclusion of at least four so-called “homegrown” players on their squads starting next season.
The Football League, which governs England’s three lower-tier professional divisions, said that a 16-man squad will have to include at least four players who have been registered in the country for a minimum of three seasons before their 21st birthday.
That should guarantee four English players in each squad, which could boost attempts to develop better players for the national team, the league said.
“I would like to compliment Football League clubs for having the foresight to make changes that will benefit the wider game,” league chairman Brian Mawhinney said. “As a result of today’s vote, those players being developed will have a greater chance to demonstrate their talent at first-team level.”
Clubs have been criticized for favoring foreign players at the expense of developing local talent. The policy can bring instant success, but with the long-term effect is a smaller pool of eligible players for the national team.
The Football League said the decision sidesteps concerns it could contravene European labor law by not exclusively favoring English players.
Clubs could still sign players 18 or younger from overseas, emulating Arsenal’s youth program. They would count as homegrown by the time they reach 21.