FOOTBALL | MARTYN ZIEGLER
FA concern at influx of foreign players after Brexit
Governing body alarmed after only 28 per cent of Premier League starters last week were English
Chelsea signed Mudryk, left, and Fernández for substantial fees in January and there is concern that such signings may “open the floodgates” for similar transfers going forward
GLYN KIRK/GETTY IMAGES
The FA has expressed alarm at an influx of overseas stars into English football caused as an unforeseen consequence of Brexit.
The past two transfer windows have seen twice as many foreign players signed by English clubs as any window previously, the FA’s chief executive Mark Bullingham said. Although it is more difficult now to sign players from EU countries, post-Brexit rules make it much easier for clubs to sign non-European players.
However, the Premier League has complained it is much more expensive for clubs as the points system means they are now required to sign established players rather than promising talent.
Bullingham said the FA might be prepared to allow clubs to sign a limited number of players using a lower points system —
