FL clubs go for 'home-grown'

The 72 Football League clubs have backed a new rule proposed by the Football League Board that will ensure at least four players will be classed as 'home grown' in each matchday squad of sixteen.

The new rule was passed at an EGM at Derby County today, and will come into effect from the start of the 2009/10 season.

It means that a minimum of four players in a matchday sixteen must have been registered domestically for at least three seasons prior to their 21st birthday.

The new rule means that players will be considered 'home grown' regardless of their nationality, and is in line with UEFA's preferred approach as opposed to FIFA's '6+5' proposal, which the league believe may not be possible under European law.

Speaking to the Football League's official website, FL Chairman Lord Mawhinney said: 'I would like to compliment Football League clubs for having the foresight to make changes that will benefit the wider game.

'League clubs are at the forefront of developing young playing talent for the domestic game and are investing more than £40m a season in this important area.

'As a result of today's vote, those players being developed will have a greater chance to demonstrate their talent at first team level.'

Thanks to our colleagues at Vital Norwich City for this article.