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FA calls for "further exploration" of six-plus-five

30/05/2008

The Football Association has called for "further exploration" of the legality of the Fifa-approved six-plus-five proposal from European football's governing body Uefa.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter announced the result of a vote by the organisation's congress in order to investigate further the possibility of employing a quota system to include a set number of homegrown players in teams in the European domestic leagues.

Uefa president Michel Platini has also advocated such a system, however it has been conceded by a number of advocates that it would most likely be struck down by laws contained in the European Union treaty protecting people's freedom of movement in terms of employment opportunities.

In a statement today, an FA spokesman said: "Bringing through more high-quality English players in the future is an absolute priority for the FA.

"One of our reservations has always been that the 'six-plus-five' rule appears to contravene European law and we welcome further exploration of its legality.

"However, this is a question of balance and we believe first and foremost in a meritocracy system, where players appear in club teams based on performance and ability.

"This is at the core of our coach and player development strategy over the coming years."

A number of top clubs have already spoken of their opposition to the proposal and any attempt to push through a ruling of this kind is expected to be met with widespread opposition, in addition to a large number of people supporting the plans.