13 Jun 2016 10:29:50
Perhaps one of the Eds could offer an informed view on the following.
If the UK votes for Brexit, there are certain to be changes to the rules about free movement of workers within the EU and that will affect the range of footballers that English clubs can freely recruit without visas or other qualification requirements.
It could be that EU players already here would be given dispensation to stay post-Brexit, but new signings could be subject to tighter controls. Now while that might increase the chances for homegrown talent to come through, it could also dilute the strength of the Premier League.
If a Pan-European league is created (as many people predict) , would English clubs (with the UK outside the EU) be at a disadvantage recruitment-wise - or would they even be invited to join such a league? '
The global interest in the Premier League (and the massive broadcast income) is surely because it has many of the best players.
The best players (established internationals from wherever who are granted visas) would probably still be allowed in under post-Brexit rules, but nothing is certain. Perhaps the European (and other non-English) clubs would also be better-placed (financially and/ or legally) to resist English clubs' offers for their players in a post-Brexit scenario.
All very arcane, I admit, but something for the clubs. If not the average fan to consider.
{Ed002's Note - It is not actually clear what would happen. There would certainly not be any overnight change but the eventual position would likely be a need for work permits and residence permits. In terms of existing EU citizens already working in the UK, there is no plan but I would think an amnesty would be the likely decision followed by a quota system of some type. A good question but no firm answer I am afraid.}
13 Jun 2016 12:26:07
Ed002: Thanks for your reply.
13 Jun 2016 12:51:20
The premier league is very different from most. I watched a program a year or so ago and the reason we do so well finacially is nothing to do with players. It was described as a soap opera by a broadcaster and people from all over the world love it because of this. There is always a story between clubs or players and ot just draws you in.
As for Brexit, i imagine it would be no different to players from other parts of the world which will impact every club from most divisions.
13 Jun 2016 13:00:37
Wouldn't we be in the same boat as Norway, Iceland and Switzerland in that respect. I think they are non Eu members.
{Ed002's Note - What I described is similar to what happens in Switzerland.}
13 Jun 2016 13:18:07
Quote from 'Echo'
''“It’s *likely* they will be subject to some form of visa application similar to non-EEA players at the moment. ''
''“The *likelihood* is there is not going to be free movement of workers. That’s one of the big issues for the Leave campaign. â€''
'Dan Rubin'
The word to focus on is 'likely' etc. . . imo, i. e. it's 'likely' it may rain next Monday but hey who knows for sure, weather forcasts chop and change by the hour don't they?
13 Jun 2016 14:31:21
OK Ed002,cheers.