Source: TheGuardian
How Fifa's clampdown on loan deals may affect Premier League clubs
Fifa wants to prevent clubs from stockpiling young players and using the loan system for ‘commercial exploitation’By Gavin Willacy for Playing in the ShadowsReserve team football in England may start to look very different when Fifa introduce their new rules on loans. For the past few years, rather than having their true second squad play in Premier League 2, the richest clubs have sent youngsters on loan all over Europe. Those left to play in the Under-23s tend to be the Under-19 or 20s. The most extreme example is Chelsea, who not only have a dozen or so first-team squad members rarely playing for Maurizio Sarri, but also another 39 professionals out on loan and that is before you get to their Premier League 2 team, which you could argue is Chelsea’s sixth XI.If Fifa’s proposals go through, clubs may only be allowed to loan out six to eight pros from 2020-21 – although clubs are hoping that deals with domestic clubs and those involving young, homegrown players will not be affected by the new rules. Depending on the severity of the policy, it could have serious repercussions not only at Chelsea but also Manchester City, Wolves and others. Pep Guardiola says City will adapt accordingly. “We will have to bring the players back here and see where they are going to play and, if we can’t find anywhere, we will have to sell them.” Related: How are Premier League players on loan faring? Part one: Arsenal to Huddersfield Related: Pep Guardiola relaxed about Fifa’s proposed restrictions on loans Related: Port Vale Checkatrade derby with Stoke U21s ends in violence and 11 arrests Related: How Aston Villa won the European Cup (and were then relegated five years later) Continue reading......read full article
