by Graeme Bailey - created on 3 Feb 2005

Uefa have confirmed a rule change which means all clubs playing in Europe from 2006 will have to include at least four 'homegrown' players in their squads.

The proposals were announced as the Uefa executive committee met the national associations in Nyon and is seen as the best way to develop young talent in Europe.
Uefa define a homegrown player as somebody aged from 15 to 21, and developed either by that club or a team from the same country.

Uefa have also asked all their members to adopt the policy for their own leagues and this is likely to be implemented later this year.

Europe's governing body are looking to increase the numbers in 2007 and again in 2008 by which point there will be strict rules stating that four of the 25 must actually be trained by the club they are with, and another four must at least be from the same association.

Uefa define 'club trained' player as a somebody who has been with his team for three seasons, likewise a player who has been registered in an association for three seasons can be classified from within that region.

"We think [the proposal] is a reasonable compromise based on all the consultations we have had," said Uefa chief executive Lars-Christer Olsson.

"Although we have had negative responses from some leagues and some bigger clubs in those leagues, all the others involved have been very supportive of this idea.
"We also think the proposal is legal, because it is a sporting rule, not as a restriction, to develop and promote young players.

"Compared to 1995/6 when the Bosman ruling on freedom of movement was introduced, there are now 30 percent less players coming from one country now playing for their clubs in that country in the top division.

"The trend is very clear and European football has realised that it must be addressed and reversed."