Boost for Blatter's quota plans

2008-06-03 10:14

Singapore - Fifa's commitment to forge ahead with plans to curb the number of foreign players who can start any club match is a step in the right direction, according to the head of soccer in Asia.

Asian Football Confederation President Mohamed Bin Hammam welcomed last week's decision by the congress of world soccer's governing body to back Fifa chief Sepp Blatter's "6+5" rule.

"AFC doesn't have a big problem when it comes to 6+5 like Europe but we have to be prepared for the future," Bin Hammam said in a statement.

"In Asia, clubs at present limit themselves to registering three foreign players but as clubs seek to establish themselves they might explore the possibility of signing up more foreigners.

"This can have a negative impact on young local talent."

Blatter last week cleared the first major hurdle for his controversial rule when the Fifa congress voted 155-5 in favour of him pursuing the plan.

'I am very confident'

That vote in Sydney kept Blatter on a collision course with European lawmakers who say the rule, which would limit the number of foreign players who can start a match to five, would contravene its free movement of workers regulations.

Blatter, however, disagreed.

"I am sure it will be done... I am very confident about it," he smiled after the vote. "They are saying it is illegal. For what, for whom and when? And if there is a law ... you know a law can be amended or altered."

Blatter also received a shot in the arm from Spain. His plans were lauded by Spanish captain Iker Casillas.

"The rule seems a good idea, a very good idea, to me, especially for home-grown players. It isn't xenophobic or racist it will merely allow us to look after our own," he said at a recent Spain news conference.

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta agreed.

'This rule is vital'

"It is important. The more home-grown players there are the more players there will be for the national team coach to choose from."

Their thoughts were echoed by Valencia defender Raul Albiol who told the same news conference: "This rule is vital for the foundations of Spanish football."

Fifa's move to extend the naturalisation period of foreign players from two years to five years, also came in for praise from Asia.

"AFC has always felt that two years is not long enough and did not serve the purpose. The extension of the naturalisation period addresses that valid concern now," Bin Hammam said.

"With full respect to the sovereignty of countries, the window period of five years will help to preserve the spirit of the game and make sure football is played within ethical boundaries while making it more competitive."

- Reuters