Everyone's talking about what long-term effects Brexit will have on the world's economy, and one issue that doesn't escape that controversy is football. With the English Premier League being one of the best domestic tournaments in the world, particularly because of what foreign players bring to the game, here's a quick look at how things would shape up once the dust starts to settle.
Most leagues in Europe allow teams to register three players who don't belong to the European Union, since one of the most relevant premises in the EU is the one that allows "freedom of movement". With the legislation approved, all players from Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland would count as foreign players, limiting their options to play abroad.
Particularly, the English Premier League would have to modify it's regulations, considering they will no longer be part of the European Union. All players from the EU would have to ask for a work permit, which is set to guarantee that those players coming from abroad have a certain standard. If this legislation had been passed years ago, players such as Eric Cantona wouldn't have been able to play in the EPL, as he was not a regular with the French National Team. Players like N'Golo Kanté or Dimitri Payet would have struggled as well, since they had their breakthrough and were eventually called up in the past year.
Bale's status with Real Madrid would change, as the Wales' international would be considered a non-EU player.
One more issue English clubs would have to deal with is the inability to sign foreign youth players. Manchester United and Arsenal benefitted by signing Adnan Januzaj and Cesc Fabregas back in the day, but now, they wouldn't be able to do so. Article 19 of the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players bans the transfer of minors, defined as players under the age of 18. Transfers involving minors between the ages of 16 and 18 were allowed within the European Union, something that will not happen once all legislations are set in motion.
World of football reacts to "Brexit"
Voices around the world have shown their concern over this ruling, and those included those from players and former footballers. Here are some of their thoughts.
Feel ashamed of my generation. We've let down our children and their children.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) June 24, 2016
The young. Travel, embrace Europe, learn and work abroad, love abroad, show how great Britons are.
— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) June 24, 2016
The old and insular have let you down.
A vote for Farage, Boris & a recession well done to the over 50's for thinking of the future!
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) June 24, 2016
Think we need a re vote
— Philip Neville (@fizzer18) June 24, 2016
Not spoke/seen anyone on TV who voted out https://t.co/44haf1JQKD
— Philip Neville (@fizzer18) June 24, 2016
I have a feeling I'll wake up and this nightmare will be the reality! #EUref #stay
— Kevin Kilbane (@kdkilbane77) June 24, 2016
Petr Cech, who has played in the EPL for 12 years running, also shared his thougths.
.@GMB It looks like the biggest decision in the history of this country was made based on fake campaign and lies ... https://t.co/8PWLqdnqLq
— Petr Cech (@PetrCech) June 24, 2016