Home Grown Players - rule backed by clubs

This is a rule that was passed at an Emergency General Meeting held at Derby County today and will come into force from the beginning of the 2009/10 season

This rule means that a minimum of four players in a matchday sixteen must have been registered domestically for at least three seasons prior to their 21st birthday.

The new rule means that players will be considered 'home grown' regardless of their nationality, and is in line with UEFA's preferred approach as opposed to FIFA's '6+5' proposal, which the league believe may not be possible under European law.

Football League Chairman, Lord Mawhinney, told the Leagues Official Site 'I would like to compliment Football League clubs for having the foresight to make changes that will benefit the wider game.

'League clubs are at the forefront of developing young playing talent for the domestic game and are investing more than £40m a season in this important area.

'As a result of today's vote, those players being developed will have a greater chance to demonstrate their talent at first team level'

Is this a good idea or not? What do you think?

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.