This article gives a quick and concise rundown regarding the impending ‘6+5 rule’ FIFA President Sepp Blatter wishes to impose in football. Without further ado, here goes.

What? The ‘6+5 rule’ is a rule by which all clubs have to field at least 6 domestic players every time they take to the field. For example, under this rule, a club from Russia must field at least 6 Russian-born players who are eligible or have played for the Russian national team. FIFA is looking to apply this rule universally, in all parts of the world, however, they could encounter problems with the European Union and its labour laws.

Nevertheless, why does Blatter want to implement it? His reaction is a natural one given the large amount of foreigners at clubs these days. The globalisation of football has meant that nowadays can go anywhere they want without many restrictions. This is especially true in Europe, where EU laws guarantee the freedom of labour. It’s no surprise that it’s also the place where clubs, such as Arsenal, have been accused of having too many foreigners, putting in jeopardy England’s football development.

The ‘6+5 rule’ has almost been implemented on every continent. The FIFA Congress in May assured its enforcement in all continents except Europe due to the EU’s labour laws. FIFA is now looking to lobby the EU to make football an exceptional case when it comes to complying with EU legislation.

In order to ensure that the new rule is implemented and enforced, all national associations will cooperate with FIFA.

That basically all there is to know about the ‘6+5 rule’ up until the present day. There are sure to be many more developments regarding these issues which will covered in further articles as they happen.