Phillip Cocu

[Manofpride]

Serious football - not political - question.
If Brexit goes ahead - about two and a half months into the new season - and if our new manager is seeking to bring in some Dutch signings, as seems a not unlikely scenario, is Brexit likely to have any impact on our ability to attract players from the EU or there willingness to move to the UK?

No impact at all, just like the rest of the Europeans they'll come where the money is. That's why all the best players in the world want to play in the Prem. They like taking our money no doubt about it!

[Geoff Parkstone]

I posed this question, in general, not connected with cocup, about 3 years ago. At the time nobody considered it likely to make any difference - but that didn't consider the likely no deal Brexit scenario

[MadAmster]

As there is likely to be a transition period in the case of a deal then, in a deal situation, there would be no change. After that, EU players would be governed by the same Visa regulations that currently cover all non-EU footballers.

Not sure what would happen in the acse of No deal.

In either situation, once fully out, the FA could again bring in quotas for European players

[Geoff Parkstone]

No impact at all, just like the rest of the Europeans they'll come where the money is. That's why all the best players in the world want to play in the Prem. They like taking our money no doubt about it!

I don't think that is right Mop, certainly not at the lower tier or scotch league levels. I would think the same eligibility rules would apply that currently apply to African and Asian players

[swaledale]

I don't think that is right Mop, certainly not at the lower tier or scotch league levels. I would think the same eligibility rules would apply that currently apply to African and Asian players

Yet again I find myself agreeing with you, as I understand things the same immigration rules would apply to footballers as to any other profession, there would have to be a justification as to why suitable players could not be recruited from within the UK.

[AdiSalisbury]

Agree entirely, wesso. I’m just asking what the implications of Brexit may be for footballers from Europe, especially as it coincides with a time when our prospective new manager is going to be so much more familiar with the European/Dutch market.

They would rather stay outside the UK on less money and less employment benefits? Maybe the £6 Visa is going to put them off

[ramAnag]

They would rather stay outside the UK on less money and less employment benefits? Maybe the £6 Visa is going to put them off

I’m not sure it’s anything to do with Visas or what ‘they prefer’ at all, MoP.
I may be wrong, but at present I think non EU players have to have a work permit based on the number (75%?) of international squads they’ve been part of over the last two years.
If and when we are no longer part of the EU will those same rules suddenly start to apply? If so there may be little chance of us getting some up and coming Dutch youngsters which would be a pity.

[swaledale]

They would rather stay outside the UK on less money and less employment benefits? Maybe the £6 Visa is going to put them off

As Anag correctly pointed out, its a question of what the immigration rules would be post any Brexit, not the willingness of workers in the EU to come over here or pay a visa fee, that may well restrict the ability to recruit players who are not in the top echelon. Now some might say thats a good thing as it will give Uk youngsters more of a chance of making it.

I read somewhere that the current edition of Football Manager had a Brexit scenario included as an option, but I don't know what that entails.

[Geoff Parkstone]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46038799

Might help you rA

See section on signing under 18s and the impact of losing Fifa exemption by leaving EU and EEA

[Geoff Parkstone]

fight, fight, fight..............