I must admit when I first heard of the Premier League's squad policy and "homegrown" players I was worried. However, it is very easy to misinterpret the rules.
I've tried to make them as simple as possible so here goes.
1.Each team has to submit a squad of UP TO 25 players OVER the age of 21.
2.Of these 25 players, a MAXIMUM OF 17 can be non-homegrown.
3.Each team can use AS MANY players under the age of 21 as they want.
4.Homegrown players must have played continuosuly in England and/or Wales for at least 3 years before the age of 21.
Each club does not have to have 8 homegrown players in the squad. It is within the rules for a club to submit a squad containing only 17 players over the age of 21 and all of these players to be non-homegrown. However, if they want to add another player then he will have to be homegrown.
The limit is not the minimum number of homegrown players but the maximum number of non-homegrown players.
Arsenal currently have 9 players over the age of 21 who are "homegrown": Mannone, Clichy, Djourou, Song, Denilson, Fabregas, Bendtner, Walcott and Simpson. I would expect at least the first 8 to be included in Wenger's squad of 25. That being the case there is nothing to worry about.
My belief is that the Premier League brought in this rule to prevent the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City buying a squad of 25-29 year old foreigners. Players in their prime that no other club would be able to afford. However, the limit of 17 non-homegrown players may be the problem. I would expect even these two teams to be able to afford 17 superstars and 8 expensive homegrown players.
A valiant attempt by the Premier League to stop teams buying the league but not sure it will work.
Interesting to look at Arsenal's last title-winning team:
Over 21 homegrown (5): Aliadiere, Campbell, Cole, Keown, Parlour.
Over 21 non-homegrown (13): Bergkamp, Cygan, Edu, Henry, Kanu, Lauren, Lehmann, Ljungberg, Pires, Gilberto, Toure, Vieira, Wiltord.
Under 21 (4): Bentley, Clichy, Hoyte, Reyes (20 at start of season)
Easily within the rules as only 13 non-homegrown players used.
Arsenal and 'home grown' (22/07/10)
IS THIS POLICY OR LAW
If its policy its unenforceable if it's a rule then it's against European Law ,either way it shouldnt stick !
