The Brexit deadline was extended by the European Union to 31st January 2020. There is more to Brexit than what may meet the eye. One sector that would probably be hit is football and more so, the English Premier League You can enjoy and wager on some of the top events with the betfred bonus where various betting options and types will be provided. But with the Brexit wave looming, how will the EPL be affected?
(Image Courtesy of All Football)
- Player recruitment and transfers
Transfers apparently play a huge role for the EPL. If the free movement is restricted, then it could certainly spell problems in the clubs’ performances. Signed players who come from the European Union countries such as Spain, France, and Germany, will receive the same treatment as those from non-EU countries. They will be therefore subjected to obtain a work permit to work in the UK as footballers.
Another hurdle comes in the recruitment sector where the EPL clubs will find it hard to recruit European players who are under 18-years-old. FIFA regulations allow players of the age between 16-years-old and 18-years-old to move to clubs based in the EU. But if Brexit comes to existence, this will limit the recruitment process for talents outside the UK. The Football Association (FA) body in Nov 2018 put out a proposal cutting down the number of overseas players from 17 to 12. This will further affect transfers if it is to be.
- Financial hurdles
The economic side of football is also poised to be affected by the possible exit of the UK from the EU. Going by Mike Garlick, Burnley FC chairman, the pound started to decrease its value against the euro when the Brexit discussions became ripe. He notes that it would make it difficult for EPL clubs to sign players in the already competitive and inflated market. Talking to BBC, the chairman stated that Brexit would ‘widen further the already existing inequality gap’ in the league.
- Losing the relevance
Among the major reasons the EPL has been described as the ‘best in the world’ is because of the talents it attracts, the huge following it boasts due to the international players (cosmopolitan league) and the injection of advertising. This has seen the league topple over others but with the looming Brexit uncertainty, this is likely to change. Brexit will see a few players making to the league due to the imposed bureaucracy, reduced financial clout, and restricted movement. This would see the league slowly losing its high rating globally.
- UK players to EU countries
This is another concern to the players who play football in other EU countries like Germany, France, and Spain. The likes of Gareth Bale, Jadon Sancho, and Reiss Nelson will also be affected if Brexit would come to be. There will also be too much paperwork and work permits will also be needed to operate in the said country.
