PL clubs to reject quota proposals

Premier League clubs are likely to reject Greg Dykes proposals to increase the number of English players in top division, says Richard Scudamore.

Dyke wants to change the rules governing homegrown players, increasing the number that must feature in first-team squads from eight to 12, and lowering the age at which they must be registered with clubs to qualify.

The FA chairman says the changes are necessary to reverse England's record of failure at major tournaments, most recently the U21 team exiting the recent European Championship at the group stage.

Scudamore said that while the clubs share the FA's desire to increase English representation, they are committed to their own £340m youth development plans, and will resist "artificial" quotas that might hinder competitiveness.

"We absolutely agree (with the FA) that getting more and better homegrown players is the number one objective in youth development systems. But we do disagree on some of the tactics," the Premier Leageue's executive chairman told Sky Sports News.

"I represent the 20 clubs, I don't see any mood to drastically alter any quotas or restrictions that would effectively end up with a protected system for homegrown players. If there are some realistic things that can be done we'll embrace them but fundamentally our starting point is our clubs aren't really up for hugely restrictive quotas.

"It's a global league, the clubs want to attract the world's best talent, the only route to improving homegrown players is through a qualitative route, through better facilities, better coaching, better access time, as opposed to artificially."

Speaking as the league published its annual review, Mr Scudamore also defended the clubs' distribution of their huge broadcast income. Earlier this year the league secured a £5.3bn domestic deal with Sky Sports and BT Sport for three years in 2016-17, and could secure a further £3bn from overseas rights sales.
This has led to calls for the league to contribute more to the wider game, something Mr Scudamore said they are already doing with a commitment to distribute at least £1bn beyond the Premier League clubs.

"At the moment we are sharing about 15% of our income for the development of football outside the Premier League. No other company is taking 15% of its turnover and literally giving it away.

"We have already promised because of the new television deal that we will give away over £1bn, a huge percentage of our income. Of course there is always people out there saying we could do more, but I would defend our record on this."

Speaking for the first time since the FBI raids on FIFA, Scudamore said Sepp Blatter was right to stand down as president.

"You can't preside over an organisation where that is happening and hope to sustain your tenure, therefore it was the right thing to do, and it is essential that his successor works hard at restoring FIFA's reputation," he said.

"What has always frustrated me is that there is no transparency, no rules and no framework as to where the money goes. If only FIFA with all their millions could structure themselves to be more accountable with their money the world of football would be a better place.

"It (FIFA President) is a great job for somebody, because football is still the world's most popular game, the World Cup is still the most iconic of sporting events, it still has the power and ability to interest people more than anything I know, and what a base to start from."