11 May 2008Blatter hopes for a six plus five rule

Football Referees, Players, Managers and Media | Other Football News

You've heard about 4-4-2 and one-twos but now Fifa president Sepp Blatter is hoping that a new number-related phrase - six plus five - will become part of football's language.

Six plus five refers to his idea that only five foreign players should be allowed in a domestic club's starting line up.

Blatter's despair at the lack of homegrown players who will be appearing in the Champions League final has apparently reignited his desire to introduce quota systems.

Ironically, Chelsea and Manchester United are seen as being two of the best clubs in the Premier League for giving run-outs to English-born players.

The president is confident that his idea could get approval at the Fifa congress to be held at the end of this month (May) but he will face considerable opposition from the EU and Uefa.

Arsenal gaffer Arsene Wenger has also been vocal in his opposition to the idea of quota systems being imposed. When he took over the north London club he maintained that there would always be an English spine to his side.

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