APPENDIX 20
Memorandum from Mr Ivor Caplin, MP (WP
32)
I would like to make a short submission to the
Employment Sub-Committee in its deliberations over work permits
for overseas footballers. Although I am an officer of the All
Party Football Group I make these representations in my own right
and not on behalf of the Group. In this submission I do hope the
Committee will look closely at limiting to one player per club
the number of non-EU players allowed.
The development of Premiership and Football
League clubs in England and Wales could be undermined if action
is not taken to restrict the numbers of overseas players in this
way. This limit should be applied on a "per club" basis
and must include clubs' youth teams. I believe this restriction
is necessary for three reasons.
Firstly, without action the long-term future
of homegrown talent in the game will suffer adversely. The young
and talented players in our clubs in England and Wales should
be given the employment opportunities they need and deserve and
we should ensure these opportunities are properly and effectively
protected.
Secondly, we should protect the development
of our clubs, too. Already it is difficult for a smaller club
to sell on its emerging star players to larger Premier League
clubs who often prefer to exploit today's transfer markets by
importing cheaper talent from overseas. This makes it increasingly
difficult for the smaller clubs to invest in themselves as teams
and businesses for the future.
Lastly, taking into consideration the first
two points, it is my view that by acting now it will safeguard
the future of the national side which otherwise will suffer without
a secure supply of talented homegrown players and a healthy domestic
club scene.
Ivor Caplin MP
February 2000
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