The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has announced a significant change in the rules regarding squad registration for British and Swiss footballers. Starting from the 2023-24 season, these players will be treated as European Union (EU) citizens, allowing Italian clubs to register them without counting towards the limit of non-EU players.
Background on Squad Registration Rules
Since 2002, Italian clubs have been restricted to registering only two non-EU players per season. This measure was implemented to promote the development of local talent and prevent an excessive influx of foreign players. However, with the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the EU in 2016 and its official departure in 2020, British players were no longer considered EU citizens.
Switzerland, although never an EU member, is part of the Schengen Area, which allows for the free movement of people within its member countries. Despite this, Swiss players were also subject to the non-EU player restrictions in Italian football.
Reform Requested by FIGC and Serie A
Recognizing the impact of Brexit and the unique situation of Switzerland, both the FIGC and Serie A requested a change to the squad registration rules. After a Federal Council meeting on Monday, the FIGC announced on Wednesday that the reform would be implemented for the upcoming 2023-24 campaign.
Implications for AC Milan and Other Clubs
The change in rules comes as a relief for AC Milan, who recently signed Ruben Loftus-Cheek from Chelsea. Prior to this reform, Loftus-Cheek’s signing would have resulted in AC Milan losing one of their non-EU registration slots. However, with British players now being treated as EU citizens, Loftus-Cheek’s registration will not count towards the quota.
AC Milan has seen an influx of British players in recent seasons. Fikayo Tomori joined the club in 2021, while Chris Smalling and Tammy Abraham signed for Roma in 2020 and 2021, respectively. These players’ registrations were subject to the non-EU player restrictions, but with the new rules, future signings from the UK will not face the same limitations.
History of Non-EU Player Quota
The introduction of measures restricting the number of non-EU registered players in Italian football dates back to the 2002-03 season. The aim was to strike a balance between nurturing local talent and attracting foreign players to enhance the competitiveness of Italian clubs.
Since 2011, the quota has been set at two non-EU players per season. This limitation has posed challenges for clubs looking to strengthen their squads with international talent, especially considering the global appeal of Serie A.
Looking Ahead
The FIGC’s decision to treat British and Swiss footballers as EU citizens for squad registration purposes is a significant development that reflects the changing landscape of European football. It acknowledges the unique circumstances of the UK’s departure from the EU and Switzerland’s participation in the Schengen Area.
This reform opens up new opportunities for Italian clubs to recruit talented British and Swiss players without being constrained by the non-EU player quota. It also aligns with the broader trend of internationalization in football, where clubs seek to assemble diverse squads to compete at the highest level.
As the 2023-24 season approaches, fans and clubs alike will eagerly anticipate the impact of this rule change on player transfers and team compositions. With more flexibility in squad registration, Italian football may witness an influx of British and Swiss talents, further enriching the already vibrant Serie A competition.
In conclusion, the FIGC’s decision to treat British and Swiss footballers as EU citizens for squad registration purposes marks a significant shift in Italian football. This reform will benefit clubs like AC Milan and open up new opportunities for British and Swiss players to showcase their skills in Serie A. As the 2023-24 season approaches, the impact of this rule change on player transfers and team compositions will be closely watched by football enthusiasts.