FIFA considering making clubs have at least one U21 player on pitch at all times: How PL could be affected

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one homegrown player from the under-20 or under-21 category on the pitch at all times. A consultation process with all relevant stakeholders for the proposed obligation has been unanimously approved by the council, world football’s governing body said in a statement, and is set to be submitted to the FIFA Council in the next year. Sources briefed on the matter, speaking anonymously as they were not authorised to do so publicly, have indicated that, while nothing is set in stone, positive discussions were held between all six confederation presidents on Monday night about changing this to aid player development. Additionally, the discussions will address the definition of a homegrown player in this context and be aimed at middle-ranking member associations as well as the top clubs to encourage more young players to be involved in regular football. The Premier League’s current rules say a club’s squad must have “no more than 17” players who are not homegrown in their maximum 25-player squads, leaving up to eight slots available for those that fit that criteria. This does not include players from clubs’ under-21 sides, who are eligible but not included, and does not encompass how homegrown players are used. Newcastle United, Manchester City and Manchester United have seen the most minutes played in the Premier League by English under-21 players this season, with the latter having kept a homegrown player in their matchday squad for 88 years. On the other side of the spectrum, Leeds United and Burnley have not fielded a single player in that category in the 2025-26 league campaign. The proposed quota could also affect how clubs operate in the transfer window, as homegrown players represent pure profit for clubs when sold, which has been utilised to help avoid potential profit and sustainability rule breaches. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms