Brexit: "It would be a shame if some of the great European players can't come here" (G. Dyke, FA)

"It would be a shame if some of the great European players can't come here but I don't think that will happen. Whether the total number reduces will depend on the terms of the exit," stated Greg Dyke, chairman of the English Football Association, on 24/06/2016, after the decision of the UK to leave the European Union via the referendum held on 23/06/2016.

It is "too early" to know the impact of leaving the EU, added Dyke, further stating, "it could take two years to really know, but there could be quite an impact on English football because of Brexit."

If the UK (after leaving the EU, which may take up to at least two years) decided to align the status of the players from the countries of the European Union with that of other foreigners, these players would then nee to obtain work permits according to the FIFA rankings of their country of origin (see below).

"My personal view has always been that the decline in the number of English players in Premier League first teams - we're down to about 30 per cent now - is a shame. If it (Brexit) increases the number of English players, that…