Brexit means Brexit, but what does it mean for the Premier League and its players?

Football and politics are a strange combination that do not tend to draw much comparison. In fact, FIFA and UEFA even have strict rules to prevent political provocations at matches. The sport’s governing bodies may try to separate politics from football, but the truth is they are irrevocably fused. Unfortunately, political and socio-economic forces such as Brexit can be responsible for reshaping the beautiful game. As 31 January 2020 approaches, so does the possibility of the UK leaving the EU. While the UK Government debates hot topics such as the Irish border, food, energy and medical shortages, less attention has been given to how UK sport might be affected and more specifically, the Premier League.

Like most facets of the Brexit process, it is still unclear exactly what effects severing the UK’s largest trade agreement is going to have on the Premier League.  This article examines some of the possible outcomes, including the potential of:

• An effect on immigration for current and future players

• The FA to change the homegrown rule

• An impact on youth recruitment

• An impact on clubs spending power and transfers

There seems to be a pinch of anxiety that inevitably precedes such an ill-prepared departure. Unsurprisingly, Premier League stakeholders, much like those in other industries, are desperate for politicians to fight for the best possible result for their business.