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Asian chief backs Blatter's quota plans

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-06-04 08:57

SINGAPORE - FIFA's commitment to forge ahead with plans to curb the number of foreign players who can start any club match is a step in the right direction, according to the head of soccer in Asia.

Asian Football Confederation president Mohamed Bin Hammam welcomed last week's decision by the congress of world soccer's governing body to back FIFA president Sepp Blatter's "6+5" rule.

"AFC doesn't have a big problem when it comes to 6+5 like Europe, but we have to be prepared for the future," Bin Hammam said in a statement.

"In Asia, clubs at present limit themselves to registering three foreign players, but as clubs seek to establish themselves they might explore the possibility of signing up more foreigners.

"This can have a negative impact on young local talent."

Blatter last week cleared the first major hurdle for his controversial rule when the FIFA congress voted 155-5 in favor of him pursuing the plan.

That vote in Sydney kept Blatter on a collision course with European lawmakers who say the rule, which would limit the number of foreign players who can start a match to five, would contravene its free movement of workers regulations.

Blatter, however, remains bullish.

"I am sure it will be done ... I am very confident about it," he smiled after the vote. "They are saying it is illegal. For what, for whom and when? And if there is a law ... you know a law can be amended or altered."

Bin Hammam also declared his full support for FIFA's move to extend the naturalization period of foreign players from two years to five years.

"AFC has always felt that two years is not long enough and did not serve the purpose. The extension of the naturalization period addresses that valid concern now," he said.

"With full respect to the sovereignty of countries, the window period of five years will help to preserve the spirit of the game and make sure football is played within ethical boundaries while making it more competitive."