Making Sense of the Brexit Deal
Brexit was the formalisation of the UK's decision to leave the EU on January 31, 2020. Significant changes occurred in numerous domains as a result of this exit; among them was football, particularly in relation to player transfers and work visas.
The Government Body Endorsement (GBE)
In order to ensure that non-UK players could still obtain work permits after Brexit, the Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) system was put in place. The GBE determines a player's eligibility to work in the UK using a points-based system.
The GBE Criteria Requirements
Players are assessed by the GBE system based on a wide range of criteria, such as:
- International appearances: Points are given out according to the player's national team's FIFA ranking and the amount of appearances they've made on the international stage.
- Club appearances: The level of the league determines how many points a player receives for each appearance in both domestic and overseas competitions.
- Position in the league at the end of the season: Points gained from the club's performance in domestic competitions.
- Extra points: for advancing in continental tournaments like the Europa League and the UEFA Champions League.
- GBE Calculator - Several websites now offer a free GBE points calculators, you can find one on Analytics FC's website here
Bosman Ruling and Brexit
The Bosman rule, which permits the unrestricted movement of EU players when their contracts expire, has been considerably altered:
- Restrictions on Movement: Teams in the United Kingdom can no longer freely sign players from the European Union.
- Contract Negotiations: Players and agents have additional challenges while navigating cross-border transactions.
Impact of Brexit on the Premier League
The recruitment of Premier League players is significantly affected by Brexit.
- Decreased Pool: With the introduction of GBE rules, clubs are facing challenges in attracting top talent from Europe.
- The growing complexity and expense of acquiring European players has forced clubs to rethink their recruitment strategies.
- Clubs have refocused their efforts on developing local youth as a result of the restriction on signing players from the European Union who are younger than 18 years old.
Impact of Brexit on the English Football League (EFL)
The effects on the EFL are far more noticeable.
- Problems with Transfers: European Union players without the necessary GBE points are more difficult for lower league clubs to sign.
- Financial constraints: There is financial pressure on smaller teams to find talent in the UK because they do not have the finances to send scouts overseas.
- The gap between teams has become wider due to differences in financial strength and scouting networks, which has led to a less competitive environment.
In summary
The English football league has been hit hard by Brexit. Whilst It has made moving and recruiting players more difficult, it has also opens doors for homegrown talent. The football industry is adjusting to the new normal and discovering fresh strategies to succeed in the age after Brexit.
