1. Understanding the Points-Based System: Who Qualifies?
To secure a GBE, a player must either:
✅ Automatically qualify through international appearances
OR
✅ Accumulate at least 15 points from various eligibility criteria.
Automatic Qualification Criteria
International players from top FIFA-ranked nations can automatically qualify if they have played a minimum percentage of competitive international matches. The breakdown is as follows:
- Top 10 FIFA-ranked nations: A player must have played at least 30% of available international matches over the last 12 months.
- Ranked 11-20: A player must have played at least 40% of matches.
- Ranked 21-30: A player must have played 50% of matches.
- Ranked 31-50: A player must have played 60% of matches.
- Ranked 51+: Players from these nations must rely on club-level performance to meet the 15-point requirement.
League Banding and Domestic Playing Minutes: The Key to Accumulating Points
A player who does not automatically qualify must rely on their club’s league strength and domestic playing time to secure enough points.
League Banding System
Leagues are divided into six bands, with Band 1 offering the most points. The breakdown is:
- Band 1: Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, Ligue 1
- Band 2: Top leagues in Portugal, Netherlands, Brazil, Argentina, Belgium
- Band 3-6: Lower leagues in Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa (progressively fewer points awarded)
Domestic Playing Minutes Contribution
A player’s minutes played in their domestic league significantly affects their point tally:
- 90-100% of available league minutes → 12 points (Band 1), 10 points (Band 2)
- 70-79% of league minutes → 10 points (Band 1), 8 points (Band 2)
- 50-59% of league minutes → 8 points (Band 1), 6 points (Band 2)
The Impact on Premier League and EFL Transfers
Since Brexit, UK clubs can no longer freely sign EU-based players without meeting GBE criteria. This has particularly impacted EFL clubs, which traditionally scouted talent from European second-tier leagues.
Implications for Different League Levels:
- Premier League clubs still have access to top European and South American leagues, making it easier to sign elite players who meet the 15-point threshold.
- Championship & League One clubs face recruitment challenges, as players from lower leagues need more international caps or continental competition experience to qualify.
- League Two and below must rely heavily on domestic talent or take calculated risks with players close to the 15-point mark.
The Role of the Exceptions Panel
If a player fails to meet the 15-point threshold, their case may be reviewed by the Exceptions Panel, which considers:
✔️ Players with extenuating circumstances (injury, suspension, etc.)
✔️ Young players with high potential but insufficient playing time
✔️ Evidence of exceptional contribution to club success
Who Has a Chance?
Only players with at least 10 points can apply for an appeal.
The approval rate for exceptions varies:
- Injury/Suspension cases → 70% approval
- Youth players showing elite potential → 60% approval
- High club minutes but limited international exposure → 50% approval
- Exceptional but unproven talent → 40% approval
Strategic Takeaways for Agents and Clubs
How Can Agents Utilise the New GBE System?
- Prioritise players in Band 1 and Band 2 leagues. This guarantees higher points and an easier route to 15 points.
- Encourage international caps for players in lower leagues. If a player lacks club minutes, national team appearances can bridge the gap.
- Use continental competition exposure. Playing in the UEFA Champions League, Copa Libertadores, or AFC Champions League increases eligibility points.
- Monitor Exceptions Panel trends. Understanding which cases are more likely to be approved can help guide transfer negotiations.
Implications for Clubs
- Premier League clubs have flexibility, as most targets already meet the GBE requirements.
- EFL clubs must rethink recruitment strategies, as traditional European scouting pools are harder to access.
- Academy development will be critical, as signing foreign U18 players is nearly impossible under current rules.
The FA’s GBE system represents a huge change in football governance, balancing competitive fairness with international recruitment needs. While Premier League clubs remain largely unaffected, EFL clubs and lower-league teams face tougher barriers. Football agents must adopt long-term strategic planning, ensuring their players accumulate international experience, minutes in top-tier leagues, and continental competition exposure to meet the 15-point requirement.
For clubs, the challenge is to find value in emerging markets while staying compliant with the changing GBE regulations. Those who adapt early will gain a competitive edge in post-Brexit football.
