Royal Antwerp: Legal bid to torch football’s homegrown quotas suffers shock defeat
A bid to rip up European football’s rules on homegrown player quotas – likened to the landmark Bosman ruling – has been dismissed in a surprise move by a Belgian court. The case, brought by Royal Antwerp and former player Lior Refaelov, had been expected to be upheld after the European Court of Justice gave [...]
A Belgian court has dealt a surprise blow to efforts to overturn European football's homegrown player quotas, dismissing a legal bid brought by Royal Antwerp and former player Lior Refaelov. The ruling, which came after the European Court of Justice backed the rules in 2023, has been welcomed by sports law experts who argue that the decision recognises the unique nature of sport within European competition law.
The court found that the homegrown quotas were proportionate, justified by public interest objectives, and did not overly restrict the mobility of overseas players. This decision could have significant implications for UEFA member nations, potentially including England, as well as for UEFA's own rules governing competitions like the Champions League.
Written by urgent.news from City AM's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
