The Premier League has announced the introduction of a homegrown quota for clubs with the aim of reducing squad sizes and helping the England national team.
From the start of next season, top-flight teams will be required to name eight players out of a squad of 25 who have been trained for three years in England or Wales before turning 21 years old.
Clubs can supplement this list with a B' group of players containing as many youngsters as they wish and both must be submitted at the end of each transfer window.
Chief executive Richard Scudamore, who confirmed the rule was ratified at a meeting of all 20 clubs last Thursday, said: "One of the benefits is that it will help the England team. If it concentrates the clubs' minds on under-21s, most of those will be homegrown, by definition.
"We're not going down the route of a nationality test but what this will mean is that you just can't buy a team from abroad.
"We also want to encourage movement between our own clubs. This rule encourages movement between our clubs because as long as they are being trained by someone in our organization, they qualify. Buying homegrown talent is made more attractive."
Despite the new regulations, Scudamore hinted he would look unfavourably on FIFA and UEFA proposals to introduce a worldwide ban on the international transfer of all players under 18.
Scudamore also announced stricter financial controls for clubs, who must now submit their accounts, and if it is proved they are not run as a viable concern, the Premier League will have the power to impose a transfer ban and stop any negotiations to improve existing player
contracts.
