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Aussies in Europe under threat [Fri Sep 2nd, 2005]
The employability of Australians in European football is under threat as FIFA renews a bid to restrict foreign players at clubs.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter will ask next week's FIFA congress in Marrakech to approve a push by the world body to introduce the 'six-five' system.
That would force clubs across the world to field at least six players from their own federation in the on-field eleven.
FIFA's push will inevitably be opposed by the European Union, whose labour laws allow free movement of workers across EU borders.
However it will cause clubs to think twice about employing those from outside the EU, such as Australians.
"It will bring back the basics of football, to educate players in their own clubs and not always buy the best players," Blatter told a press conference.
"Even if it does not pass through all countries, we have to try to do it if we want to save or maintain a national identity. I will ask the congress what they think about it and the congress can give a clear indication for us to work on this item."
The re-nationalisation of the game is part of FIFA's attempt to curtail the ever-increasing power of the European super-clubs to hoard the world's most talented players.
"This is not the ethics or morality of sport, to have 25 players in your team when you can only field 11, and the others are not available to the other clubs."
Blatter also gave his support to the continued existence of the Oceania Confederation even after Australia's departure to Asia.
"It is viable in my opinion," Blatter said. "They will have a better life, since the giant which has taken all positions in FIFA competitions will be away.
"Also for the football in Australia, it's better when they participate in a higher-level confederation, for the good of their game."
AAP
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