FIFA wants to keep looking at so-called ‘6+5′ rule, despite concerns that it’s illegal

FIFA wants to keep looking at ‘6+5′ rule

NASSAU, Bahamas — FIFA will continue exploring a much-debated plan that would restrict clubs to a maximum of five foreign players in starting lineups, yet stopped short for the second straight year of calling for a definitive vote on the idea.

The so-called “6+5″ rule, which is strongly backed by FIFA president Sepp Blatter, has raised the ire of the European Union, which says the policy would violate discrimination laws.

FIFA financed a study — which Blatter cited to members again Wednesday — that concluded the 6+5 policy would be legal. Those findings were dismissed by the EU shortly after being released.

The Congress voted 188-3 for a declaration giving FIFA’s executive committee permission to keep working toward a 6+5 plan. Attached to that vote was a measure designed to further ban the international transfer of players under 18.