Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes clubs should have
"a proportion of home-based players" - but is sure Arsenal would
not agree.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has announced he will lobby for
restrictions on the number of foreign players in each team and
Ferguson has voiced his support.
"It's certainly not wrong that clubs should be seen to have a
proportion of home-based players," said the Old Trafford
manager.
"I totally agree (with Blatter) but it would be a problem for a
club like Arsenal. That's why they'll protest the loudest.
"You want to protect your own, and there is nothing wrong with
that. But, for the good of the game in England, it would be good to
see more home-based players at the top clubs.
"United's critics would say 'It's all right for you, you already
have English players in your side'. But I think if you asked a
neutral, they would rather see more home-based players."
He added: "Under the present Treaty of Rome, you couldn't make it
law. It would have to be an agreement between the clubs. But if it
went to a vote, I think it would get through [even though] there
would be opposition from clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal, who have
strong Spanish and French connections.
"It would certainly be a contentious issue but I agree with the
principle of it."