Serbia will limit the number of foreign players at all levels
from the 2010-2011 season to give more opportunities to home grown
players.
"The decision has been made to give home bred prospects a chance to show their
skill and develop," Serbian Football Federation (FSS)
President Tomislav Karadzic said after the announcement was made on
Wednesday.
"We needed to pass this law to ensure that our talents start
playing regular first-team football at a young age, as both their
clubs and the national team will
benefit."
First division teams will be allowed to field a maximum of five
foreigners as of the 2010-2011 championship and only four as of the
following season.
Second division clubs will be able to field a maximum of two
foreigners as of the 2010-2011 season, while third division sides
and those in the lower tiers will not be allowed any.
Karadzic added: "Clubs can have as many foreigners as they want
in their squads if they can afford it, but will be able to field a
limited number on the pitch."
Serbian clubs have been able to play with as many foreign
players as they wanted but the new law is unlikely to affect too
many of them, especially not the top ones.
Champions Partizan Belgrade have seven foreigners in their
squad, of whom four are regular starters.
Their Senegalese striker Lamine Diarra was the first division's
top scorer last season, while Portuguese midfielder Almami Moreira
won the player of the year award.
soccernet.