FIFA explores player imports, age limits

FIFA will continue to examine the controversial “6+5” rule to limit foreign players on clubs that has angered European Union nations after a supportive vote at the FIFA Congress here.

Joseph “Sepp” Blatter, president of the global football governing body, backs the plan and cites a study saying the limiting of imports to five men on the field would be legal even as some nations see the idea as discriminatory.

“The 6+5 will come. It’s just a matter of time,” Blatter said.

The Congress voted 188-3 on Wednesday to have FIFA’s executive committee continue working toward passage of the plan, which Blatter wants to see voted upon next year in South Africa.

An exploratory task force was created to investigate changing age rules for Olympic football, now open to players 23 and under with three exemptions. FIFA’s executive committee backed a reduction in the age cap to 21.

“Certain members of the executive committee favor a reduction in the age,” Blatter said.