Change rules on soccer

Date: 23/05/02

THE European Commission has been urged to change the rules on footballers from outside the EU.

At present, clubs in the member states are restricted to using only three non-EU players.

But Danish MEP Helle Thorning-Schmidt says this is discriminatory, particularly against footballers from candidate countries.

In a parliamentary question, she cites the case of a recent game in Denmark between AB and Vejle BK.

AB were leading 4-0 when they brought on a Polish player, despite already fielding three non-EU players.

Under existing rules, this was illegal and AB were penalised.

Thorning-Schmidt wants quotas on players from non-EU states lifted. She said: 'Players, particularly from accession countries, should have the same rights as everyone else.'

The European Union has been urged to change the rules on footballers from outside the EU.