How would British sport be affected by a Brexit? – Telegraph.co.uk

Leaving the EU would render the Kolpak agreement void meaning future imports from such countries would count as foreign players. Again arguments can be put forward that this would encourage the development of homegrown players, but Christian Abt, a director at the Essentially sports management group, believes that the presence of more than 70 Kolpak players has enhanced the Premiership.

“The Premiership would suffer as a result because it has such a cosmopolitan flavour to it which makes it such attractive to viewers and sponsors,” Abt said. “As a product the best model is having international players playing alongside local and homegrown players.”

A final consideration would be London’s status as the sporting capital of Europe, if not the world. It is the go to destination for major sporting championships and for American sports looking to expand their audience. Although the NFL declined to comment, Patsalos believes Brexit would endanger the current London international series of games. “The way the NFL view it is that London is a gateway to Europe,” Patsalos said. “My view is that we pull out of Europe then they will reconsider that deal.”

Four players who would not qualify under the FA’s criteria for non-EU players

Cristiano Ronaldo

Signed alongside Eric Djemba-Djemba, David Bellion and Kleberson in the summer of 2003, Ronaldo had only just made his debut for Portugal as an 18-year-old.

Thierry Henry

Although Henry had broken through into the French national team by the time he joined Arsenal from Juventus in 1999, he had not played enough games to have qualified for a work permit.

David Ginola

Again his sporadic appearances for France would have precluded another dose of Gallic flair entering the Premier League.

Dimitri Payet

The latest example of the Premier League’s ability to create stars having been transformed from a bit-part player into France’s leading player at the European Championships.