Internet Desk: With Britain voting for Brexit, the world’s most popular football league (Premier League) might face the danger of losing its popularity. One of the main reasons for the Premier League gaining its popularity since its inception in 1992 was the influx of foreign players along with players from European Union. The advent of foreign managers and players saw an evolution in tactics and an upgrade in the overall standard of the league. With some of the top names in world soccer playing in the league over a period of nine months , the popularity of the Premier League soared sky high along with TV viewership.
But with Britain deciding to leave the European Union, more than 400 players may lose the right to play in the UK. Biggest affected will be Premier League clubs like Watford, Aston Villa and New Castle United who can lose as many as 11 footballers.
Previously, players from the EU could freely move to Premier League clubs without the need for a work permit. The Brexit would lead to such players now being classified alongside players such as South Americans who will now require a work permit unless they satisfy certain criteria.
As far as transfers are concerned, it will have an adverse affect as exchange rates will fluctuate. While England can still continue to play in Euro as countries like Russia and Switzerland are also not part of European Union.
The Premier league that was formed in 1992 has gained popularity worldwide over the past two decades. The increase in popularity depended on the influx of foreign talents like Dimitri Payet, N’Golo Kante and Anthony Martial. The League which had only Arsene Wenger as foreign manager saw the number rise to eight in 2015/16 season.
The worry is that without such players and managers in the league, the EPL might lose its sheen and that it will be unable to entice viewers (especially the overseas audience) and, more importantly, sponsors. The Brexit is a double-edged sword in this regard.