FIFA gets it right

The FIFA congress, meeting in Australia, voted 155-5 in favour of the move and UEFA will now try to work that end. The major stumbling block will be the EU's view that this could amount to a restraint of trade.

There is a suggestion that the change might be phased in over a few years; 4+7 in 2010, 5+6 in 2011 and finally 6+5 in 2012. The definition of a home player is that the player is eligible to play for the home international team.

The biggest clubs are not happy at this restriction - how many English players are on the park at kick off when Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester United start a game? In Scotland, the proportion of home based players in our clubs has increased in the last few years.

Motherwell have passed this threshold with ease - at least since the flirtation with Harri Kampman! There will be lots of obstacles to overcome but this has to be a welcome move. Fans enjoy watching local youngsters develop then become first team regulars. There is a huge potential benefit to the national team which is also to be welcome.