Official Rangers partner reacts as ‘ludicrous’ homegrown player ruled labelled illegal
Official Rangers partner, the Heart & Hand podcast has shared their reaction after the “ludicrous” homegrown player rule in European football was ruled illegal.
Previously, teams competing in Europe have been required to name at least eight players considered “homegrown” in their 25-man squad, but that rule has now been made illegal as it is considered discriminatory under European law.
This rule saw Michael Beale forced to leave a number of key players out of Rangers’ European squad earlier this season and Heart & Hand have quickly reacted favourably to the news that the “ludicrous” rule has been ruled illegal.
Writing on Twitter (21 December) they said: “I see the ludicrous ‘homegrown’ rule has been ruled illegal today alongside the ESL ruling.
“A rule that punishes smaller nations.”
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Sadly Scottish football is not currently the powerhouse that most Rangers supporters would hope that it could be and that has made it very difficult for the likes of the Gers to enter competitive squads in Europe while abiding by UEFA’s rules.
With the news emerging that the homegrown rule has been adjudged to have been illegal, Rangers will likely have a better chance of competing on the European stage as they will now be able to name their best squad without having to worry about fitting a quota.
It is unknown yet when such changes will be introduced and it seems unlikely that this ruling will impact the second half of the Light Blues’ European campaign this season, but in the long term, this could a be big step forward for Scottish sides on the continent.
It could also change how Rangers conduct their business in future transfer windows. If the Gers don’t need to buy players from within Scotland to ensure that they remain within UEFA’s guidelines, they may continue to look further afield when adding to their squad.
Hopefully, from here on in, the smaller nations like Scotland won’t continue to be punished.
In other Rangers news, Andy Halliday has urged the Gers to sign Connor Barron from Aberdeen labelling him a “dog”