FA fear that Premier League side’s are using foreign clubs to beat system

The Football Association is on alert amid growing concerns that Premier League clubs are bending their work permit rules by buying foreign teams.

It has frustrated other top clubs, who have teamed up to convince the FA to relax strict rules that have restricted foreign recruitment since Brexit.

Elite clubs have argued that by denying England players the chance to train with the best foreign talent, the FA will hurt the national team’s standard. The governing body would be open to changing their rules – news that has been greeted with optimism.

However, there are fears that their efforts will be jeopardized by an escalating ploy to circumvent foreign entry rules by buying clubs in other countries – which the FA has capitalized on.

Positioning players to foreign clubs, where they regularly play senior football, will allow clubs to build up enough points on the FA’s GBE system to secure a transfer to England.

Indeed, a source says it is cheaper to buy a foreign club than to sign a talented young player from home.

City are among the clubs that have introduced a multi-club system through parent company City Football Group, which added Italy’s Palermo to France’s Troyes and Spain’s Girona in July.

Chelsea’s co-controlling owner Todd Boehly (left) has also spoken publicly about his desire to add a portfolio of teams under their main umbrella.

Manchester City are among the clubs to have introduced a multi-club system through parent company City Football Group, which added Italy’s Palermo to France’s Troyes and Spain’s Girona in July.

Chelsea’s co-controlling owner Todd Boehly has also spoken publicly about his desire to add a portfolio of teams under their main umbrella.

Chelsea are in talks to buy a Portuguese team, which sources have indicated will be completed in a few months.