Fergie attacks foreign policy

Ferguson: 'Bad for the game'

For the good of the game in England it would be good to see more home-based players at the top clubs

Sir Alex Ferguson
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Sir Alex Ferguson launched an attack on Arsene Wenger's policy to rely on foreign players.

Arsenal currently have only two English players - Theo Walcott and Justin Hoyte - in their first-team squad at the Emirates Stadium.

Ferguson, who can field an entire team of home-grown players, claims Wenger's buying policy is ruining the English game.

And he has backed calls from FIFA president Sepp Blatter to have a minimum number of home-based players in their first-team squads.

Proportion

Ferguson told the Daily Mirror: "It's certainly not wrong that you should be seen to have a proportion of home-based players.

"I totally agree with that. But it would be a problem for a club like Arsenal.

"That's why they'll protest the loudest. Obviously you want to protect your own, and there's nothing wrong with that.

"But for the good of the game in England it would be good to see more home-based players at the top clubs.

Critics

"United's critics would say: 'It's all right for you, you already have English players in your side.' But I think if you asked a neutral, they would rather see more home-based players."

Blatter has already questioned the number of foreigners playing in the Premier League and the United boss is certainly behind the move.

He added: "Under the present Treaty of Rome you couldn't make it law.

Agreement

"It would have to be and agreement between the clubs. And if it went to a vote, I think it would get through.

"There would be some opposition from some clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal who have strong Spanish and French connections. It would certainly be a contentious issue but I agree with the principle of it."