EU rules against Kolpak

A new EU ruling could see the end of the controversial Kolpak signings that have become a regular feature of county cricket.

Union to clamp down on movement of labour

A new EU ruling could see the end of the controversial Kolpak signings that have become a regular feature of county cricket. Players from South Africa and the Caribbean have been allowed to play in England as domestic players under the Cotonou Treaty, which has allowed free trade between the European Community and many African, Pacific and Caribbean countries. But the influx of players from the West Indies and in particular South Africa has led to concerns that the development of English players is being stifled. A campaign was launched by the Central Council of Physical Recreation to seek clarification on the treaty, resulting in the European Union ruling that it was designed for the free trade of goods and services - but not the movement of labour. It could mean existing Kolpak players being allowed to complete their contracts but any future signings would be regarded as overseas players unless they fulfil the ECB's regulations for an English-registered player. A spokesman said: "The ECB have noted the recent developments and are looking at the possible implications of that." The term 'Kolpak' originated from the former Czech handball player Maros Kolpak, who won a ruling in the European Court of Justice in 2004 allowing him to play professionally in Germany without being classed as a foreigner.