The European Court of Justice has ruled that UEFA and Belgian football association rules on home-grown players could be contrary to EU law.
The ruling came in response to a legal challenge by a footballer and a Belgian club against the rules that require a minimum number of locally trained players in the teams.
Royal Antwerp FC argued that the rules hamper a professional club from recruiting and fielding players who do not meet the requirement of local or national roots, violating both EU competition and free movement of workers rules.
The court said that the rules could be contrary to EU law, as they may restrict the freedom of movement of workers and the freedom to provide services, and they may distort competition between clubs.
The ruling could have far-reaching implications for the future of European football.