As from the next football season, UEFA will apply the 'home-grown' rule, compelling clubs to include among their players a core comprising a minimum number of players who have been trained at their own club or in the competition in which the club participates.

UEFA approved this rule last year and is conducting talks with the Commission concerning it.

In Parliament too, the subject has been raised several times. During the hearing on football which Parliament organised on 3 May, it became apparent that most clubs supported the rule, but that they feared legal uncertainty.

Does the Commission agree that this measure is proportionate, and moreover is extremely desirable for social reasons (to encourage clubs to invest in youth training), and does the Commission therefore support the home-grown rule?