Will Brexit Affect English Premier League Soccer?

The U.K.'s impending exit from the European Union has raised a number of concerns about its effects on one of the world's most popular sporting leagues, the English Premier League, which attracts players from all parts of the globe.

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One of the most serious impacts of the Brexit will be the low price of the British pound against the euro which could throw the upcoming transfer window for next season into a spin. While the Premier League uses pounds on the international transfer market euros and dollars are commonly used for player deals and transfers.

For U.K. clubs, a player who was valued before Brexit by the euro would now cost more. For players in the U.K. who are paid a salary in euros, it would also cost the U.K.-based club more because of the exchange rates. European clubs may take caution and wait until the volatile international market begins to settle before making any big deals.

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Traveling fans may also find it more difficult to enter the U.K. to watch games, and indeed it may be more difficult for U.K. supporters to travel to continental Europe to follow their clubs in European competitions such as the Champions and Europa Leagues.

Another key concern is that the Brexit from the EU will force international players in the Premier League to get work permits to play for U.K.-based clubs, creating headaches for clubs, management and players, particularly if they are juggling multiple offers from other international clubs.

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It is possible that some international players, such as young players, would not meet U.K. work requirements. In theory the governing body of U.K. soccer, the Football Association could enact a minimum quota on the number of U.K. players on a squad.

However Gordon Taylor, the chief executive of the professional footballers association, calmed fears that the Brexit will restrict Premier League transfers, praising the British Leagues as “the most cosmopolitan in the world.”

"There is no reason why we still can't recruit the best quality foreign players if they want to come here ... It doesn't mean any players have to go back,” Taylor said to Sky Sports.