The changed ‘Weakened’ rule makes the managers stronger – EPL special
The Premier League has finally understood that the ‘weakened’ rule was indeed very weak. On Friday, they released a statement announcing that the much controversial rule was to be changed. Ever since its introduction, the rule had become more and more unpopular.
The ‘weakened’ rule, as it was called, punished clubs through imposing penalties which made significant changes to their teams from one match to another. The ruling had come into place as the clubs were asked to play with their best possible eleven at all
times.
The first victims to this rule were the Wolves. In 2009, their manager Mick MCCarthy made ten changes against their clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford. United had a convincing win over the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Wolves-c40952 with the score reading 3-0. The Wolves were slapped
with a suspended fine of £25,000.
Last season, Blackpool met a similar fate. Ian Holloway also made ten changes to his team for their match against Aston Villa. Holloway did not mince any words in letting his sentiments out: “Who the h**l are they to tell me my players are not good enough?”
He continued, “Let them try and fine me, it’s an absolute disgrace. I’ll show the Premier League. We were a credit to football, and let the Premier League try to tell me otherwise.”
He also threatened to resign if the club was fined. Blackpool did receive a fine amounting to £25,000 and he kept to his word by resigning from his position. The resignation was rejected by the Blackpool chairman, Karl Oyston.
Holloway’s anger and frustration at the rule has led the members to re-examine it. Each year at the Annual General Meeting, the members have been asked to give their views on the ruling as to how to improve it further. The majority of them have decided to
relax the terms this time around. From the coming season, the rule will allow the clubs to field any player from their squad of 25 players.
The relaxation is now an extension to the ‘home-grown’ rule. The ‘home-grown’ rule defines the players who have been associated with clubs registered with the FA for at least three years before the player has turned 21. At least 8 of the 25 players have
to meet this requirement.
It was probably this rule that upset Holloway the most. As long as he had his 25 players he should have been allowed to decide on the best possible first team for any fixture – that makes complete sense too.
The ‘weakened’ rule has not been totally withdrawn. If a club select a number of under-21 players from their initial squad of 25 listed players it can still be fined. The Premier League believes that this way they will be able to hold some integrity into
the game.
The change in the rule has met with appreciation from clubs and the fans alike. After all, it is a sensible change too. It should never have been up to the Premier League to decide on the makeup of the squad. It was always the manager’s call to make. He
should be allowed to pick whatever combination of players he deems fit.
A less potent Manchester United should be able to withstand and topple the offensive launched by a weaker team in the League. Therefore, it makes perfect sense to rest some of the key members to prevent any fatigue or injury.
The rule infringed the game plan of the managers. They can now get back to their business without a weak rule at the back of their minds.
Disclaimer: Views expressed here are the writer’s own and in no way represent bettor.com’s official editorial policy
Tags: