The Saudi Professional League (SPL) is set to make some major changes to its rules in the coming seasons, with an increase in the foreign quota and squad size being the most notable.
Starting in the 2024/25 season, clubs will be allowed to register up to 10 foreign players, compared to the current limit of eight. However, only eight foreigners will be allowed to participate in each match. This move is likely to attract even more big-name players to the league, following the arrival of stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mane in recent months.
In addition to the increase in the foreign quota, the SPL is also planning to increase the size of squads to 25 players. This will give clubs more flexibility and depth, and could help to improve the overall level of competition in the league.
However, the changes are not without their critics. Some argue that the influx of foreign players will harm the development of Saudi Arabian players. Others worry that the increased spending by SPL clubs will create an unfair playing field for clubs in other leagues.
Despite the concerns, the SPL is determined to push ahead with its plans. The league’s chief, Michael Emenalo, has said that he believes the changes will make the SPL “more competitive and attractive to fans around the world.”
It remains to be seen what the long-term impact of the SPL’s rule changes will be. However, there is no doubt that they will make the league one of the most interesting and talked-about in the world.
Here are the changes made to the Saudi Professional League:
* The increase in the foreign quota will come into effect in the 2024/25 season.
* The increase in the squad size will also come into effect in the 2024/25 season.
* The limit on the number of senior players per squad will come into effect in the 2025/26 season.
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