Locally Trained Players

Key ruling recognising the legitimacy of sports rules to encourage the training and development of young players

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Overview

UEFA requires clubs participating in UEFA club competitions to have at least 8 locally trained players in the squad of 25 players with at least 4 of those players being trained by the club (club-trained players) and up to 4 players being trained by clubs in the same association (association trained players). A Belgian court referred questions to the EU Court of Justice relating to the validity of the UEFA locally trained player rule as well as that of the Belgian football league.

Benoît’s Role

  • Acted before the EU Court of Justice
  • Drafted written observations
  • Pleaded at oral hearing before Grand Chamber

The Challenge

Key to the case is whether sports federations can adopt regulations to encourage the training and development of young players.

The Approach

Benoit acted alongside co-counsel to represent UEFA in the proceedings before the Court of Justice. He assisted with the drafting of the written observations. He pleaded at the oral hearing, responding in questions from the Court.

The Outcome

The EU Court of Justice delivered a seminal judgment in which it recognised the importance of the training and development of young players in football.