The discussions and debates on whether the English Premier League would benefit from a foreign players rule have been rumbling for quite some time now. On May 30 this year, FIFA voted in favour of the six-plus-five rule, with president Sepp Blatter hoping this will be in place for the season 2012-13.

The continuing dominance of English teams in the Champions League has perhaps stung the rest of Europe into such actions. The legalities are the main argument, with the FA quite rightly stating that this decision contravenes European law. Yet many believe that it would be to the benefit of the game in general.

Another view, of course, would be that English dominance in Europe is not going down too well with everyone else. The juggernaut that is the EPL and its money and attraction means that almost every club in the top tier of English football can afford players and their astronomical wages with far more ease than many other clubs throughout the world.

Is it sour grapes from the rest? Would it be good for English international football? Would it make the Champions League a far more level playing field? Did this year's final in Moscow just annoy everyone else because it was two English teams in the final? Who knows. There certainly wasn't this hullabaloo when Valencia and Real Madrid contested the final a few years back. Or are the English just being paranoid?

I think if you asked the top four teams' fans in England what they would rather have, a decent run in the Champions League or a successful national team, the former would be a winner every time. Moving further down the league table, I genuinely believe that fans would rather see a successful national team. But why can't both be achieved? Italy can do it, Spain can do it.

With plenty of time before this rule is implemented, every club in England has to make sure that they have a decent batch of youngsters coming through the ranks. Quite frankly, most teams already do. The likes of West Ham and Manchester City have some tremendous young players yet these same boys are hunted by the big money-earners and the promising players are obviously tempted by big bucks. Who can blame them?

It has been clear for some time that changes were to be made. Change happens and usually for the good but some teams will initially suffer, although, in all honesty they should not. Much can be blamed on the dismal performances of the national team but I really don't think it is the clubs or standard of the players talents who shoulder the blame. It is the people in charge in England.

All I can see is a bunch of arrogant pen-pushers who really don't have a clue about running the most important part of English sport. Yes football is the main sport in Britain and no-one can deny that. The national pastime is a disgrace. It is the same in Scotland. These people in charge do not seem to have a clue; football is not their life and it shows in the decision-making.

Only time will tell if this new rule will be of any significance. I for one think that it will.