NOVPUB
Chapter 157: Scotland Short Tour
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Date: July 7, 1995
Subject: Foreign Player Regulations Across All English Leagues
Following a thorough review and in line with evolving regulations across European football, the Football Association (FA) hereby announces a formal revision to the regulations governing the eligibility of foreign players in English football.
Under the new regulation:
1. Clubs may field an unlimited number of players holding European Union (EU) nationality in any official match.
2. The maximum number of non-EU players allowed in a matchday squad will be four.
Effective immediately, the FA believes this new rule will further enhance the competitive nature of English football. The FA remains committed to preserving competitive balance and supporting homegrown player development, while also embracing international talent that contributes to the growth and prestige of the English game.
We will continue to monitor developments and will make any necessary adjustments in line with evolving regulations across European football.
For questions or clarification, please contact:The Football Association[Tel: 0171 - XXX - XXXX]
]
Most major leagues had already started making changes in anticipation of the waves the Bosman ruling could bring for quite some time.
In England, for example, before the Bosman ruling result was finalized, the FA had already lifted the "three foreigner" rule, which had restricted teams to fielding a maximum of three players born outside the country in which they were employed.
Originally, in the Premiership, the limit of three foreigners in a match squad included Welsh, Scottish, and Northern and Southern Irish players. Now, clubs were allowed to field an unlimited number of players from EU countries, though they were still restricted to fielding four players from non-EU countries.
"Four players..."
The butterfly effect played a role here.
Richard never expected the FA to suddenly fax every club about this abrupt change. His challenge regarding the maximum number of non-EU players had finally triggered a significant shift in policy. (Chapter 69: The Scandal)
But why now? Why wasn’t this done when Bosman won his case and the rule changes were announced?
Why now, after Rivaldo has already left City for PSV?!
Richard slammed his fist in frustration.
"Fuck!"
In the original timeline, the limit was supposed to be three, but now it had become four. It’s just that the FA had already announced their stance last year, and he had already given up on his challenge, thinking the situation wouldn’t change.
Thinking about the situation, Richard made his call to UEFA’s Johannsson.
"It’s Wiseman’s doing," Johannsson said and continued, "Within FIFA, there are those who support a more global, inclusive approach to the sport. Also, there are some stakeholders in the Premier League who support him. He wants to rally their support with this change."
After that, he explained that it was a desperate move on his part, fueled by rumors that he had granted £3.2 million to the Welsh FA. Now, his goal was essentially to gather as many votes as possible to catapult him into FIFA, so even if he were ousted from the FA, he wouldn’t lose his power.
Richard didn’t care much about this. He only sighed in pity, but soon shrugged it off.
Now, it was time to focus on the pre-season!
Before City arrived in Kirkcaldy to begin their short tour, there was a nine-day gap that allowed both new and existing players to connect with their coach and staff, including the new head physio and the backroom team.
Usually, when a new player arrives or after the pre-season begins, there’s an introduction session combined with preseason medicals, which typically include a physical examination, fitness testing—such as heart rate, stamina, and joint mobility—and a check for past injuries, which is mostly done through questioning.
But this time, Richard personally asked Fevre to add more medical tests for the players, including the use of ultrasound and MRI, with a focus on knee and ankle injury history, as well as cardiac screening.
"To be honest, for ultrasound and MRI, it’s better we use them for major signings since it costs us much more than the usual," Fevre said in response after Richard presented his idea.
Richard agreed with this, but this time he still insisted that Fevre conduct the tests according to his request, especially for Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, and Cafu. He prioritized them since they had just returned from the Copa America.
Since it was a personal request from the boss, Fevre dutifully conducted the tests and paid special attention to the Brazilians.
Richard felt assured by this.
’Yes,’ he thought, progress is gradual. A culture can’t be built overnight. Sometimes it takes time for things to fall into place. The foundation is key. We have to lay it brick by brick.
Richard didn’t join the squad, as he was with the new CEO, Miss Heysen, and the club’s new Director of Football, Marina Granovskaia.
"Hey, Marina," Richard called out to her as they walked towards the stadium.
She turned, nodding at him
"How are you settling in? Adjusting to the pace here?" Richard asked.
"It’s been... different," she admitted openly. "To be honest, under Mr. Abramovich, I was used to a faster, more direct. But here—it has its own rhythm, its own culture. I’m getting there, though."
Richard nodded, understanding. Then he suddenly remembered something.
"By the way, Mr. Abramovich sends his regards," Richard said, before teasing her with a smirk. "He also mentioned something interesting. He said, ’I stole you when he was just about to start his new company in London.’"
Marina raised an eyebrow but didn’t show much emotion. "There’s also my sister involved in that. So, in a sense, he didn’t really need me—he had her to handle most of it."
"I see," Richard said, nodding.
That wasn’t the reaction he had expected. After a short pause, Richard spoke again.
"By the way... why was Mr. Abramovich starting a company in London, anyway?" He suddenly leaned in slightly, curious. "Don’t tell me he was actually interested in football?"
There was no way, right?
After all, the acquisition of Chelsea’s top players happened in the early 2000s—if he remembered correctly—though he couldn’t recall the exact year.
Marina looked at Richard with a slightly puzzled expression, then shook her head.
"Mr. Abramovich doesn’t have time to play around," she said. "If he ever does something, it’s never casual. He commits—or he doesn’t get involved at all."
"So you’re saying, for example, if he gets involved... he’s all in?"
Marina paused, thinking for a moment before responding.
"He doesn’t make moves without a long-term vision. If he’s in the stands, it’s not just to watch—it’s part of something bigger. That’s what he used to say to me and my sister. At first, I thought he was just boasting, but after everything he pulled off in Moscow... I realized he meant every word."
"...I guess that explains a lot," he muttered.
Soon, the three of them arrived at the gate, presented their tickets, and made their way to the VIP stands.
Today, City were facing the Scottish heavyweights—Raith Rovers Football Club.
The 1994/1995 season was the most successful in Raith Rovers’ history. Managed by Jimmy Nicholl, they pulled off a stunning upset by beating Celtic 6–5 on penalties to win the Coca-Cola Cup, following a dramatic 2–2 draw.
As a result of that cup victory, Raith qualified for European competition—the UEFA Cup—for the first time in their history. And as if that wasn’t enough, they also earned promotion to the Premier Division after winning the First Division title.
PHWEEE!
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, the stands at Stark’s Park were packed, buzzing with anticipation.
The local supporters, clad in navy and white, waved their scarves proudly, while a very small section of City fans—mostly traveling supporters and curious locals—added their own energy to the crowd.
Despite it being only a friendly, the match had a competitive edge. Raith, playing on home turf, weren’t planning to roll over for the English visitors. Meanwhile, City’s lineup featured a mix of young talents, seasoned veterans, and a few fresh faces eager to impress.
Richard leaned forward slightly in his seat, eyes locked on the pitch. He wasn’t watching as a fan—he was studying. Every movement, every pass, every hesitation told him something about the team’s readiness for the season ahead.
Finally, Manchester City’s preseason kicked off.
