Current rules state each side can only have four non-natives in their squad, with one of these having to be Asian qualified. This is based on the requirements from continental governing body the Asian Football Confederation for competing in international club competitions.
A recommendation to alter this was put forward during a meeting of the organisation, which concluded in Riyadh during the early hours of Saturday morning. As before, this change would not apply to goalkeepers who must be citizens of the country in which they compete in.
If passed, this would lead to easier movement between the Gulf region’s different leagues.
Legendary Al Wahda forward Ismail Matar is the most high profile star to make such a switch in recent history from the Arabian Gulf League, experiencing a short loan spell at Qatar Stars League heavyweights Al Sadd in 2009.
Al Jazira striker Ali Mabkhout has also been pursued by Saudi Professional League giants Al Hilal, while Al Ain star Omar Abdulrahman is sporadically linked with a move back to the country of his birth.
This development would be of particular relevance for Bahraini, Omani and Kuwaiti players who are currently rarely taken on by teams in the area’s premier leagues.
Committee members who were present in the Saudi Arabian capital will now submit the proposal to their football associations, who will offer advice on the subject ahead of any formal action being taken. It is not yet known how the AFC would react to any alteration.
