Brexit: Cesc Fabregas calls decision to leave EU 'very negative and damaging' for the Premier League

Players like Fabregas would no longer be able to qualify as homegrown players as they will not be allowed to move to the Premier League until they're 18

Cesc Fabregas has labelled the decision to leave the EU as 'very negative and damaging' for the Premier League (Getty)

Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas believes that England’s decision to leave the European Union is a “very negative” one and will “damage” the state of the Premier League as the fallout from Friday’s historical referendum continues to be felt.

A Fifa loophole allows players between the age of 16 and 18 to move to clubs in other countries as long as they are part of the EU, with Fabregas speaking from experience after joining Arsenal in 2003 as a 16-year-old.

Under new laws once England has completed its exit from the EU, players such as Fabregas would not be able to move to the Premier League until they are 18, meaning that they would no longer meet the requirements to ensure they are registered as homegrown players having served three complete seasons for an English club before their 21st birthday.

Fabregas, who is currently in France with the Spanish national team for Euro 2016, admitted that he was surprised with the outcome of the EU referendum, and said that he believes it will have a big impact on the state of the Premier League.

“It’s a very disappointing decision and I think very negative for many people,” Fabregas said as quoted by The Telegraph. “Personally, I see it as a mistake. I didn’t expect it, as I went to bed optimistic and woke up to this news.

“I think it’s damaging for the Premier League. It’ll be harder to sign players, the salaries will change if the pound gets close to the euro. It’s a decision that will create many complications not just in football, but the daily lives and future of all people.”

Despite a majority 51.9% choosing to leave the EU, the reaction to Friday’s decision has been largely negative – especially outside of the United Kingdom – while some voters who back the Brexit campaign have since revealed their regret at leaving the EU due to the vast financial and economic changes that have already occurred since the result was announced.

Prime Minister David Cameron has confirmed he will resign after backing the Remain campaign, while a petition for a second EU referendum has already been signed by more than 3m people who hope that he slender margin between the two campaigns will lead to a second chance to remain in the EU.