Investing.com -- Gordon Taylor, the head of the trade union that represents professional soccer players in England, said Friday that he does not anticipate the results of the Brexit referendum to limit the Barclays (LON:BARC) Premier League's ability to sign top players outside of the U.K.
Earlier on Friday, U.K. prime minister David Cameron announced intentions to step down by October after voters approved a referendum that will likely pave the way for Britain to leave the European Union. Taylor, who has served as the chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association since 1981, took drastic steps to assuage concerns that stricter employment regulations could prevent large sums of players from accepting transfers to the Premier League.
"There is no reason why we still can't recruit the best quality foreign players if they want to come here," Taylor told Sky Sports. "It doesn't mean any players have to go back. We will protect our members whether they are from Europe or the rest of the world."
Officials from the Premier League, however, were less optimistic. In a cautiously worded statement, the Premier League said there is little point in second-guessing the results of the referendum until there is more clarity within the negotiations process. At a minimum, it will take the U.K. to official leave the European bloc if the measure is supported by Parliament. “
The Premier League is a hugely successful sporting competition that has strong domestic and global appeal. This will continue to be the case regardless of the referendum result….Clearly, we will continue to work with Government and other bodies whatever the outcome of any process."
In the days leading up to the referendum, former England captain David Beckham pledged to support the Remain camp. Beckham took to social media on Instagram to outline his reasoning for making a Stay vote.
"We live in a vibrant and connected world where together as a people we are strong," Beckham wrote. "For our children and their children we should be facing the problems of the world together and not alone. For these reasons I am voting to Remain."