Given the changes to work permits for non-UK footballers playing in England made after Britain's exit from the European Union, there was a period when it was very difficult for professional clubs below the Premier League to register foreign players.

The FA implemented Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) criteria, in order to restrict the players who could obtain a work permit to play in England’s football pyramid.

In 2023/24, it was clear things needed to change for the FA’s GBE criteria, and thus came around the introduction of Elite Significant Contribution Places (ESC), to allow certain non-elite players to ply their trade in English football.

Not sure what this all means? Don’t worry, I’ll break it down for you.

What is the Governing Body Endorsement Criteria (GBE)?

The GBE criteria is the fine line which decides which players are eligible for work permits to play English football. Non-Uk players who meet the Criteria would be able to sign freely to an English club, as if they were English themselves.

The FA implemented these laws in order to control the influx of foreign players heading to English football. The primary goal of these laws was to ensure that foreign players are brought into a country in order to significantly contribute to their team’s success, or the growth of the sport as a whole.

Furthermore, the rules ensure that non-UK players weren’t able to simply sign for a club to sit on the bench and pick up a wage.

What Kinds of Players Would Meet The GBE Criteria?

The first criteria looked at is known as the ‘Auto-Pass’. Players who fall into the ‘Auto Pass’ category are established international players. The higher ranked the country they represent, the fewer appearances required to auto-pass the FA’s GBE criteria.

For this Category think players like Youssouf Fofana for France, whilst he only has 15 caps for his country, France are a highly ranked national team and so he would pass the GBE requirements. On the other end of the spectrum, Keylor Navas signed for Nottingham Forest two years ago. Although he plays for Costa Rica - a low ranked nation - his tally of over 100 caps for his national team was enough to earn him a work permit.

The next criteria the FA look at is to do with the player's contribution to their current club outside of the UK. Appearances in domestic and continental competitions are taken into account when assessing whether a player will be granted a work permit. Alongside this, the quality of the domestic and continental competitions the player competed in is taken into account.

The third and final criteria that a player can pass the GBE rules with, is if they are judged to be a young player with significant potential. This means that clubs can sign and register youth players judged to have the potential ability to provide a significant contribution to their team and the sport in the future. For this category, think renowned wonderkids who are yet to perform on the biggest stage, like Marcos Leonardo.

What is Elite Significant Contribution (ESC) In Football?

As clubs started to struggle to meet the criteria established by the FA, pressure increased for a change in rules to be made.

So, in June 2023, the FA implemented their solution to the issue, Elite Significant Contribution (ESC) places. These places allow clubs in the English Football League system to sign and register a set amount of players who do not meet the categories to earn them a work permit.

Players who are registered via an ESC place are then reviewed by a board in order to award or deny a permanent work permit, judged on their contribution to their teams performance and the growth of football as a whole.

For the 2023/24 season, teams in the Premier League and Championship were allowed to register up to four ESC places to new signings, and teams in League One and League Two were allowed two places.

For this season onwards, the number of ESC places awarded to clubs is based on the amount of minutes awarded to English players in the previous season, with more minutes resulting in more ESC places.

It’s safe to say teams have benefitted from the implementation of ESC places, with some of your favourite players being signed as a result of the new system.

Which Players Are Currently Playing in England Through an ESC Place?

Alejandro Bran - Burton Albion

Alejandro Bran joined Burton Albion last week on loan from Minnesota United. Whilst Bran is yet to make an appearance for the Brewers, since he’s been away with Costa Rica on international duty, the midfielder is fully fit after his spell with Minnesota United in the MLS.

Given the standard he’s been playing at, it’s safe to assume Bran will have a significant impact for Burton Albion now that the international break is over.

Burton Albion is delighted to announce the signing of Costa Rican international Alejandro Bran on a season-long loan deal, with an option to buy from Major League Soccer side Minnesota United 🤝#BAFC

Click below for more👇👇👇

— Burton Albion FC (@burtonalbionfc) September 5, 2024

Gustav Lindgren - Peterborough United

Although the summer deadline feels like it’s only just passed, Peterborough have already completed a transfer for the January window.

Gustav Lindgren is set to link up with the posh in January, after the 23-year-old struck a deal to leave current club Degerfors IF a few days ago. The Swede has had an impressive 2024 in his native country, scoring eight goals in 20 matches, and The Posh have allocated one of their ESC places to ensure he’s able to represent them come January.

He’s another one I’m confident will have a significant impact in English football.

🔜 🇸🇪 An agreement has been reached for the transfer of striker Gustav Lindgren from @dif_degerfors.

The deal will go through in January when the window opens, subject to international clearance and a work permit.

Transfer news brought to you by @NRC_Recruitment. #pufc

— Peterborough United (@theposh) September 7, 2024

Jason Dadi Svanthorsson - Grimsby Town

Back in July, Grimsby Town completed the signing of Jason Dadi Svanthorsson from Icelandic side Breidablik, and had to allocate one of their ESC places in order to register the Icelander.

Svanthorsson has hit the ground running for Grimsby, and has played a part in every single one of their matches this season, even grabbing a crucial goal in their victory over Bradford. So it’s safe to say Grimsby were right in assuming Svanthorsson would have a significant role in their side this season.

✍️ We are delighted to announce the arrival of Jason Dadi Svanthórsson- subject to the FA, EFL and international clearance and the player obtaining a work permit.#GTFC

— Grimsby Town F.C. (@officialgtfc) July 9, 2024

Benjamin Tanimu - Crawley Town

Crawley Town, after a surprising promotion fire sale in the summer, splashed the big cash on Nigerian defender Benjamin Tanimu.

Although the young defender has three caps for his country, little is known about him outside of Nigeria. He’s versatile across the back line, and has a keen eye for goals.

Whilst we’re yet to see Tanimu play for the Red Devil’s, it’s pretty clear Crawley are confident that Tanimu will be a key asset for them this season, given they spent over €700k and allocated him an ESC place.

📰 BENJAMIN TANIMU JOINS LINDSEY’S REDS

Crawley Town Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Nigerian defender Benjamin Tanimu from Singida Black Stars for an undisclosed fee.#TownTeamTogether🔴

— Crawley Town FC (@crawleytown) September 2, 2024

ESC in Football Manager?

Since Football Manager prides itself on its hyper-realistic style, it’s not surprising the popular simulation game has introduced Elite Significant contribution places to the game.

The way ESC is deployed is almost like for like with the real life counterpart. As we move toward the release of Football Manager 2025, it's safe to assume each clubs total ESC places in the game will be determined by the clubs real life deployment of English players.