Iceland limits import players

The Icelandic Basketball Federation has decided to change the rules on import players. Until now the rules were that at least three players with an Icelandic passport had to be on the court at the same time, thus also allowing a maximum of two import players.

The new rule will now be that FOUR players on the court must have an Icelandic passport, leaving room for only ONE import.

Other countries in Europe already have similar rules, or are thinking about implementing them. There is one complicating factor and that is the EU law. Iceland is not part of the EU, but those European countries who are could face problems if they limit the number of import players. Especially if the limit is on ALL imports, including players from other EU countries. That is absolutely forbidden according to European law.