MORE African footballers could be playing in the English Premier League next season following the British government’s plans to relax work permit rules next month. This means the top English teams will be able tap young and talented African footballers before they are snapped up by teams in Italy, France, Belgium and Holland. There will also be no restrictions on the number of foreign players that can be employed. Clubs in the Premier League have been at a disadvantage because of stringent work permit rules. The major English teams have been pushing government ministers to relax the rules so they can also benefit from African talent. Some clubs and managers are worried about stifling British talent, however.