The new rule, which will come into effect when the league kicks off on April 6, was heavily resisted by the former premiership clubs like Lengthens and Douglas Warriors.
The clubs argued that the move would deflate their chances of going back into the top flight as they were laden with players aged above 25 years. One Commando and Cossy Rules also resisted the rule but the other 14 clubs voted for the introduction of the new law.
The rule will have ripple effects, as most players aged over 25 years will be rendered jobless. This might also lead to age cheating which is rife in the country, as most players will try to fit into the status quo.
The Premier Soccer League would also be affected as most players who fail to command jerseys in the top-flight league often head for Division One. However, they are also benefits from the new rule, as the national junior teams will also benefit immensely.
Solomon Mugavazi, the Northern Region chairman, said they is no going back on the new rule as the league is a “developmental one” which should not be taken as a “retirement zone”.
“The issue was first proposed last year, but was adopted at the clubs’ council extraordinary meeting held on January 16 this year. Each club is allowed to register 25 players with only five of those players being over the age of 25. Of those five overaged players, only two will be used per match,” he said.
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He added; “Ours (Northern Region) is a developmental league so we cannot have a 35-year-olds in our league. The majority of our 18 clubs were happy with the development and that is why it was adopted.
“This is a league with its own rules and regulations and each club that wants to play in this league should abide by the rules. Some clubs complained, but we are here to run football and not to be held to ransom by some clubs.”
