Watford started their campaign in the English Championship with a 1-0 win over Norwich City as they bid to return back to the English Premier League following relegation last summer.
In their squad for the game, the senior Nigeria international duo of Maduka Okoye and Samuel Kalu were not listed for the game. With the case of Okoye the most surprising considering the fact that he was at least expected to be on the bench.
It has now been confirmed that their omission has nothing to do with form rather it was due to a new rule in English football tag Rule 11. The Rule of 11 means that there can be no more than 11 non-homegrown players in a match-day squad.
Speaking on the club website, Giaretta said, “The rule of 11 will have some influence for now but we are all committed with Rob Edward’s aim of having only 11 non-homegrown players in the first-team squad after the window.
“It’s important we see August in a different way because things can still change until this month is over.”
