FIFA are on a collision course with the European Union as they look set to press ahead with plans to impose their controversial 'sixplus- five' proposal designed to limit teams' use of foreign players.

President Sepp Blatter has said he hopes the rule, allowing teams to name only five foreign players in their starting XI, will be in place by the 2012/13 season.

His vision appears to be a step closer following the overwhelming'' backing at yesterday's FIFA's annual congress in Sydney, Australia, with 155 votes in favour and only five against.

The Football Association have confirmed they voted in favour because of their desire to increase the development of highquality'' English players, but admitted their concerns that the rule would seem to contravene European law.

Blatter said: The congress was very happy in a result of overwhelming majority, with 155 votes in favour and five against.

155 yes and five no.

It is an overwhelming support to this resolution.'' The support of its members may not be sufficient, however, as the European Commission have branded the proposal unacceptable'' and a non-starter''.

The FA voted in favour of further exploration'' of FIFA's proposal but the Premier League have outlined their concerns.

An FA spokesman said: Bringing through more high-quality English players in the future is an absolute priority for the FA.

One of our reservations has always been that the 'six-plusfive' rule appears to contravene European law and we welcome further exploration of its legality.

However, this is a question of balance and we believe first and foremost in a meritocracy system, where players appear in club teams based on performance and ability."

However, the Premier League - whose ultimate priority is maintaining the quality and profile of the English top flight competition - issued a statement insisting while they share a desire to see more home-grown players, it must remain fair.

EU official spokespeople have repeatedly said that a nationality- based player quota system would be unlawful within the European Union,'' the statement said.

We want to see the greatest possible number of Englandqualified players coming through in the Premier League, but this has to be based on merit and quality, and there is no doubting that foreign talent has aided the technical development of the English game.'' Blatter has pointed to the Premier League's dominance in this season's Champions League as as example of why his organisation must implement the idea, despite legal concerns from the European Union.