The main problem I have with the rule is that it doesn’t stop players moving clubs. Aubameyang still came to Arsenal, even though he couldn’t play in the Europa League. Mkhitaryan still joined even though he was ineligible for the League Cup.

If the rule doesn’t deter clubs from buying, then the likes of Borussia Dortmund lose their best players anyway. The only difference is that now Aubameyang doesn’t get to play for anyone.

Arsenal fans can’t watch him play, nor can neutral supporters. The TV companies can’t entice viewers with his performances, and the advertising companies can’t use him to market their products.

The player himself loses half a season of European football sitting on the sidelines.

The only ‘winners’ are the clubs who might face Arsenal. Even then, they might make more money selling tickets if their opponent had a full strength side.

The Milan game would’ve been even more popular with Aubameyang returning to face his former club, and Arsenal knocked the Serie A side out anyway. Clearly his absence didn’t help them much. Perhaps his presence would’ve fired them up to fight a bit harder, who knows?

It’s not as if the clubs involved can’t take it on themselves to prevent a transfer. If Dortmund really didn’t want Aubameyang playing in the Europa League for Arsenal, they could’ve just not sold him to Arsenal.

They could’ve commanded an even higher price, as signing the player would be more appealing.

The market already helps solve the problem, without the need for an extra rule.

Hopefully UEFA reconsider the regulations after more cases like this, if only to relax them slightly. For now, Aubameyang will have to watch from the stands.