His vision appears to be a step closer following the “overwhelming” backing at today’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 “high-quality” English players, but admitted their concerns that the rule would seem to contravene European law.

Blatter said today: “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-plus-five’ 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.

“This is at the core of our coach and player development strategy over the coming years.”

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.

“They have also stated that any form of gentleman’s agreement to achieve this objective would be instantly challengeable.

“We want to see the greatest possible number of England-qualified 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.

Stressing FIFA would proceed “within the limits of the law”, Blatter said this week: “It’s to make sure that there is better balance in the competitions and not only three or four teams in a league of 18 or 20 are fighting to be the champion and all the others are just there to not be relegated.”

Despite FIFA backing the plan, the European Commission has already indicated it would be illegal.

“The European Commission is showing a red card to the ’six-plus-five’ rule,” said European Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs Vladimir Spidla.

“This would be direct discrimination on the basis of nationality, which is unacceptable. It’s a non-starter.

“Professional football players are workers, therefore the principle of non-discrimination and the right to free movement apply to them. If EU Member States allowed the application of the six-plus-five rule they would be in breach of EU law and players who are discriminated against could take the Member States to court. And they would win.”

FIFA’s controversial proposal is different from a “home-grown players” rule proposed by UEFA, European football’s governing body.

UEFA defines “home-grown players” as team members who, regardless of age or nationality, have been trained by their club or by another club in the National Association for at least three years between the ages of 15 and 21.

The Commission has approved the UEFA arrangement because, says Brussels, it contains no player conditions based on nationality.

Spidla said: “Compared with the intentions announced by FIFA to impose the so-called ’6-plus-5 rule’, which is directly discriminatory and therefore incompatible with the EU law, the ”home-grown players“ rule proposed by UEFA seems to me to be proportionate and to comply with the principle of free movement of workers.”

UEFA themselves have tentatively endorsed the FIFA proposal but while supportive of its objectives, are wary of the problems faced when it comes to enforcement.