EFL clubs have voted through proposals that will see the EFL transfer window close earlier than previously.
The new date will see the permanent transfer window shut following the first league game of the season. Clubs now have until 5pm on Thursday 9th August 2018 to conclude permanent transfers from another club.
The move is aligned with the decision that the Premier League opted to take in September 2017.
Following the decision, EFL Chief Executive Shaun Harvey said “after discussing the options throughout the course of the last few months, I’m pleased that the matter has been determined by clubs ahead of the start of next season.
“This new approach will give clubs and managers the stability they crave earlier in the season whilst also providing the flexibility to add to their squads after the traditional deadline until the end of the month if required.”
In addition, EFL clubs will still be able to:
· Sign players on Standard Loan up to the 31st August 2018
· Sign players on Standard Loan up to 31st August 2018 with an option to agree a permanent transfer when the next window opens
· Register players who ceased to be registered with a club during the period up until 31st August 2018
· Transfer players OUT to a club in any League whose window is still open
The EFL confirmed: ‘Following the widespread attention the matter of team selection received in the closing weeks of the 2016/17 season, it was agreed the EFL would work up a policy to determine what constitutes a ‘full strength’ team to remove any ambiguity and further potential reputational damage to the EFL and its competitions.
‘Clubs supported the implementation of guidance on the following basis: ‘for any League match played on or after the fourth Thursday in March (including Season 2017/18), any team sheet for a League game should include at least 10 outfield players who featured on the team sheet for the League match before.’
In the event any club breaches the threshold, they may be charged with a breach of Regulation 24 and the matter will be referred to a Disciplinary Commission.’
There was also confirmation that Goal Line Technology, which was introduced into the Sky Bet Championship in 2017/18, will be in operation at this year’s Sky Bet League One and Sky Bet League Two Semi-Final Play-Offs.