The limiting of squads to 25 players over 21 years-of-age of which 10 should be homegrown is the most significant development to come out of this week’s Football League AGM held in Malta. Town were represented by chief executive Simon Clegg.
The new rules for next season restrict first team squads to 25 players over 21, 10 of whom must be homegrown, by which the League means players registered in domestic football for three seasons prior to their 21st birthday. Players under 21 face no restriction.
New financial reporting rules have also been implemented, which will see clubs who fail to lodge their accounts with the League at the same time as they are legally required by Companies House given a transfer embargo. The rules regarding administration have also been amended so that they are effective in situations where clubs are part of a group company.
Proposals by Leyton Orient which would have seen the punishment for clubs going into administration increased from the current 10 points to mandatory relegation by two divisions were voted down. However, the Football League board will review the penalties regarding administration with a view to potentially strengthening them.
The Football League's Fit and Proper Persons Test is to be rename the Directors’ Test, as it is known elsewhere in football.