Football League clubs vote to close overseas loan signings loophole

Seventy two Football League clubs have met in Vilamoura, Portugal and voted, unanimously, to tweak the rules concerning the overseas players loan loophole, in an effort to bring about an equality in the treatment of overseas and domestic loan players.

According to the rule, a restriction will be imposed on clubs so that an 18 man team can have up to five loan players, amongst which maximum of four can be from any one club over the whole season.

“The proposal was voted for unanimously,” said a Football League spokesperson.

With regard to the loan player changes, Watford’s system was at the receiving end of a number of complaints. Watford had an incredible 14 players from abroad on loan last season, The league has appointed a party to look into the issue and come up with a solution to close the loophole as soon as possible. Watford’s loan players included Matej Vydra – the Championship player of the season.

Clubs also voted to put a limit of sell-on fees for players at 50 percent.

Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway, who believes that the overseas loophole is silly, was justified after his side won a place in the Premier League, after thrashing Watford in the Championship play-off final.

Source: The Telegraph