English Football League clubs have voted to reduce the length of transfer bans imposed on sides that fail to meet financial obligations.
Previously, clubs that defaulted on payments for more than 30 days could be hit with a three-window restriction on incoming transfers and loans involving fees. Sheffield Wednesday were among those sanctioned after repeated late wage payments in 2025.
Under the revised rules, the maximum sanction will now be limited to one transfer window, with the EFL saying future cases will be assessed individually under a more structured “business plan” approach.
The league said the changes aim to improve clarity around financial reporting while still allowing penalties for serious or repeated breaches. Clubs will retain the right to appeal, while the EFL can still pursue stronger action in cases of persistent non-compliance.
The decision was approved at the EFL’s Annual General Meeting, where Rick Parry was also re-elected as chairman for another three years.
