FIFA gives green light for transfer windows to open before season finishes

FIFA appears to have given the green light for leagues to open their transfer windows before the current season concludes.

In a statement released on Thursday, world football’s governing body revealed that the Bureau of the Fifa Council had now approved further temporary amendments to their transfer regulations following further
discussions on several key issues to have arisen as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Regarding transfer windows, Fifa said: “In order to give priority to clubs to complete their (2019/20) season with their original squad, provide flexibility, and allow MAs (member associations) to properly plan their football calendar, those associations following a dual-year calendar are permitted to commence the “first registration period” for the 2020/21 season prior to the completion of the 2019/20 season, subject to certain conditions.”

Speaking last month, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters seemed adamant that the window in England would not be opened before the delayed 2019-20 campaign had finished.

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“The transfer window will open after the end of the season, it’s just a question of how long it goes on for,” he said.
Another significant amendment from Fifa relates to the number of clubs one player is permitted to register for and represent in official matches.

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That number has traditionally stood at two, though it will now be increased to three in order to “avoid any concerns regarding unemployed players”.