League immunity from transfer window to be withdrawn - reports

Reports are emerging today that FIFA is planning to withdraw the Football League's current immunity from the transfer window system.

The current ruling means that Premiership clubs may only buy and sell players from the end of the season until the end of August, and then again during the month of January. But Football League clubs are not subject to transfer window clubs and may buy or sell players at any time until the annual transfer deadline in March.

But reports today suggest that FIFA announce in December that League clubs will be subject to Transfer Windows - unless last minute negotiations are successful.

Sir Brian Mawhinney, Chairman of the Football League, said "We have been trying to persuade them to let us deal with Premiership clubs all year round - but unfortunately the Premier League have now withdrawn their support.

"To make matters worse we won't even be allowed to trade between ourselves after this season. FIFA are expected to announce that in a mid-December meeting.

"If we lose this battle it will not be for the want of trying - but will no doubt have a serious effect on a number of League clubs."