Key changes to transfer rules could affect Sunderland next season

FIFA has announced two key changes to its transfer regulations in light of the COVID-19 crisis – which would have an impact on Sunderland’s current situation.

The game’s governing body has announced that leagues will be able to open their transfer windows before the conclusion of the current campaign.

It will be up to the EFL as to whether they enforce this rule, which could allow trading within the three leagues even as the Championship conclude their campaign through July.

Many lower-league clubs have called throughout the crisis for a relaxation of the transfer rules, which could allow revenue to be raised at a pivotal time as the pandemic

A spokesperson for FIFA said: “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 201920 season, subject to conditions.”

However, the Premier League are unlikely to enforce the changes on its teams.

The league chief executive Richard Masters has already said England's top flight will not allow clubs to sign players before July 25, after the delayed campaign is brought to an end.

FIFA has also announced a further change that is likely to have a significant impact on Football League clubs during the 2020-21 season – whenever that takes place.

Players will now be able to play for three teams in a single campaign, having previously only been able to represent two.

This is likely to have an impact on the loan market, particularly in the winter window.

The FA is likely to change England’s summer window dates this year, which traditionallyopeninmid-Juneand close in September.

While clubs can approach players coming towards the end of their current contracts from June 23, it is not yet known when their new clubs will be able to register them.

Sunderland have nine senior players coming towards the end of their deals, plus youngster Benji Kimpioka.

They will also have to make a decision on January signings Bailey Wright and Josh Scowen, who will be free agents from the beginning of July.

And the club will also have to replace Antoine Semenyo and Declan John, whose loan deals have ended.