Clubs vote for change

LONDON. — English Premier League soccer clubs have voted to close next summer’s transfer window before the season starts.

Managers have complained that the ability for players to move when the season is under way causes disruption to their squads and preparations.

From next season, the window will close at 5pm on the Thursday before the English Premier League season begins.

The vote was not unanimous and clubs will still be able to sell players until the end of the normal window.

The window across Europe runs until August 31. The Premier League’s move means that while clubs will be able to sell until that date, buying activity will cease on August 9 for the 2018-19 season.

European leagues will still be able to buy and sell until August 31, while the Football League’s window also remains unaltered.

Football League bosses have indicated they could follow the Premier League’s move but require further dialogue with stakeholders before a decision is made.

The number of Premier League clubs who wanted the change is not yet clear but at least 14 of the 20 must have voted for the move in order for a change to take place.

Premier League clubs will still be able to sell players to other leagues whose transfer windows remain open later into August and September.

The transfer window for the English Football League also remains unaffected, with clubs able to sell to lower division sides unless the EFL decides to bring its window in line with the top flight. — BBC Sport.