A big vote in the English top flight will determine whether or not loans between clubs that are owned by the same entity will be allowed in the January transfer window. A two-thirds majority is required whenever the Premier League votes on an issue, meaning 14 clubs have to approve the measure. This news was reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic.
English Clubs Will Vote on Whether Or Not Clubs Can Loan Players Among Associated Parties
Watch: The Premier League big six are in trouble
What Are They Voting on?
Ornstein covered the decision in full via an article for The Athletic. Specifically, the vote will be on players coming into the Premier League on loan in January. Several of the bigger clubs in England have an owner who oversees teams in foreign leagues. The move that is most likely to be affected is Ruben Neves’ potential loan from Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia to Newcastle United.
Read More: ‘Huge Blow’: Newcastle United Set To Lose ‘Brilliant’ Star For Multiple Months
The date for the vote is set. November 21 will be when the decision takes place. Those in favour feel positive that the motion will pass “amid growing concerns among a number of its 20 members.” Shirt sponsorship is another concern that will be addressed by the vote and could change the appearance of several kits.
An initial vote would not ensure a permanent ban on this type of loan. Discussions are taking place about a much stricter set of rules. “Some teams want the rules to extend to permanent transfers and cover two windows after the initial transaction takes place.” Ornstein stated. Manchester City and Chelsea, like Newcastle, are Premier League clubs that are part of larger footballing club conglomerates.
Other Reports Confirm Vote
Debate over what qualifies two teams as being related to each other is sure to spark a strong defence from the outlets slated to vote against the measure. English officials define an associated party as one that has “material influence over the club or (being) an entity in the same group of companies as the club.” Daily Mail columnist Craig Hope and Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano also covered the news.
