EFL summer conference updates

[Joe Jones]

The EFL has held its annual general meeting (AGM) today, 8 June.

Here is comprehensive update of the issues, off the Sunderland website (kudos to them for putting it all up):

The highlights of the 2018 AGM included:

MATCH PROGRAMMES

A number of Clubs had previously asked the EFL if the mandatory publication of a match programme could be addressed as a result of an overall decline in sales and the proliferation of digital and social media, which has the ability to deliver the same content in a more cost effective manner. Mandatory publication of a programme was required due to a number of the EFL’s partnership, sponsorship and opt-in agreements.

EFL Clubs approved an amendment which allows Clubs to opt out of providing advertising in match programmes on the basis it is replaced with other inventory. This amendment will mean that the requirement to deliver programme advertising in the EFL Regulations will only apply if a match programme is produced. The amended regulation provides each Club with the option to determine whether or not they publish a match programme.

GROUND CRITERIA – SHARED GROUNDS

It was agreed that, from 5 May 2019 onwards, the EFL will ordinarily limit the number of sports in a ground share application to football, plus one other.

Clubs who ground share with another sport must have a hybrid or similar pitch installed. For existing ground shares, this requirement will come into effect from 1 July 2019.

SAFEGUARDING OPERATING STANDARDS

A new regulation will provide the EFL Board with the ability to implement appropriate operational standards relating to safeguarding of young persons and vulnerable adults (Safeguarding Operational Standards) if and when appropriate.

OWNERS’ CONDUCT REVIEW

As a result of the Owners’ Conduct Review, a number of key recommendations were developed to specifically address some of the reputational issues facing the EFL and its Clubs. This followed the comprehensive consultation with Clubs that was initiated in September 2017.

Three formal proposals were put forward to the AGM and subsequently voted into EFL Regulations.

INTRODUCTION OF A CLUB CHARTER

The introduction of a new Club Charter which will act as a statement of the EFL’s commitment to run EFL Clubs to the highest possible standards in a professional manner and with the utmost integrity.

In addition, the Charter commits all Clubs to behave with the utmost good faith and honesty to each other, while complying with the laws of the game and ensuring that all Club officials comply with the decisions of the EFL and its various decision making bodies at all times.

OVERDUE PAYABLES

The extension of the existing rule, which sanctions Clubs for non-payment of transfer fees or loan fees, to also cover any amounts due between Clubs, including loan wages and ticket monies, and payments to staff which would otherwise rank as a ‘football creditor’ under the Articles of Association.

OWNERS’ AND DIRECTORS’ TEST

An amendment to the Owners’ and Directors’ Test was agreed which prohibits a registered Intermediary from engaging in activities that fall within the definition of a ‘Director’ under the EFL Regulations. This amendment brings the EFL into clearer alignment with the Rules of the FA.

In addition to the changes to EFL Regulations, there were two other specific areas addressed that have been highlighted as part of the review. These were:

EFL POLICY ON TAKING ACTION AGAINST INDIVIDUALS

The EFL Chairman proposed the adoption of a new policy in circumstances where it is considered appropriate to take direct action against individuals who fail to meet the standards that are expected of them under the Regulations.

The policy outlines that it should be reserved for the following circumstances:

- A very serious single act or persistent serious acts
- Relating to the operation of an EFL football Club
- Where the individual’s conduct is clearly damaging to the standing and reputation of the wider profession and the game of football

The Board will look to formally adopt the policy at its next meeting on 26 July.

FINANCIAL CONTROLS IN LEAGUE ONE AND LEAGUE TWO

Discussions with League One and League Two Clubs will continue around the principles of budgeting and funding commitments and whether any changes should be made to the SCMP Rules or existing Regulations.

This debate will continue at September’s Divisional meetings.

In addition, there have been changes to the EFL Cup (off BBC site):

The Carabao Cup is to scrap extra time for the 2018-19 season, while all games at Premier League grounds will use VAR.

EFL Cup matches will now go straight to penalty kicks if the scores are level after 90 minutes to reduce "additional fatigue issues" following a vote by English Football League clubs.

Extra time will now only be played in the final at Wembley, while the ABBA penalty format is also to be scrapped.

Seeding will be removed for the first two rounds of the competition, but round one will remain regionalised into North and South sections.

And also the EFL Trophy:

EFL clubs will now be able to include players who are on loan at National League clubs.

Category One teams who take part will only be allowed to name two players who are over the age of 21 and have played more than 40 first-team games.

[Chris Website URL Visit Site 𝕏 fmcj10 Instagram fmcj10]

They made a big thing about programmes going digital, then nothing was heard of it. I know some fans complained that they couldn't read the digital versions, along with other things - yet if programmes are going to become a thing of the past, why not create better content or get with the time?

Much of the discussions seems to be things which they re-talk and act like it's new further down the line.

[liampie]

only sunderland shared the above information, why would nobody else?

im not really bothered about safe standing but for those who are, there should be a scheme via the fl that grants help to convert areas of a stand. var may improve but it should not just be made available to the premiership.

[Magic magpie]

A very good read @Joe Jones very informative mate top job 

[CliftonMagpie]

I think by the amount of responses people really don't care, but I do think its useful to share.