EFL Summer Conference 2017

At its 2017 Summer Conference, the EFL has given its Clubs an update on a variety of important issues as well as requesting an indicative position on a number of preliminary proposals.

The following areas were discussed:

OWNERS’ AND DIRECTORS’ TEST

Having committed to consider the relationship between Club owners and supporters in light of a number of issues raised throughout the 2016/17 season, the EFL has agreed to consult with Clubs during the 2017/18 campaign to have a detailed look at the current provisions in the regulations and whether they remain appropriate both prior to a purchase and once an owner is in control. 

Member Clubs will be allowed the opportunity to consider if any additional measures should be put in place.   

In addition, Clubs voted through a number of amendments to the current Owners’ and Directors’ Test regulations at the AGM that: 

• Ensure that any applicant under the Test becomes bound by the Regulations upon completion of a declaration;
• Clarify that provision of false information in a declaration can of itself constitute a Disqualifying Condition under the Test;
• Extend the Disqualifying Condition concerning the commission of a criminal offence within this country to anyone who has engaged in similar conduct overseas, whether or not it has resulted in a conviction.

PITCH INCURSIONS

In view of the increased number of pitch incursions during the past season, the EFL has committed to working with Clubs and their safety teams to determine what practical measures can be put in place in 2017/18 to keep supporters off the playing area. The legitimate right of protest was acknowledged, but not on the field of play, which should be the domain of the players.  

FULL STRENGTH TEAMS

The circumstances faced by the EFL at the end of the season in relation to the requirement for members to play full strength sides in League matches were considered. The EFL is working up a policy to determine what constitutes a full strength team to remove any further potential reputational damage to the EFL and its competitions.  

A significant number of Clubs supported preliminary proposals that would require managers to include a yet to be defined number of outfield players who featured on the team sheet in the previous game.  

This requirement would take effect from the fourth Thursday in March to the conclusion of the season and discussions also included a provision that any Club could make a claim for exceptional circumstances and any charge of non-compliance would be referred to a Football Disciplinary Commission (FDC).

The EFL was tasked with formulating a formal proposal for Clubs to consider in September.  

STADIUM CRITERIA

The EFL committed to a review of its approach to minimum stadium criteria during 2017/18 to ensure the provisions in place are current and still appropriate. The areas under consideration will include ground share (in relation to the protection of playing surfaces) arrangements, artificial pitches, safe standing, accessibility and broadcast facilities. The views of Clubs will be sought throughout the process.  

LAWS OF THE GAME

The member Clubs were also asked for a view on whether or not there is an appetite to use up to five substitutes in a match. Following the recent International Football Association Board (IFAB) AGM, it was agreed that non top-tier tier competitions could have the flexibility to make modifications to organisational areas of the laws of the game for which they administer. In the EFL’s case, this includes potentially increasing the number of substitutes used.  
Clubs were asked to consider the matter further and a proposal will be taken forward to the next Club meeting in September.  

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Finally, at the AGM a number of amendments to the EFL’s Articles and Regulations were formally adopted in areas such as ticket pricing, kick-off times, loan transfers and player registrations. These changes will be implemented ahead of the 2017/18 season.  

Clubs also ratified the re-appointment of Independent Director, Debbie Jevans for a further two seasons.

EFL NEWS: ADDITIONAL £3.5 MILLION FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT  

The EFL has announced a commitment to invest an additional £3.5million into youth development over the next two seasons.   

Funds made available through the 1% Youth Development Levy will see EFL Clubs collectively receive an additional £1.75million in 2017/18 and the same again in 2018/19 following approval at the 2017 Summer Conference.  

The investment will provide support across a number of key areas including medical screening, Club scholarship schemes and enhanced training programmes as well as a further incentive to give English and Welsh youngster opportunities in first teams.  

The new commitment will provide:

• £720,000 (£10,000 per Club) towards additional costs associated with operating scholarship schemes;
• A further £250,000 to EFL Futures taking the available fund to £1 million per season;
• An additional £150,000 to increase heart screening of 14 year-olds registered at EFL Academies;
• £100,000 to put scholars on a fast-track refereeing course to help keep talent in the game;
• £200,000 to allow League Football Education (LFE) to deliver an enhanced life skills programme to scholars with a focus on gaming, financial management, well-being and media training;
• A further £288,000 towards the costs of staff training at Clubs or taking players away for international experience.

EFL Chief Executive, Shaun Harvey, welcomed the announcement.

He said: “I am delighted we have been able to use the increased support funding for all EFL Clubs.

“I have spoken frequently about the importance of supporting Clubs with their development of young players and this enhanced commitment is further evidence of the emphasis the EFL continues to place on supporting such an important area for the game.  

“We have to reward Clubs who take the risk in giving young home grown players the chance to play competitive first team football and the additional funds announced today will help scholars fulfil their footballing potential, while also ensuring they are both mentally and physically healthy and better prepared for life in or out of the game.”