The EFL has written to all 72 member clubs informing them that for the first time, the league will be introducing a ‘deal sheet’ to enable last-minute transfers to cross the line on transfer deadline day.
The system, already widely used for Premier League transfers, gives clubs an extra two hours in a hurry to complete a loan or substantive transfer. Now, Sky Sports News can reveal that the EFL has introduced a similar system, which is set to be introduced on deadline day this month on Monday 2nd February.
We hear that there has been a consensus among most EFL clubs for some time in favor of its introduction, with the idea that late transfers between the EFL and the Premier League would be more efficient anyway.
The deal sheet will not be available until the last two hours of the transfer window. So in this case, the January deadline is 7pm, so clubs would only be allowed to use the deal sheet after 5pm. This means that if the Premier League or EFL receives and accepts a contract from a club within that time, that club must complete and submit all documentation by 9pm.
As in the Premier League, full agreement is required between both the selling and buying clubs, and by the player or his representative, before a deal sheet is submitted.
What is a deal sheet?
The EFL Deal Sheet is a document introduced to assist clubs on transfer deadline day. This gives clubs an additional two hours to submit the necessary documentation for a transfer or loan, provided the key details are agreed between the buying club, selling club and player before the end of the transfer window.
When can I use the EFL Deal Sheet?
This scheme can only be used by the purchasing club for transfers and loans within or within the EFL. Does not apply to transfers or loans to clubs outside the EFL. If a player moves to a Premier League club, that club must use a Premier League Deal Sheet.
What is the timescale for the deal sheet to be available?
Deal sheets must be submitted via the Football Management System between 17:00:00 and 18:59:59 on Transfer Deadline Day (or any other deadline set by the EFL in advance of future transfer windows).
What happens after the deal sheet is submitted?
Clubs must complete and submit all required transfer documents to the FIFA Transfer Matching System, the FA and the EFL (as appropriate) by 20:59:59 on the day the transfer window ends.
Does a deal sheet represent a legally binding contract?
no. A transaction sheet is not legally binding between the parties. Clubs must complete all remaining required forms and applications in order to legally sign and register players.
Who signs the deal sheet?
Both buying and selling clubs. Players and/or their representatives. Players under the age of 18 or their parents/guardians must not be involved in signing the form.
The deal sheet must confirm that transfer or loan negotiations are completed before the end of the transfer window, compensation details and payment schedule, and signatures from both clubs and players.
