Premier League Clubs Reject Proposal to Fast-Track Loan Move Ban in January Transfer Window
Premier League clubs have voted against a proposal to expedite a ban on loan moves for players transferring to England’s top flight between associated clubs during the January transfer window. The decision was made at a shareholders’ meeting held at The Churchill Hotel in Portman Square, London on Tuesday.
The proposed ban, which was recommended to protect the integrity of the competition, required at least a two-thirds majority (14 clubs) to be adopted. While 13 clubs were in favor of the proposal, it did not receive enough support to meet the required threshold. As a result, the current rules regarding loan moves will remain unchanged for the upcoming winter window.
Currently, there are no restrictions on Premier League players being sold in one transfer window and subsequently joining a team under the same ownership on loan or permanently when the market reopens, as long as it is deemed fair market value.
The proposal was not specifically aimed at hindering Newcastle United’s potential loan move for Ruben Neves from Al Hilal, both of which are predominantly owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). Instead, it is part of a broader discussion surrounding related-party transactions, including matters like front-of-shirt sponsorship.
The Premier League defines a related party as one that has “material influence over the club or is an entity in the same group of companies as the club.” Their assessment focuses on the substance of the relationship rather than just the legal form.
Newcastle United and Al Hilal, along with Manchester City, Chelsea, and other Premier League sides operating under multi-club models, fall under this category.
Despite the outcome of the vote, it has been reported that Ruben Neves is not expected to leave Al Hilal in the upcoming transfer window.
Premier League clubs will now resume action this weekend after the final international break of the year.
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