--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-06-09T18:30:46.973Z last_updated: 2026-06-05T15:13:03+00:00 data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/bristol-city/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYnJpc3RvbHBvc3QuY28udWsvc3BvcnQvZm9vdGJhbGwvZm9vdGJhbGwtbmV3cy9icmlzdG9sLWNpdHktYnJpc3RvbC1yb3ZlcnMtZWZsLTExMDAwODUz --- # Bristol City, Rovers and EFL clubs see transfer penalty overhauled - **Source:** - **Published:** 5 Jun - **Club:** Bristol City - **Original URL:** https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bristol-city-bristol-rovers-efl-11000853 The EFL have confirmed that the automatic three-window fee restriction has been removed and will be replaced by a "more structured business plan approach," after clubs voted to approve changes to regulations. According to the EFL, the new approach will be based on "individual circumstances," likely bringing more nuance to the way in which clubs in financial trouble are handled, with the aim of making it clearer exactly what information the clubs need to report to the league and when. The change to the rules will come into play for City, Rovers and the other 71 clubs across the Championship, League One and League Two from next season. In a statement shared on Thursday, the EFL said, "During the meeting, clubs also voted to approve several changes to the EFL Regulations, including amending the current approach to fee restrictions following consultation with clubs earlier in the year. "Clubs approved the removal of the automatic three-window fee restriction for exceeding 30 days of late payments, including those due to other clubs in respect of transfer fees, compensation fees and loan fees. Moving forward, this will be replaced by a more structured business plan approach, based on individual circumstances, which aims to make it clearer what information clubs need to report to the League and when. All the latest news, views, interviews, gossip and analysis concerning the Robins, delivered straight to your inbox. It's completely free and you can sign up HERE In the 2025/26 campaign, Sheffield Wednesday were deducted six points for failing to meet payment obligations. Play-off winners Hull City were also placed under a transfer fee embargo for late payments in regard to loan players, but the Tigers' three-window fee ban was reduced to two after appeal. The changes to the system that will be implemented from the start of next term were just one aspect of Thursday's AGM, which was held virtually. On top of the alterations to the regulation, it was confirmed that former Liverpool CEO Rick Parry had been re-elected as chair of the board of directors for another three-year term. Join Bristol City Live's Whatsapp community for all the biggest Bristol City stories sent straight to your phone Bristol City Live is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community. Through the app, we’ll send the Bristol City news, live match coverage, team news, transfers, fixtures, analysis and more straight to your phone. To join our community you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select ‘Join Community’. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Bristol Live team. We also treat community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out at any time you like. To leave our community, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘Exit group’. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Click here to join our WhatsApp community. "Since his appointment in 2019, Rick has brought a wealth of knowledge to the EFL and has been responsible for overseeing the continued growth and development of the League both on and off the pitch," the EFL continued in their statement. "In recent years he has been instrumental in advocating for the introduction of the Independent Football Regulator, as a key pillar of the League’s wider work to protect the pyramid, and ensuring the voices of clubs are represented in discussions with policymakers. "Caroline Artis has also been re-elected for a second three-year term as an Independent Non-Executive Director on the EFL Board, having joined in 2023, bringing over two decades of experience as a partner with world-leading professional services provider EY." For both Rovers and City, the summer transfer window will officially open on Monday, June 15. The Gas have already got their incoming business up and running, with the signing of Richie Smallwood, while the Robins have confirmed the departure of Sinclair Armstrong.