Championship decision affects Birmingham City, West Brom, Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough

Championship and Premier League clubs have been told they can now sign up to four non-visa-qualifying foreign players throughout the summer and winter transfer windows.

The arrival of overseas players has been notoriously difficult for years - especially since Brexit - but the Football Association has come to an agreement with the Home Office.

Teams in England’s top two tiers will be able to ignore the points-based visa system for up to four signings per club, stamping out a previous rule that didn’t allow such incomings.

West Midlands sides Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion will now have far more freedom as they attempt to strengthen their squads ahead of the 2023/24 season.

The same can also be said for the recently promoted Sheffield Wednesday, Ipswich Town and Plymouth Argyle, as well as Middlesbrough and the rest of those pushing for promotion.

John Eustace’s Blues in particular will be thankful for the rule change as they are set for quite the rebuild after a club takeover from Tom Wagner and Shelby Companies Limited.

What did the FA statement say?

“The additional access will allow clubs playing in the English league the ability to sign a number of players who do not meet the current points requirements.

“A maximum of four players will be available to Premier League and Championship teams, and two for League One and League Two teams.

“The number of players a club will be able to sign will be proportional to the number of English players they play.

“While each club will get at least two places for players in the first season, they will receive between zero and four depending on the number of English players playing in future seasons.

“The Premier League and EFL have also committed to work with The FA on improving the pathway for talented English youngsters. This solution supports both England player development and clubs’ access to overseas talent.

“The outcomes of both the changes to the GBE system and improvements to the development pathway will be kept under review, which could mean increasing the number of places allowed per club should both be working successfully.”