Bristol Rovers will no longer automatically face a three-window fee restriction if they accumulate more than 30 days of late payments on transfer, loan, and compensation fees. The EFL has 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. If clubs are to fall foul of the rules, they can still be punished by being banned from paying fees for a single transfer window. They will still, though, hold the right to appeal, while the EFL are permitted to charge clubs in serious cases of persistent defaulting. 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. Under the revised regulation, clubs may still be subject to a fee restriction, but only for one window. Clubs will also maintain the right to appeal, while the League also maintains the right to charge clubs in serious cases of persistent defaulting." 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. "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 Art