Transfer warning to clubs

Wrexham vice-chairman David Rhodes says FIFA's new transfer regulations could lead to a number of Nationwide League clubs going out of existence.

The new regulations means players can only be signed in two transfer windows - between the end of the campaign and 31 August, and during the month of January.

"I don't think people realise how serious the situation is for some clubs," said Rhodes.

"This is the third body blow clubs have had with the Bosman Ruling, and ITV Digital fiasco, and I think it could finish a few of the clubs off."

Staying alive

The Football League and Football Association are due to meet at the weekend to discuss the implementation of FIFA's plans, with the League against the proposals.

Another change in the regulations means 5% of a player's transfer fee must be distributed between the clubs he played for during the ages of 12 and 23.

But Rhodes thinks even that will not be enough encouragement for clubs to plough thousands of pounds into their youth systems.

"It is going to make a difference because they will not be able to move players on - apart from the odd month," he said.

"A lot of clubs have kept themselves alive by selling products of their youth policies.

"I think it could make the difference between some clubs surviving or not."