The play-offs are described by some as perhaps the cruelest determination of fate in the footballing universe, with many worthy sides missing out on promotion over the years.
Regardless of your position in the table, as long as you have reached the coveted play-off positions, then you’re in with a real shot at climbing up the ladder.
Taking this fact into account, teams in this precarious position will take any advantage they can in order to gain the upper hand.
During past years, players’ loans would end on a specific date right at the end of the season - making them available for their parent club from then onwards - and inevitably, ready to battle in the play-offs.
However, due to recent amendments, in 2018, the EFL introduced new rules - stating that all loans extend right until the new transfer window opens.
Meaning, loanee players on a season-long deal cannot turn out for their parent clubs in the play-offs - because they are still registered as on loan.
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Regulation 53.1.4 states: “A player whose standard loan expires (or terminates) at the end of the season of the transferee club but prior to the completion of the league matches of his parent club (where it is a member club) will not be eligible to play in any remaining league matches in that season.”
This means that if Leeds United do find themselves in the play-offs, the likes of Jack Harrison and Izzy Brown would be eligible to play.
