Sunderland will have to interview at least one black, Asian or ethnic minority candidate in the search to replace Jack Ross.
That's because of a new ruling from the EFL which means all Football League clubs must follow the 'Rooney Rule'.
The move comes following an 18-month trial period, which saw clubs interview at least one BAME candidate on a voluntary basis when undertaking a recruitment process for any managerial position in first-team football.
The rule is named after Dan Rooney, the former owner of the American Football side the Pittsburgh Steelers.
But following the League's AGM in Portugal, the ruling has now been formalised with the introduction of the new regulation ensuring more opportunities to BAME candidates when applying for roles at clubs.
An EFL statement read: "The EFL has today made a further commitment to improving equality in first-team football by introducing a recruitment code into regulation in order to help address the under-representation of BAME managers."
Jack Ross was sacked as Sunderland manager on Tuesday, with the club looking to speak to several managers in their search for a replacement.
They club have already made contact with former Barnsley boss Daniel Stendel, while they have reportedly received permission to speak to Wycombe Wanderers boss Gareth Ainsworth.
