Football leagues will be allowed to open transfer windows before the current campaign is concluded, under new regulations issued by FIFA today.
The world governing body announced the measures in response to the delays to leagues across the globe caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has already said England's top-flight will not allow clubs to sign players before July 25, after the delayed campaign is brought to an end.
Most European leagues have similar plans in place, but FIFA's new regulations would allow for windows to open earlier, stating that "associations following a dual-year calendar are permitted to commence the 'first registration period' for the 2020-21 season prior to the completion of the 2019-20 season, subject to conditions".
FIFA also announced that players would be allowed to play for up to three clubs - rather than the usual two - during the same season.
The Premier League is due to resume on June 17, with Nottingham Forest and their Championship rivals getting back underway on June 20.
With England's top two domestic leagues not set to finish their seasons until late July/early August, the start and end dates of the summer transfer window are uncertain.
A statement from FIFA said: "The new temporary regulatory amendments approved by the Bureau of the Council are as follows:
"In order to avoid any concerns regarding unemployed players, players are permitted to be registered with a maximum of three clubs and are eligible to play in official matches for three clubs during the same season.
"In order to give priority to clubs to complete their (2019/20) season with their original squad, provide flexibility, and allow MAs to properly plan their football calendar, those associations following a dual-year calendar are permitted to commence the 'first registration period' for the 2020/21 season prior to the completion of the 2019/20 season, subject to certain conditions."
It's understood that reopening the Premier League's registration process was discussed at Thursday's meeting but the proposal was rejected.
