EFL clubs to make takeover decision that will have implications for Sunderland

The Telegraph report the aim of the rule change is to prevent a repeat of the demise of Bury with a vote of the 72 members set to take place today.

The change would have implications for those clubs up for sale, with Sunderland still on the market.

The Black Cats remain on the market 10 months after Stewart Donald – who values the club at £37.6m - announced his intention to sell, and The Echo understands that discussions are ongoing with interested parties – as they have been for much of the summer.

There has been a shift in power in Sunderland takeover talks – with the buying side now holding more of the cards according to football finance expert Kieran Maguire of the University of Liverpool, who believes that potential buyers could now hold the upper hand in negotiations.

And while many feared that COVID-19 could deter potential buyers, Maguire believes that the current climate could actually see more investors enter the market – as they look to buy clubs at a knock-down price.

Regarding the proposed rule changes, the Telegraph report: “Those involved in the expulsion of a club from the professional and semi-professional men’s and women’s games will also be disqualified from running an EFL team, Telegraph Sport can reveal.

“It can also be revealed that Premier League clubs adopted the same rule changes last month in order that both they and their EFL counterparts were aligned.

“Previously, someone was able to buy an EFL club before being subject to the Owners’ and Directors’ Test, something that saw Bury stuck with Steve Dale at the helm despite him failing to provide the proof of funding that ultimately led to the club’s expulsion.”

Phil Parkinson’s Sunderland side are aiming to win promotion back to the Championship at the third attempt and are unbeaten heading into the away trip to Swindon Town on Saturday afternoon.

Parkinson is aiming to bolster his squad ahead of Friday’s 5pm transfer deadline.