Fifa have announced a new set of regulations regarding international loan deals, which could affect a number of Premier League clubs.

Starting next season 2022-23, clubs will be restricted to eight international loan signings, and eight players sent on loan abroad. Fifa then intends to drop the number down to seven for the 2023-24 season and then six for the 2024-25 campaign.

The move, which still requires ratification from the Fifa Council, is designed to prevent clubs from hoarding players, something that Chelsea have made a major component of their business in recent years.

But Chelsea currently have 21 players out on loan, eight of which are at foreign clubs, so the new ruling will hardly impact them. What is needed is some similar ruling from the FA or Premier League covering domestic loans.

Additional changes include the requirement for a written agreement defining the terms of the loan, the introduction of minimum and maximum loan terms, a limit on the number of loans per season between the same clubs, and a prohibition on ‘sub-loaning’ to a third club.