Coronavirus pandemic could see summer transfer window remain open until January

The summer transfer window could stay open until JANUARY.

Football authorities are discussing proposals because the coronavirus could see all fixtures delayed for months.

That will cause havoc for the transfer market with the window due to be open in July and August this summer for the Premier League and EFL clubs.

But Mirror Sport understands that EFL clubs have already discussed extending the window until next year with the Premier League also looking at alternatives.

Big money deals are likely to be put on hold, players who are out of contract on June 30 face uncertain futures and no-one is sure when football will start again, let alone the transfer market.

But it can only realistically open later in the year ahead of the start of next season and that means they will have to change the deadline date of August 31 with no certainty this year’s fixtures will be completed.

It could mean that football ends up with one giant long transfer window and a free-for-all on transfers.

Premier League clubs are bound by FIFA rules on transfers and the world governing body has now set up a Working Group to look at the transfer window.

They will also look at player contracts with deals potentially running out before the season ends and are in regular touch with the Premier League, EFL and Football Association.

Agents are also under the FIFA umbrella but have been complaining that they have been given no information about how the next transfer window will work.

A FIFA spokesperson told Mirror Sport: “On 18 March the Bureau of the FIFA Council decided to establish a FIFA-Confederations Working Group in response to COVID-19.

“This Working Group will assess the need for amendments or temporary dispensations to the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players’ to protect contracts for both players and clubs and adjusting player registration periods.

“This work has already started and will be conducted in consultation with all key stakeholders, including confederations, member associations, clubs, leagues and players.”