EFL clubs vote to introduce 'Tozer rule' which could have huge impact on Wrexham next season
Wrexham supporters aren't happy.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Wrexham, League Two, Football, Fan Reactions
Rory O'Callaghan
Topics: Wrexham, League Two, Football, Fan Reactions
EFL clubs have voted to approve a new rule which could have a major impact on Wrexham next season following their promotion to League Two.
At their Annual General Meeting on Thursday, EFL clubs voted to approve several changes to the EFL regulations that will come into effect immediately.
In addition to changes around the Owners and Directors' test and insolvency events, clubs have voted to approve a new multi-ball system in all its competitions for the 2023-24 season.
"Match balls will be placed on cones in designated areas at pitch side to help increase the time of the ball being in play," read a statement.
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"Meanwhile, clubs will no longer be permitted to use towels or other articles, including items obtained from spectators to dry footballs during matches."
The use of towels to dry footballs has been a grey area in the EFL with only some clubs providing them.
One of the teams to make full use of towels last season was Wrexham, with defender Ben Tozer possessing one of the longest throws in world football.
Tozer has used towels to dry the ball throughout his career and his long throw-ins were a constant threat for the Welsh club last season as they secured promotion to League Two as National League champions.
He will no longer be able to use a towel to dry the ball, potentially taking one of Wrexham's most potent weapons away from them.
Wrexham supporters have reacted angrily to the news of the rule change.
"This is just bizarre," posted one fan on Twitter.
"Can't believe they’ve made this rule just because they’re scared of Ben Tozer," joked another fan.
While another replied: "The Tozer rule??"
The Times claim the Premier League has no plans to follow suit with a similar ban, but has made it clear that if towels are provided they have to be for both teams.