Wrexham's Ben Tozer reckons EFL are trying to 'ruin his career' after controversial rule change

Despite being crowned National League champions last season, Wrexham defender Ben Tozer joked that he 'nearly had to retire' after the EFL's most recent rule change.

The 33-year-old centre back played every minute of last season's incredible campaign, but has concerns over the EFL's decision to scrap long throw-ins.

Players across the Football League have already seen the use of towels to dry balls banned, while a multiball system will also be introduced to increase ball-in-play time.

And Tozer reckons it could have a significant impact on his Wrexham future, teasing that the EFL were "trying to ruin his career".

"I might have upset someone in the EFL, because they're trying to ruin my career," the 33-year-old told BBC Sport. "I nearly had to hand [in] my retirement straight away.

"I understand it because some people see it as anti-football, but it's part of football. Throw-ins are just like a corner or a penalty, they are set pieces.

"We had a bit of an advantage but there are ways around everything and I've got the shirt that I'm wearing. I can still dry the ball with that. I'm sure there will be other ways around it as well, but it's just one of those things you just have to get on with."

Indeed, the long-throw in has been a tactic used across the footballing landscape for decades, with Stoke City defender Rory Delap making it his very own weapon.

But in a an attempt to make the game more exciting and free-flowing, steps have been taken to prevent the iconic long throw being used.

Earlier in June, a statement from the EFL read: "The EFL will introduce a multiball 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.

"Meanwhile, clubs will no longer be permitted to use towels or other articles, including items obtained from spectators to dry footballs during matches."