Rangers and Celtic braced for FIFA transfer overhaul as governing body bring the hammer down on loan deals

A change to FIFA legislation limiting the amount of loan transfers will impact Scottish club from next month.

Coming into force on July 1, the rules will prevent wealthy clubs from stockpiling talent.

The change will set a maximum number of permitted cross-border loan deals each season.

From next season, clubs will be allowed to recruit eight loanees from overseas, with another eight allowed to be loaned out.

The number will then be changes to seven out for the 2023/34 season, and finally become six in and six out in from the 2024/25 campaign onwards.

The regulations will not affect domestic loans between clubs within the same country, and will not apply to homegrown players under the age of 21.

FIFA have reasoned the changes, stating they are designed to "develop young players, promote competitive balance and prevent hoarding."

The new rules could see Scottish clubs impacted as they could find it more difficult to secure loan players in future seasons with superclubs forced to limit temporary outgoing players.

For example, Celtic saw their squad boosted by a number of cross border loans during the 2021/22 campaign.

Jota was a key player in Ange Postecoglou' s side with the Benfica loanee's services helping the Hoops secure the cinch Premiership title.

But in seasons to come, such a loan could provide more difficult to tie down with big clubs being forced to choose the eight, seven and then six players they feel would develop best during a spell elsewhere.

James Sands, who joined Rangers on an 18 month loan deal from New York City, would also be affected.

The shake up will also limit the numbers of players making their way north from England.

Stars including Cameron Carter-Vickers, Amad Diallo and Ellis Simms -