TOWEL USE TO DRY BALLS BEFORE THROW-INS IS FORBIDDEN BY THE EFL.

After clubs agreed to outlaw the usage of towels prior to throw-ins, the sight of players methodically drying the ball before sending it into their opponents’ penalty area is expected to vanish in English football’s lower tiers.

At their annual meeting on Thursday, English Football League (EFL) clubs decided to adopt the rule change, dealing a blow to those who have made the long throw-in their go-to maneuver. The rule would also stop players from making use of clothing gifts from supporters, as happened in November when defender Wes Harding received his sweater from a Rotherham United fan to wipe the ball before a throw-in.

The rule change may have an impact on League Two newcomers Wrexham, owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. While not one of football’s finer arts, the long throw can be quite effective in the right hands.

The Welsh team faced continual danger from long throw-ins by defender Ben Tozer last season as it achieved promotion and attracted hordes of new supporters as a result of the well-liked docuseries “Welcome to Wrexham.”

Starting with the 2023–24 season, the EFL will use a multi-ball system to speed up play in its competitions, following the Premier League’s lead.

“Match balls will be placed on cones in designated areas at pitch side to help increase the time of the ball being in play,” the EFL stated.

Clubs also agreed to adopt amendments to the rules to make the owners’ and directors’ test more stringent, including the exclusion of those who are subject to sanctions. The league would also restrict state-owned businesses from nations under sanctions.