The EFL have accepted the need for independent regulation of football for the first time ahead of the publication of the government's fan-led review next week in a dramatic move that will increase tensions with the Premier League.
In a letter from chairman Rick Parry to the review's chair Tracey Crouch MP, which has been seen by Sportsmail, the EFL call for the creation of a new regulator to go alongside a greater redistribution of finances to lower division clubs from the top-flight.
The EFL's surprise support for an independent regulator represents a significant change of position from Parry, who earlier this year described such demands from fans as 'knee-jerk,' and will irritate the Premier League who have fought tooth and nail to oppose any outside interference in the sport.