# EFL Homegrown Player Rules Explained

> EFL clubs must register eight homegrown players per squad in Championship, League One and Two.
- Title: EFL Homegrown Player Rules Explained · BBC Sport | Shortify
- Summary: EFL clubs must register eight homegrown players per squad in Championship, League One and Two. EFL clubs must have at least eight homegrown players…
- Keywords: championship, league one, league two, homegrown players, efl rules, sports, EFL, Homegrown, Player, Rules, Explained, BBC Sport
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/ck7vp83l215yo
- Published: 2026-10-21T12:16:11.585+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: championship, league one, league two, homegrown players, efl rules, sports
## EFL Homegrown Player Rules
EFL clubs must register at least eight homegrown players in their squad for league matches in Championship, League One and League Two.
## Homegrown Player Definition
A homegrown player is someone registered with an english or welsh club for three seasons or 36 months before their 21st birthday or the end of the season they turn 21.
## Homegrown Players in Matches
Clubs must name at least seven homegrown players in their matchday squad for league games, with rules applying only to league matches.
## Consequences of Non-Compliance
If a club fails to list one club-developed player per match, they get one fewer player on their bench for the game.
## Key takeaway

EFL clubs must have at least eight homegrown players registered in their squad for league matches, with rules varying by league and age.