The EFL could soon adopt the multiball system brought in to the Premier League this season as clubs are reportedly being asked for their view on the possibility of it being introduced from next month.
In the top flight this campaign, there is more than one match ball in Premier League fixtures, with a multiball system in place. It sees 10 balls being in place around the pitch at any one time.
As well as the ball that is being used in play, another one is with the fourth official by the dugouts. A further eight more balls are distributed in various locations around the pitch.
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The eight balls are placed on a cone next to a ball assistant, with two behind each goal and two along each touchline. When it goes out of play, a ball assistant throws it ball to a player after making eye contact to ensure they are aware.
The idea beind the move is to speed up play and cut down on the timewasting which some teams employ in a bid to slow an encounter down and disrupt the momentum of the opposition. It can also lead to large amounts of stoppage time in games.
Bolton Wanderers have been on the receiving end of this tactic from opposition sides in recent weeks, much to the frustration of the Whites and boss Ian Evatt. He has spoken of how this could be curtailed after the ball was in play for just 49 minutes of their 2-1 comeback victory over Burton Albion.
By around this time next month, there is a chance the multiball system which is in place in the Premier League could also be adopted in the EFL. The Daily Mail reports that clubs in the three divisions have been sent a survey if they would support it being introduced, with answers due by Wednesday, November 9.
It is reported that the system could be in place a month later from December 9, after ball supplier Puma has been asked to see if additional orders for balls can be fulfilled. The multiball system was in use in the EFL for four seasons before being shelved in the 2011/12 campaign.
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