How Chelsea's 40-player loan army could be affected by new Fifa regulations

The subject of Chelsea's loan system has divided opinion amongst football fans and pundits for years. But Fifa's new regulations may result in a clampdown on how many youngsters the Blues are allowed to send out.

Football's governing body announced changes that will be brought in for the next season which will limit the number of loans that occur internationally in the transfer market.

In cases involving players over 22, clubs will only be allowed to make a maximum of eight international loans in and out in the 2020-21 campaign, with the limit reduced to six in 2022-23.

Crucially, there will also be a maximum of three loans in and three loans out between the same clubs, which would impact sides such as Vitesse, who have welcomed several players - including Mason Mount - from Chelsea over the years.

Some clubs have used loan deals as a way to overcome the financial obstacles of Financial Fair Play, agreeing clauses that trigger a permanent deal for the next season.

It appears to be a direct move to stop teams such as Chelsea and Wolves of using the loan system to stockpile players and farm them out to other clubs in an attempt to make profit.

Both Premier League clubs each have sent an estimated 40 players out on loan for the 2019-20 season, but the changes will drastically force them to consider their approach in the near future.

Here's how the new rules could affect Chelsea's current crop of loan players...

International loans under the age of 22

International loans over the age of 22 (limit of eight in and out)

Loans between UK clubs over 22 (max of three from same club)

Loans between UK clubs under 22 (max of three from same club)