EFL clubs have voted to introduce a 'multi ball system' next season following today’s annual general meeting.

The system was in place in the Premier League last term and involves a number of match balls places on cones around the pitch. It aims to increase the amount of time the ball is in play per game by reducing stoppages for throw-ins.

This is a widely debated issue in League One, with the ball in play for 49 minutes during Wanderers’ 2-1 win against Burton last October.

It was a similar story during the 1-0 victory against Cheltenham in February, although Kyle Dempsey eventually found a late winner.

Ian Evatt has voiced his concerns over time wasting on several occasions, calling for “serious conversations” to take place.

Several months ago, the Bolton boss said: “We need to be stronger and more stringent with it. There has to be some serious conversations about what is happening. 

“I feel sorry for both sets of fans. They spend so much money to come and watch football, in hard times when everything costs a fortune, and they want to be entertained. 

“Let’s play football. Let’s give them 60 minutes guaranteed, or whatever they are suggesting, to come and watch their team play.”

He added: “I am not here to criticise officials and referees because I have said this a lot – until they are made professional and they are given the best possible chance they can, I have real empathy with them.”

The EFL also confirmed several other changes, including updates to the owners and directors’ test to remain aligned with the Premier League.

Meanwhile, clubs will no longer be able to use towels or similar items to dry the ball during matches.

This was a point of contention during the FA Cup tie against Barnsley last season, and Evatt has since joked about being more prepared for the ‘dark arts’.