Transfer deadlines are governed by the rules of the competitions, such as the Premier League, rather than The FA.

Premier League rules state that completed documents required to effect the registration of a player must be submitted by 12 noon on the last working day before the date of the first league match in which the club making the application intends him to play.

As the transfer window opened on 1st January, new signings were therefore not eligible to play in Premier League matches between 1st and 4th January inclusive. The last working day before yesterday's and today's fixtures was Friday, 31st December.

The Premier League wrote to all member clubs well ahead of the holiday period informing them of the situation regarding the transfer window and new registrations.

The operating hours of The FA's registrations department over the New Year period did not have any effect whatsoever on the ability of Premier League clubs to register new signings.