Millwall’s Zian Flemming won’t be able to use towel for his long throws – as EFL implement rule change

Millwall attacker Zian Flemming will no longer be able to use a towel to dry the ball before his long throws next season as part of the EFL’s regulation changes this summer.

The Dutchman has dried the ball off this season and Huddersfield Town fans stole them during the match between the two clubs in November.

“The EFL will introduce a multiball system in all its competitions for the 2023-24 season,” said the EFL in an update on their regulations. “Match balls will be placed on cones in designated areas at pitch side to help increase the time of the ball being in play.

“Meanwhile, clubs will no longer be permitted to use towels or other articles, including items obtained from spectators to dry footballs during matches.”

Flemming could see the funny side of Terriers supporters disrupting his technique. He told the South London Press at the time: “If it’s wet you can’t throw it as far.

“There were towels there to have a better grip on the ball. I did it the first time and when I came back the second or third time I saw the towel was gone. I looked behind the hoarding and they all started laughing.

“To be fair, it was good banter. I found it quite funny and I also showed that to those fans. I kind of laughed a bit with them to say ‘you got me there’.

“The next time I came back the towel was there again.”