The Nationwide League One (NLO) has announced that clubs participating in the promotional playoffs will be allowed to register a maximum of five non-league players for the postseason tournament. This decision was communicated through a circular signed by Temitayo Egbaieloye, a representative of the league organizers.
According to the NLO, the restriction aims to promote fairness and maintain a competitive balance during the playoffs, while also safeguarding the league’s developmental objectives. The playoffs are scheduled to take place from Thursday, July 2nd to Tuesday, July 7th, 2026.
The league defines a ‘non-league player’ as any individual who was not officially registered on a league roster before the playoff transfer deadline. The NLO has issued a stern warning that any club found fielding improperly registered players or failing to adhere to registration protocols will face immediate disqualification from the playoffs.