Why Chesterfield goalkeeper Shwan Jalal's move to Boreham Wood has been scuppered

The 36-year-old goalkeeper had been offered a deal from the National League side who are set to take part in the play-offs.

But it has emerged that teams in the play-offs can’t register any new players who weren’t already signed up by March 16.

Jalal would have been available to join the Hertfordshire club on a free transfer following the expiration of his Blues contract this week.

The experienced stopper was understood to be considering the move but would also have been happy to remain at the Spireites.

The new rule came to light when Brackley Town, who finished third in the National League North, released a statement at the weekend.

“The rules specify that only players who were eligible on 16 March can play and this is of course only fair, preventing teams signing on players solely for the play-offs,” the statement read.

Other rule changes for the play-offs include allowing an extra substitution and the inclusion of water breaks at the halfway point in each half, which has been the case in the Premier League and Championship.

The referee will have discretion to allow further breaks in play if the weather conditions require it.

The Football Association is yet to ratify the National League’s decision to end the season on points per game.

Until the FA rubber-stamps the outcome then the play-offs can’t go ahead.

If the play-offs are given the go ahead by the FA, they are due to start in mid-July.