Birmingham City have been hit hard by a change in FA rules regarding the Elite Significant Contribution (ESC) route, which affects their ability to sign overseas players. The rule change restricts ESC applications to players born on or after January 1, 2003, effectively preventing Championship clubs from signing players aged 24 or older unless they qualify for a full Governing Body Endorsement (GBE). This change has made things more difficult for Championship clubs, particularly Birmingham City, which has had to wipe 50 players off their recruitment list. Portsmouth boss John Mousinho has laid bare the challenge faced by his own club, stating that the FA's change in squad rules has made things 'a lot more difficult - and actually a lot more costly.' The rule change has a negative financial impact on what Championship clubs are trying to do, making it harder for them to bring in experienced players. Birmingham City, currently 10th in the Championship with 64 points from 46 games, 17 wins, 13 draws, and 16 losses, with a recent form of DWWDW, will have to adapt to this new rule. The club has signed a number of players from overseas in recent transfer windows, including Phil Neumann, Kanya Fujimoto, Jhon Solis, and Luis Vazquez, none of whom have represented their countries, making obtaining a GBE not plain sailing. The change in FA rules has a significant impact on the transfer market, and Birmingham City will have to find alternative ways to strengthen their squad.