Why EFL matches get postponed for international call-ups

Malta's Basil Tuma was one of three Reading players on international duty last year [Getty Images] Matches in League One and League Two can be postponed during international breaks due to players being selected for international matches. The English Football League (EFL) allows clubs to postpone fixtures should they receive a sufficient number of call-ups. At least three of players have to be selected for their country's senior, under-21, under-20 or under-19 sides in order to request a postponement. Players who are named on international standby lists or long lists will not count towards the three players at the time of announcement. International age group players only qualify if they have been named in the starting XI, or been a named substitute making an appearance prior to the 75th minute, in either: 50% of a club's first-team matches four of the last five first-team matches If a player is signed by a club in either late August or during the January transfer window and they then get called up, a pro rata basis is used to determine if that player is available. A team is also allowed to request a postponement if both the first and second choice goalkeepers are called up too. Players signed on loan also count. As per Fifa's guidelines, players selected must be released by their clubs by the Monday morning ahead of the first international fixtures of that window. For home clubs wishing to request a postponement, they must do so at least five days prior to the game they wish to postpone. Away teams must submit a request seven days in advance. This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team. More questions answered... Why are England called the Three Lions? When is the 2026 World Cup draw? Who is Wilfried Nancy? What are the 'mind-altering' shoes England players are wearing?