Clubs are now allowed to sign players who were out of contract before the
end of the transfer window on 31 August.
In a letter to all its member associations, Fifa admitted: "The strict application
of the transfer registration periods would cause serious inconvenience to
players still looking for a club, since on the one hand they would have no
income and on the other they would not be allowed to register for a new club
when the official transfer window has closed."
David Taylor, chief executive of the Scottish Football Association, said he was
delighted that their efforts, along with that of other associations, had brought
about the change.
"In effect, this means we now have a transfer window rather than a
registrations window," added Taylor.
"It is a sensible decision which will bring benefits to the game without
unnecessary difficulties being placed in the way of players and clubs in the
professional game."