FIFA have confirmed they will allow out-of-contract players to sign for new clubs outside of the transfer window, according to the Scottish Football Association.

Football's world governing body have been criticised for implementing the window which closed on August 31 and would not allow players to sign for clubs until January.

There were fears the system could see some smaller clubs across the world struggling if injury lists became too long ahead of the window re-opening.

However, former Rangers defender Tony Vidmar became the first unemployed player to be allowed to move outside of the window when he joined Middlesbrough on Monday.

Now FIFA have written to all national associations to explain that players who were not employed by any club when the window closed at the end of last month can move before it reopens in January.

According to www.scottishfa.co.uk, FIFA told all member associations in a letter: "The strict application of the transfer registration periods would cause serious inconvenience to players still looking for a club to sign them on, 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."

FIFA regulations specifically govern the registration of players, meaning that technically any player - with a club or not - could not sign for another club when the transfer windows were closed.

Article two of chapter one of FIFA's regulations for the status and transfers of players, which can be viewed at www.fifa.com, refers to the transfer windows as 'registration periods' and does not distinguish between out-of-contract and contracted players.

But it now appears world football's governing body have cleared up the grey area and players like Vidmar can find new employers.

Scottish Football Association chief executive David Taylor has applauded the decision as a "sensible option".

Taylor said: "I am delighted that the continued efforts of the SFA, along with other associations, have persuaded FIFA to change their mind on this point.

"In effect, this means we now have a transfer window rather than a registrations window.

"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.

"We will contact the clubs immediately to tell them about the change."