The EFL checks Kyril Louis-Dreyfus still must clear to complete Sunderland AFC takeover

Revealed: The major hurdle still facing Kyril Louis-Dreyfus ahead of potential Sunderland AFC takeover

But with an agreement now struck, the club's new controlling shareholder will still have to navigate one major hurdle - the EFL owners and directors test, otherwise known as the fit and proper persons test.

It is not envisaged to create any issues, with hopes the green light could be given early in the New Year.

We take a look at what the test involves, the rules that govern takeovers in the EFL and how long the process could take:

WHAT IS THE EFL OWNERS AND DIRECTORS TEST?

The test is an assessment of the individual, or group, looking to take on the running of the football club.

It is designed to assess whether the potential owners can run the club in a suitable manner and that they have the required funds in order to do so.

The EFL state that any “directors and individuals exercising ‘control’ over a Club, as well as any shareholder with a 30% stake in a Club (or greater)” have to undergo the test.

WHAT INFORMATION IS SUBMITTED AS PART OF THE EFL OWNERS AND DIRECTORS TEST?

Potential shareholders have to submit a variety of information to the EFL, with the league able to request any details they feel are necessary to ascertain whether they are able to take control of a club.

They may be also asked about their involvement in any other football club, should that become apparent.

HOW LONG DOES THE EFL OWNERS AND DIRECTORS TEST TAKE TO COMPLETE?

When a club intends to appoint a new director, or complete a takeover, they must inform the EFL at least ten working days before the director is anticipated to be appointed.

Within five working days, the EFL will respond stating whether or not they feel there are grounds on which to disqualify the potential director.

WHAT COULD LEAD TO A TAKEOVER BEING BLOCKED?

The EFL will disqualify potential directors - and in effect block a takeover - for a number of reasons.

These include: the individual has convictions that are not spent, they are involved in another football club, or they have been the subject of bankruptcy proceedings.