Gareth Southgate has been appointed manager of Middlesbrough despite not possessing the necessary coaching qualifications.
The 35-year-old club captain replaces Steve McClaren who will take over as England coach after the World Cup finals.
Southgate does not have the UEFA Pro-coaching licence which means he could take charge for only 12 weeks.
An exception was made last month when the Premier League’s 20 club chairmen allowed Glenn Roeder to be appointed at Newcastle United without the licence, although John Barnwell head of the League Managers Accociation has already suggested that Southgate’s appointment will not be approved.
“They can’t do it – it’s as simple as that,” said Barnwell.
Middlesbrough said Southgate was completing his A licence and planned to take his Pro Licence when time permitted.
The Premier League said in a statement it would be holding discussions with the club.
“In appointing Gareth Southgate Middlesbrough were fully aware that as our rules stand it is a necessity to have the UEFA Pro License or equivalent to manage in the Premier League.
“As Middlesbrough have stated, they are seeking discussions with the Premier League, FA and LMA (League Managers’ Association) to discuss this situation. We will, of course, take a full part in those discussions during the close season.
“In the interim, Middlesbrough have been able to appoint Gareth Southgate as their manager, as rule Q4 concerns team selection during the course of the Premier League season.”
Chairman Steve Gibson told the club website on Tuesday that Middlesbrough should be allowed some leeway because they allowed McClaren to leave for the England job.
“We have fast-tracked Gareth because we let our previous manager, Steve McClaren, become the new England coach,” Gibson said.
“When England came calling, we delivered. Surely now we shouldn’t be denied for bureaucratic reasons.”
Middlesbrough finished 14th in the 20-team Premier League last season and lost 4-0 to Sevilla in the UEFA Cup final.
