Scudamore is aware the Premier League's reputation has been damaged

Questions over the Argentine striker's ownership and eligibility when at West Ham prompted relegated Sheffield United to take court action.

Rule changes are expected to be ratified at a Premier League board meeting next week.

Scudamore told The Times: "There is a feeling we have to act differently."

Tevez is currently awaiting the completion of a protracted move to Manchester United after being cleared to sign the Argentine by the Premier League.

The saga, which hinged on the question of whether West Ham or a third-party owned the rights to Tevez, delivered another blow to the Premier League's reputation following Lord Steven's report into transfer dealings.

Scudamore admitted: "Changes have to be made for the same reason the Stevens' report was necessary.

"We cannot keep taking this blow to our reputation and the clubs recognise that.

"I think clubs are realising and we are realising that there really isn't any place to hide any more.

606: DEBATE I think English football is in tatters IM88

"On the back of the Carlos Tevez affair, we have changed the rules so that all documentation relating to player registration and employment has to be submitted in advance of signing the player."

West Ham were fined a record �5m for breaching registration rules but the Premier League were criticised for not deducting points from the London club, who escaped relegation on the final day of last season as the Blades went down.

Scudamore added: "Among West Ham's defences were that they believed the third-party agreement did not have anything to do with the player's registration. That is why it was not shown to the Premier League. Our policy now is: let us be the judge."