Football’s lawmakers are reported to be considering keeping the rule allowing teams to make five substitutions for next season.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) implemented the change as leagues returned to action in May following the three-month hiatus amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The rule was introduced as a short-term measure to protect players involved in leagues looking to finish their seasons this summer, with teams only given a short period of time to return to fitness in time for the return to action.
According to the Athletic though, IFAB are set to carry the rule into the 2020/21 campaign, which could also be impacted by the pandemic given the current season’s late finish.
Leagues were given the option as to whether they wanted to be part of the rule change, with the Premier League showing their support for it in June.
Although the change has been implemented in order to try and help players, it hasn’t been well received by everyone since football’s return.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder and Aston Villa boss Dean Smith have been among those who have criticised the change to five substitutes, feeling it benefits the top sides more than those with fewer resources.
“I can’t believe that anything can be changed midway through the season when the players are just at their fittest,” said Wilder.
“We produced one of our highest intensity games on Sunday, three days after being chased all over at Manchester United.
The ‘five-substitute rule’ is a temporary change to the maximum number of substitutes a team is permitted to make during a game, increasing the number from three to five.
In addition, the Premier League has increased the maximum number of substitutes permitted to sit on the bench from seven to nine
Each team will be permitted to use a maximum of five substitutes. To reduce disruption to the match, each team will have a maximum of three opportunities to make substitutions during the game; substitutions may also be made at half-time.
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.