Wayne Lumbasi
Premier League clubs have reportedly agreed to allow five substitutions per team in next season’s games. League sources have confirmed the issue is up for debate and it is believed a change in the law could be agreed in principle at the meeting ahead of full implementation next season.
The rule was used during the latter part of the 2019-20 campaign to help deal with the COVID-19 crisis. Some clubs wanted to continue with the five-sub rule ahead of the 2020/21 season, with Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham all reportedly voting for the change.
There was strong opposition from smaller teams in the division, who believed it would give teams with larger squads an advantage and create an uneven playing field for teams with less depth.
After strong resistance over the past two years, there is now a feeling among clubs that the numbers are finally there to authorize a change, with 14 of 20 votes required to put new rules in place.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been one of various managers who have been vocal on the issue, insisting that all clubs need more substitutions in order to battle fatigue in an ever-busy footballing calendar rather than for tactical reasons.
That move from football’s law-making body came earlier this month and has been the final push the Premier League needed to fall in line.
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