Premier League agrees to the return of five substitutes
The Premier League has decided to allow the return of five substitutions in league games, for the first time since 2020.
BREAKING: It has been confirmed that Premier League clubs have agreed to five substitutions per team in games, which will be implemented from next season onwards 👇 pic.twitter.com/Z9Vn2vHaDF
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 31, 2022
The five substitutions can be made in three intervals during a game, but you cannot make five individual substitutes at separate intervals. A total of nine substitutes can be named on the bench by either team.
The rule was originally introduced in May 2020 to ease teams player management due to the COVID pandemic. Premier League clubs then voted against continuing the rule in following seasons.
Premier League Shareholders met today and discussed a range of matters.
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 31, 2022
Clubs agreed to change the rules relating to substitute players. From next season, clubs will be permitted to use five substitutions.
Full statement: https://t.co/Ub985Gl3Lj pic.twitter.com/T27WXiXbUM
The English league was the only top division in Europe to abandon the rule, because some clubs felt as though with bigger squads would have an unfair advantage.
A number of managers spoke out against going back to three substitutions, including Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp. Both said the lack of substitutes helped contribute to more muscular injuries in the top flight.
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As for this season, in the Premier League nothing will change, but teams are allowed to make five substitutions in the FA Cup, with the International Football association suggesting the rule be made permanent across football.