Premier League clubs reject five substitutes being allowed this season

Clubs have rejected the proposal for a third time this season

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Premier League clubs again rejected a motion to allow five substitutes this season after a third vote on the matter was held at the year’s final shareholders’ meeting.

A number of issues relating to player welfare were discussed by member clubs, with a significant increase in muscle injuries high on the agenda. However, despite repeated calls from the likes of Jurgen Klopp to allow more rotation during games, clubs have resisted the change due to concerns over damaging the integrity of the competition. 

Clubs fear that an increase in substitutions will favour the bigger clubs, who have stronger depth in their squads to rely upon. They did, though, decide to increase the number of options permitted on the bench from seven to nine. 

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The issue of concussion substitutions was also discussed by clubs, after the approval of a trial by football’s lawmakers, the International Football Association Board, and a maximum of two additional substitutions may be permitted from as early as January 2021 in the event of serious head injuries during a match.

A statement released by the Premier League on Thursday read: "Premier League Shareholders today met for the final time this year to discuss a number of topics.

"With player welfare the Premier League’s priority, clubs agreed in principle to introduce additional permanent concussion substitutions following approval of the trial by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) yesterday.

"The trial is a result of the IFAB’s consultation with stakeholders and recommendations from their concussion expert group to allow additional substitutions for players with actual or suspected concussion.

"The Premier League will look to implement protocols which will allow a maximum of two concussion substitutes to be used per team, with the opposition side able to use the equivalent number. The additional concussion substitutions may be made regardless of the number of substitutions a team has made already.

"The League will now apply for permission from the IFAB, via The FA, to take part in the trial which could be implemented as early as January 2021.The League’s Medical Working Group will meet on Friday to further consider the protocols and their implementation following the publication of guidance by IFAB and FIFA.

“Shareholders also approved an amendment to Premier League rules to increase the number of substitutes a club may include in its team sheet from seven to nine, from Match Round 14 in Season 2020/21 only.”