A selection of Premier League managers are set to change their stance on the five-substitution rule in the top flight after a sharp rise in injuries.
Five substitutions were allowed in the Premier League once football returned after the coronavirus-enforced break due to concerns over fixture schedules and player welfare, but this has been extended ahead of the 2020/21 season. was terminated.
Only three subs have been allowed in the Premier League this season / Neil Hall / Getty Images
However, the English top flight is now the only major competition in Europe that does not allow five substitutions per game.
The Champions League, Europa League and international fixtures all allow five substitutions, while on Wednesday the EFL voted to increase the number of substitutions from three to five. It will come into effect on Friday for the Championship clash between Coventry and Birmingham.
The issue has been voted on twice in the Premier League this season, but the motion has always fallen short of the 14 votes needed to pass – previously only nine top-flight clubs had voted in favor of the measures.
However, according to The Times, 15 Premier League managers agreed to the change in the law at a meeting on Wednesday. West Ham boss David Moyes, Crystal Palace’s Roy Hodgson, and Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers are among those who have adjusted their stance on the issue.
Jurgen Klopp has consistently supported five subs Law / Sean Bottrell / Getty Images
The Big Six have always been in favor of reintroducing the five substitution rule due to their extra midweek fixtures as a result of their European commitments.
However, those outside the big six were more reluctant to support the change as the law was seen to benefit those with greater squad depth.
The two European football associations are also said to be preparing to ask the International FA Board (IFAB) – the body responsible for the laws of the game – to consider five alternatives. Make a permanent increase in the game, not just a Covid-19 emergency measure.