September 4 – In contrast to elsewhere in Europe, Premier League clubs have again voted against using five substitutes instead of three in domestic matches next season despite a second attempt by the big boys to persuade the smaller clubs to accept the change.
Those who opposed having additional subs claim it would have favoured the elite clubs who have more quality on the bench and deeper squads.
FIFA allowed five subs in response to last season being curtailed, then resuming in early summer, in order to help with fixture congestion, fatigue and players getting fit. Individual leagues have since been given the green light to make their own decisions for the forthcoming campaign but England’s top-flight clubs have said no.
By contrast the Bundesliga has said yes with the 36 clubs in the top two leagues voting to continue the rule for next season.
The French league has also started its season with five substitutions while the Spanish league has yet to decide on the rule for its new season.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1734901639labto1734901639ofdlr1734901639owedi1734901639sni@w1734901639ahsra1734901639w.wer1734901639dna1734901639