By Andrew Warshaw
July 3 – Following the unprecedented impact of substitutes at the World Cup, football’s lawmakers will be asked to consider a proposal that teams be allowed to use a fourth sub during extra time.
An astonishing 29 goals have been scored by subs in Brazil so far as a number of games stretch into 30 more minutes, prompting FIFA’s technical experts to acknowledge their increasing importance during high-tempo fixtures.
Gerard Houllier, the former France and Liverpool manager who heads FIFA’s technical study group in Brazil, says the idea of one extra sub could be on the table before the next World Cup in Russia provided it is approved by the International FA Board.
Houllier, whose body is charged with reporting back to FIFA with any emerging trends after the tournament, told a briefing that changing the rules could see fewer players struggle with cramp in the latter stages of matches. “It’s a good idea. Only in extra time. Maybe if someone is injured, why not? It’s an idea we will put to FIFA and FIFA pass on to the International Board.”
“Substitutes play such an important part because they come with a freshness and attitude. In this World Cup everything is so fast and tempo has been so high so nearly all the goals have been scored in the final 15 minutes when substitutes play such an important part because they come into the game with fresh legs and attitude: 29 goals by substitutes here is a record.”
So far 154 goals in all have been scored and with eight games to go, the record of 171 at France ’98 is in danger of being overtaken. Houllier is not surprised.
“Teams who really go for it are more rewarded now because strikers are protected better than before and the referees are better not only physically but in terms of game reading so nothing escapes a referee now . . . we have the last defender rule, no backpass to the goalkeeper, a lot of rules which have been taken up by FIFA and the International Board which have encouraged positive football.
“Also, we have a generation of outstanding strikers such as Neymar, Messi, Van Persie, Robben, James Rodriguez and many others.”
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