A total of 5 substitutions per match? FIFA proposes temporary rule changes to reduce 'potential player overload' after resumption

A lot has been said and debated over the possible resumption of live football with many popular leagues considering starting the already halted season. However, there were major concerns that players may suffer constant injuries due to lack of preparation time and going straight into matches following a prolonged time away from the pitch.

To tackle the injury concerns, FIFA has proposed that teams should be allowed to make up to five substitutions per game, instead of the usual three. The proposal by FIFA comes as a temporary measure to help football clubs cope with possible fixture congestion post the COVID-19 pandemic.

UEFA along with many other football leagues and federations are hoping to complete the halted season but that would mean a crammed fixture list to complete the season in a short period of time.

The proposal of five substitutes would need to be approved by football’s rule-making organization – IFAB - and the final call would rest with the organisers of respective competitions.

“One concern in this regard is that the higher-than-normal frequency of matches may increase the risk of potential injuries due to a resulting player overload,” FIFA said in a statement.

“Each team would now be given the possibility to use up to five substitutions during the match, with the possibility of an additional substitution remaining during extra time, where relevant,” it explained.

FIFA further said that substitutions would need to make in a maximum of three slots. The temporary rule would apply to this season and next season plus all international matches until Dec. 31 next year.

FIFA said that “football should only resume when the health authorities and governments say it is absolutely safe and non-disruptive of health services being delivered to the populations.”