COVID-19: IFAB approves use of five substitutes per match

International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved use of five substitutions per match to enable teams cope when they return from the coronavirus-enforced break.

The temporary amendment comes into force with immediate effect.

The amendment was made as matches may be played in a condensed period in different weather conditions, both of which could have impacts on players health and welfare.

In a statement on Friday, IFAB announced that it has agreed to FIFA’s proposal on temporary amendment to the rules to “protect players welfare”.

Teams will be limited to three opportunities during matches to make their substitutions – as well as half-time – in a bid to prevent unnecessary stoppages.

In competitions where extra-time could be enforced, any unused substitutions will be allowed to be carried over.

It could be in use in the Bundesliga, which is scheduled to resume behind closed doors on May 16.

IFAB said the amendment currently applies to competitions that are scheduled to finish by December 31, 2020, and a review will be conducted at a “later stage” over whether to carry the rule into next season.

In addition, the football board has tweaked its rules around VAR to allow competitions that were using the technology to stop doing so, if and when they resume their seasons.

The Premier League will discuss the rule changes with its clubs, although it has received no indication that they wish to cease using VAR.