Championship clubs will vote on being able to use five substitutes, according to John Percy of the Daily Telegraph.
Championship Clubs Set to Vote on Five Substitutes Rule
Controversial Rule to Be Voted On
The five substitute rule was brought in when football returned after the short suspension in play due to covid-19.
With little time for players to get to match fitness, it was felt that five substitutes would help protect players and reduce the risk of injuries.
Once the 2019/20 season ended, a further vote was held about whether to keep that rule in place – it was ruled that teams should return to the standard three substitutes per match.
In the Premier League, there has been an increase in injuries with managers including Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Jurgen Klopp calling for the rule to be reintroduced.
Games are coming thick and fast and putting additional pressure on players playing at high intensity every two and three days.
Advantage to Clubs With Bigger Squads
In the Championship, clubs with tighter budgets have been disgruntled about the five subs as it is seen to provide an advantage to clubs with larger squads.
Richard Masters, the Premier League Chief Executive feels change is unlikely but does say that there is a balance to be had.
He said: “We have had two votes on it at club level and both have been relatively supportive of three subs.
“That has created some frustration, alongside discussions of fixture scheduling, which is related to the pandemic.”
There is the issue of player welfare but the Premier League appears likely to stick with three substitutes for the foreseeable future.
All 24 Championship clubs will now vote next week and should the majority vote in favour, the five substitute rule could return after the international break
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