The Premier League are finally set to fall in line with other major competitions across Europe as they are reportedly ready to green-light plans to introduce the option for clubs to use five substitutes from next season.
The rule was introduced during ‘project restart’ amid the Coronavirus pandemic in the 2019/20 season, but drew disdain from some managers, with then-Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder claiming that making the move permanent would hand bigger teams an unfair advantage.
‘I’ve got incredible respect for these top managers because they produce top results and win things’, he said in November 2020.
‘They’re going to be bothered about Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea, which I understand and respect.
‘I would be the same, but I’m bothered about Sheffield United and it doesn’t help us to have five subs.’
Now, however, it seems that Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola have had their wish granted, as the Premier League are expected to amend the rules. The Times report that ‘Premier League clubs are set to make a U-turn tomorrow and agree to five substitutions per team being permitted from next season’, bringing it in line with the other major European leagues that already have the option for five substitutes.
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Will it help bigger clubs?
It is also thought that the change will reduce injuries and offer higher quality football, but whether that proves the case remains to be seen.
