Premier League to introduce five subs from next season in full time change despite resistance from outside Big Six

PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are set to finally agree to introduce five substitutes at a meeting today.

The idea had been fiercely resisted by clubs outside the Big Six.

1

Three attempts to make the change, introduced for the resumption of the Covid-interrupted 2019-20 season, to part of the formal Prem rulebook, were defeated by a rebellion of the smaller clubs.

But after football’s lawmakers, the International Football Association Board, confirmed a permanent adoption of five substitutes from June 1, another vote will be held by the 20 clubs today.

And Prem chiefs expect the proposal to be accepted in principle to be formally adopted for next season at the annual general meeting in June.

A key factor in the U-turn is the support for the idea from players, captains and managers who agreed that player fatigue was an issue that needed to be addressed.

Read More Sport

FOOTY LATEST

Azpilicueta to Barcelona LATEST, PSG in for Antony, Kalvin Phillips UPDATE

It has been pointed out that the Prem is the only one of the main European leagues to have stuck with three substitutes.

Under Prem rules, two thirds of the 20 clubs - 14 - must vote in favour for a rule change to be introduced.

But Prem bosses believe they now have that majority in place and that the proposal will be passed.

It comes as PFA chief executive Maheta Molango suggested English teams would be in a weaker position in important European matches if their players were more tired compared to those at continental clubs.

Most read in Football

MOR OR LESS

Ruben Amorim has theory on who's behind bombshell Marcus Rashford interview

COBBLED TOGETHER

Prem legend returns to management after six years out at Northampton

SQUEAKY CHUM TIME

Old Trafford infested with mice with droppings discovered in food kiosk

RED (AND YELLOW) DEVIL

Former Man Utd star goes incognito but is instantly spotted by fans

FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS - BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

Molango, speaking in Doha ahead of the Fifa Congress, said: “Our position is quite clear. 

“It is a situation that should never have been a debate in the first place because it’s a player welfare issue.

“In the global market if all the other leagues have five subs and we have three that means we will be in a worse position when it comes to the big games.

“We want need to start thinking more collectively and think that if our teams are thriving in Europe that is a good thing.”