How many substitutions can Premier League teams make this season and how do the intervals work?
WITH a new Premier League season comes a fresh sense of hope - but it has also meant some rule changes too.
Clubs in England's top division have voted in favour to increase the amount of substitutions allocated in a match.
But how many subs have been granted and what does it mean for the stoppages in play?
How many substitutions can Premier League teams make this season?
Premier League teams have agreed to five substitutes being permitted during each match in the upcoming season.
This was a rule that was introduced back in May 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic but the league reverted back to three subs in the 2020/21 campaign.
Ten-top flight clubs were reportedly against re-introducing the rule as they claimed that it would be a huge disadvantage to the smaller sides.
However the chair of the Professional Footballers Association Maheta Molango believes that having five subs in place ensures players get a chance to recover properly between matches.
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How will the intervals work?
A total of nine substitutes can be named on the bench by either side and five substitutes can be introduced during the match.
But clubs have to make their five subs in just three intervals and CANNOT stop the game five times to make their changes.
However, there will be an additional opportunity to make a switch at half-time and concussion subs will still be allowed.
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What has been said?
PFA chief executive Maheta Molango further highlighted how the extra changes would help players fatigue issues.
Molango said: "When meeting our members, the most common issue they want to discuss is the impact of fixture congestion.
"It's clear to me that the number of games being played is directly affecting players' health and wellbeing.
"The adoption of this rule is a welcome step forward in what needs to be an ongoing effort to address issues with player fatigue, making sure they have the opportunity to perform at their best and to maintain the competitive edge that makes English football the best in the world."