Premier League managers are to put pressure on clubs to allow five substitutes, after 15 bosses backed a change in the rule at a meeting yesterday.
Several managers, including West Ham’s David Moyes and Crystal Palace’s Roy Hodgson, have changed their position on the issue following a rise in player injuries, even though it would still favour the top-flight elite with bigger squads.
Bosses are now ready to lobby clubs to reintroduce the five substitutes rule to deal with a hectic fixture list caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. EFL clubs have voted to allow five subs per match, which will come into force from tomorrow, and the Premier League is the only major competition in Europe which only allows just three changes.
England manager Gareth Southgate has also backed five substitutes.
Premier League clubs have voted against a change in the regulations twice already and Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said last week that he did not expect the rule to change.
Now managers have thrown their weight behind five substitutes, 14 clubs need to vote in favour of it for the regulations to come into force.
This weekend get a £10 free bet with Betfair, when you bet £10 on a Same Game Multi on the Premier League.
Terms: Min £10 Same Game Multi bet on any EPL match this Fri - Sun. Free bet valid for 72 hours, awarded at bet settlement. Excludes cashed out bets. T&Cs apply.
