Premier League clubs REJECT allowing five substitutes despite a split across the top flight with 11 teams voting for a return to three subs over fears of an unfair advantage for the Big Six
- Premier League clubs have voted against allowing five substitutes next season
- A total of 11 top-flight teams shared their disapproval over the divisive proposal
- The ruling means that three replacements can be made as standard in the future
- The dissenting voices claimed that the rule had benefited bigger clubs more
Premier League clubs have voted against extending the five substitutes rule into next season.
A total of 11 top-flight teams shared their disapproval with the proposal at a shareholding meeting held on Thursday morning.
The ruling means that just three substitutes, as standard, will be allowed to be introduced during domestic games next season.
Premier League clubs have voted against extending the five substitutes rule into next season
The dissenting voices came from outside the elite clubs in the division, with concerns raised that being able to substitute on more players would be of greater benefit to wealthier clubs.
The three newly-promoted teams – Leeds, West Brom and Fulham – are among those to have voted against five substitutes. They are instead keen to return to just three, with a bench made up of seven players.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are believed to have heavily backed the adoption of the current rule once again.
11 top flight teams had shared their disapproval with the proposal at a shareholding meeting
The west London outfit reportedly attempted to push their top-flight peers into ensuring that the same rule was adopted for the next campaign.
League rules state that 14 votes must be placed in favour of any change in order for it to be adopted.
The five-substitute rule was introduced, along with drinks breaks, after the coronavirus-enforced hiatus to ensure that players were protected.
The new rule was introduced for the league’s restart to avoid physical strain on the players
Up to nine players could be named on the bench as part of the measure, although changes were required to be made on a maximum of three different occasions to prevent a constant break-up of play.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) gave the green light to proposals permitting five replacements next season last month.
But the Premier League had not confirmed whether they would be falling in line amid heavy criticism over the divisive law change – and a vote was taken at today’s meeting.