The EFL have confirmed five substitutions can be made by clubs during the 2022/23 season, among a set of new regulations announced including addressing the issue of clashing kits for colour blind fans.
Clubs approved the rise from three to five substitutes at the EFL’s AGM in Chester this week, however those replacements can only be made on three occasions during the match.
So, if a team wants to make four or five they have to ensure multiple substitutes are brought on, although managers can also also make changes during the half-time interval. Clubs can continue to select a maximum of seven substitutes in the matchday squad, keeping the number at 18.
The EFL had introduced five substitutes for the end of the 2019/20 season and the Covid-affected 2020/21 campaign, given the number of games condensed into a shortened period of time, but that was scrapped for 2021/22.
“For all league fixtures going forward, clubs will be allowed to name up to seven substitutes on their team sheet with no more than five being able to take part in the match,” an EFL statement read.
“Each club is only permitted a maximum of three opportunities to make substitutions during the fixture and a club may make more than the one substitution at each of its three opportunities. clubs may make substitutions at half time and any substitutions made during this break will not count towards the maximum of three opportunities.”
The EFL also confirmed that home teams can now choose to wear their away or third kit in the event of potential clashes for fixtures, they can also mix and match elements to avoid similar situations to what developed last season.
At Ashton Gate last season, Bristol City played Bournemouth, Barnsley and Stoke City and on each occasion the hosts wore red and the away team green, leading to an obvious issue for fans who have red-green colourblindness and therefore were unable to properly distinguish between the teams.
“The EFL will also play a more active role in helping clubs identify where a potential ‘colour blind kit clash’ may occur to give them adequate notice so that all necessary arrangements can be made in advance,” the statement continued.
The EFL has also confirmed an additional disqualifying condition in its Owners and Directors’ Test for those that have been convicted of a Hate Crime. All regulations are to come into force immediately.
