The Premier League have confirmed that sides will be able to make five substitutions in matches from next season.
The governing body have confirmed the change following a vote by Premier League shareholders today. Nine players will continue to be named on the bench, and the substitutions can be made at three different intervals during a match.
Having five substitutes per game has become standard practice across Europe since the start of the pandemic. The Premier League was the only major league in Europe to still have the limit at three.
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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been a strong advocate for the rule change and he reiterated his stance earlier this month ahead of the Champions League clash against Inter Milan. While Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick has also been in favour of the move.
"We played Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday and Tuesday. That's a horrible schedule," Klopp told a recent press conference. "If we can make changes, we will do that. If it's not, it's not. It's essential that we go again for the five subs.
"In one competition we don't have that. It makes so much difference. I don't see why it takes so long to understand that. The Premier League have to save their top players as well. It's not an advantage. It's about quality of football."
A Premier League statement confirmed the change, and it read: “Clubs agreed to change the rules relating to substitute players.
“From next season, clubs will be permitted to use five substitutions, to be made on three occasions during a match, with an additional opportunity at half-time.
"A total of nine substitutes can be named on the team sheet.”
The Premier League has also confirmed that the summer 2022 transfer window will open on June 10, and close on September 1. While the governing body has also introduced new COVID measures that clubs will be expected to follow.
“It was also confirmed that the Summer 2022 Transfer Window will open on 10 June and will close at 23:00 BST on 1 September in line with other European leagues,” the statement continued.
“In addition, the Premier League has today updated its remaining COVID-19 measures.
“From 4 April, the League will remove twice-weekly COVID-19 testing of players and staff and move to symptomatic testing only.
“Other key updates include the removal of the requirement for clinical passports to access previously restricted areas at training grounds and on matchdays as the Premier League returns to business-as-usual operations.
“The wellbeing of players and staff remains a priority and the Premier League will continue to monitor the national COVID-19 situation and adapt League-wide protocols as required, in line with the latest guidance from public health authorities and medical experts.”
