The Premier League are set to introduce a five substitutes ruling following an unanimous ruling from its current clubs, according to The Times. Following 'Project Restart' back in June of 2020, teams were permitted to use an extra two players from the bench, with the law likely to be changed permanently in time for the start of the 2022/23 season.
Newcastle United had previously voted against the proposed changes, citing an unfair advantage for the clubs with larger squad depth, although it now seems likely to be given the green light. The issue is due to be voted on once again by all top-flight teams at a Premier League stakeholders meeting in London.
At present, England's elite are the only country not to introduce the ruling, with all other top European leagues having already implemented the change. The Premier League has since reverted back to the traditional three-substitute limit, which was seen changed at the beginning of last season.
READ MORE: Your chance to win tickets to The Everything is Black and White Podcast LIVE
Recent meetings between club captains and managers have also debated the issue, with large numbers now calling for the increase to be approved. Ten clubs had previously voted against increasing the limit again in December 2020, with that now likely to change unanimously.
The Professional Footballers Association has also been pushing hard for the increase, with chief executive Maheta Molango, insisting English teams would be at a disadvantage compared to their European counterparts in competitions such as the UEFA Champions League.
Speaking in Doha before the FIFA Congress, Molango said: “Our position is quite clear. It is a situation that should never have been a debate in the first place because it’s a player welfare issue.
"In the global market if all the other leagues have five subs and we have three that means we will be in a worse position when it comes to the big games. We want need to start thinking more collectively and think that if our teams are thriving in Europe that is a good thing.”
