Ever since soccer leagues around Europe and the rest of the world have returned from the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the notable changes that have been implemented is the introduction of a five substitution rule which increases the number of players that coaches can bring off of the bench.
The IFAB, the overseeing governing body for association football around the world, is reportedly planning to extend that rule change for the 2020-21 season due to concerns about player fitness.
Leagues such as La Liga and the Premier League have played games at a frenetic rhythm ever since returning from the coronavirus-caused break, which was the reason given for the five substitutes rule.
Normally, teams are only allowed to bring in three players off of the bench during a match. The five substitutions rule allows two more fresh players to be brought onto the pitch during the course of a game.
In the 2020-21 season, at least, this new rule appears to be set to stick around as soccer organizations look to protect player health and safety in the wake of the pandemic.
Whether or not this rule is around to stay for good is yet to be seen, but teams and coaches can now at least keep this change in mind for the upcoming season as they begin to build rosters and strategies.
