International Board ‘recommends’ keeping the five substitutions in football matches

The International Board (IFAB), in a virtual meeting this Wednesday, presented as a recommendation that, in relation to the five changes set in 2020 for soccer games, this regulation it stays, although the decision will run by the organization of each tournament.

For the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in world football, In May 2020 the IFAB Board of Directors approved an amendment to the football regulations allowing a total of five substitutions on teams during soccer games.

The rule was in principle temporary and it was to end with the completion of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, in December.

However, IFAB noted that “following a series of requests from confederations, associations, leagues and other key stakeholders ”, the body in charge of defining the rules in world football “Recommends” that the regulation be extended permanently.

The entity pointed out that “competitions should be able to decide on increasing the number of substitutes according to the needs of their football environment, while the current number of substitution opportunities (three stoppages of the game, plus half time) should remain the same ”.

The regulations aimed to help teams to cope more easily with schedules heavily loaded with matches after the stoppage due to the first confinements due to the pandemic.

Another topic under analysis of the meeting was the Conmebol’s request to consider an increase in the half-time interval from 15 to 25 minutes, Several members shared their concerns, particularly regarding the possible negative impact on the well-being and safety of the players as a result of a longer period of inactivity.

The entity stated that Meeting comments will be presented at the IFAB Annual Business Meeting on November 25, 2021, where the agenda will be set for the Annual General Meeting from March 4-5, 2022, to be held in Zurich, Switzerland. (D)