The Premier League has rejected a move to five substitutions for the third time, despite mounting pressure from the top flight’s biggest clubs, the FA and Professional Footballers’ Association.
Executives of the 20 top flight clubs met today and again voted down a proposal to increase the number of substitutes that can be used in a match from three to five.
The issue has bitterly divided Premier League clubs all season, with Sheffield United’s Chris Wilder, a staunch opponent of the change, and Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp, an enthusiastic supporter, each accusing the other of being ‘selfish’,
Five substitutions were allowed in the Premier League when matches began again following the national lockdown last season in order to ease the pressure on players as matches came thick and fast.
However, Premier League clubs voted against extending the five subs rule in August and again in September, with each ballot reportedly finishing 11-9 against. There must be 14 top-flight clubs in favour to implement a rule change.
Pressure has mounted for the change in recent weeks as the Professional Footballers’ Association and the FA have come out strongly in favour.