By Martin Graham
Europe’s top football teams, including several in England’s top flight, have held discussions behind the scenes about introducing six substitutions per game.
The issue arose during the European Football Clubs (EFC) general assembly in Rome, where officials and representatives addressed various concerns related to the sport. Although not part of the official agenda, clubs have privately mooted the possibility of admitting 28-man squads instead of the current 25, along with the proposed increased substitutions.
Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, arsenali Nottingham Forest were among the Premier League teams present. Any adjustments to the rules would require a recommendation from the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and no timetable has been set for possible changes.
The above changes paved the way for the debate
The Premier League made five substitutions for the first time in May 2020, shortly before the competition resumed during the coronavirus shutdown. The following campaign saw three changes again, but the five-subs rule returned for good in 2022–23 after a club vote.
An additional substitution is allowed for players with suspected head injuries, currently allowing coaches to make six substitutions in just those specific situations.
Team size increase seen as a response to player fatigue
Some club officials believe expanding matchday groups to three could help ease the physical toll on players, particularly after growing concerns about fixture congestion and travel demands.
by Archie Gray Last season’s experience has been used as an example. The Tottenham defender participated in 80 matchday teams in competitions by club and country, as did Real Madrid. Arda Guler for more appearances in Europe. The 19-year-old played 48 times, helping Spurs lift the Europa League and contributing to England’s European Under-21 triumph.
However, sources close to the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) have questioned whether bigger teams would really ease the pressures. They argue that players should still travel, train and prepare mentally, even if they are unused substitutes.
Studies were initiated to examine workload and injury
In June, UEFA, EFC, FIFPro Europe and the European Leagues launched a study to look at different types of injuries, performance levels and well-being among footballers.
FIFPro’s latest annual report highlighted how extensive travel and match preparations add to players’ work commitments, even when they are not on the pitch. “These occasions also form part of the player’s working time commitments,” the report notes.
The EFC, which represents more than 800 clubs from 55 nations, includes heavyweights such as Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milani Barcelona.
Five substitutes led to more goals from the bench
The introduction of the five-subs rule has significantly influenced the Premier League’s scoring trends. Substitute targets accounted for 4.7% of total strikes in 1992-93, increasing gradually over the years.
In 2021-22, this figure stood at 9.8%, then increased to 12.7% when managers were allowed two additional changes. The upward trajectory has continued, with the contributions of substitutes reaching a record 16.1% this season.
Between 1995-96 and 2018-19, substitutes scored an average of 96 times per campaign. In three full seasons with the five-sub system, that number has risen to 146 goals per season, with further growth expected this year.
Limited effect on decisive targets and substitution patterns
Although substitute goals have increased overall, their impact on match results has not changed dramatically. The most game-winning goals scored by substitutes was in 2023-24, with 36 decisive strikes.
Despite the expanded roster, teams don’t always make full use of their options. Since the change, clubs have used all five substitutions in 43% of matches. By contrast, before the 2020 Covid-19 suspension, sides used their full three changes in 59% of matches.
