Chelsea will not have the five substitute rule to bank on next season
According to Sky Sports, Premier League clubs have voted against implementing the five substitute rule for next season.
The decision was taken after a shareholders meeting. The proposal was put forward to again increase the number of substitutions to five in the upcoming season, with a total of nine players on the bench. (h/t Sky Sports)
The motion did not get the required 14 votes required for it’s approval. Clubs will now stick to making just three substitutions with a maximum of seven players on the bench. (h/t Sky Sports)
According to The Times, Chelsea were amongst the teams who were keen to ensure that the five substitute rule is still in use next season.
The Blues saw a number of players injured towards the end of last season. This included both Christian Pulisic and Cesar Azpilicueta who injured their hamstrings in the FA Cup final against Arsenal.
Frank Lampard believed that the club’s taxing schedule played a part in his stars being sidelined.
The club’s stance is understandable given the hectic nature of the upcoming season. With the previous season haviing ended just last month, players are in for a busy year.
Add to it the European Championships and the Copa America that are to be held next season, ensuring players received necessary rest becomes a priority.
The substitute rule was changed last season as a part of Project Restart. It was agreed to allow five substitutions and to increase the matchday squad from 18 to 20. This was done to help players deal with their hectic schedules.
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The meeting also agreed the preferred option is to play the season out to a conclusion if there was to be a second wave of the coronavirus. As of yet, nothing has officially been added to the rule book. (h/t Sky Sports)
Conversations are also ongoing regarding how many games have to be played to consider a season complete. (h/t Sky Sports)