Premier League clubs vote against retaining five substitutions rule

Premier League clubs on Thursday voted against retaining the five substitution rule for the 2020-21 season.

Following the resumption of the 2019-20 campaign in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, clubs were allowed to name nine substitutes and make five alterations during matches to support player welfare.

Some clubs wanted the new regulation carried over but the Premier League confirmed they were voted down at Thursday morning's annual general meeting, held virtually, where all 20 members also backed changes to the video assistant referee as the system is to fall in line with FIFA protocol.

"At the Premier League's Annual General Meeting today, Shareholders agreed to rules relating to VAR and substitute players for the 2020/21 season," the statement read.

"Shareholders unanimously approved the implementation of VAR, in line with the full FIFA VAR protocol.

"Clubs also agreed to revert back to using up to three substitute players per match, with a maximum of seven substitutes on the bench."

- TEAMtalk media