FIFA proposes use of 5 substitutions

FIFA has proposed a new temporary rule which allows football teams to make five substitutions in order to help clubs with the congested schedules which could occur when the season resumes.

Due to the outbreak of the coronavirus most European leagues have been suspended for more than a month putting the completion of the European leagues at risk.

As a result, FIFA proposed a temporary rule which will allow teams to make up to 5 substitutions in order to avoid players from getting injured due to the overwhelmed period of games, according to BBC Sport.

"Safety of the players is one of Fifa's main priorities. One concern in this regard is that the higher-than-normal frequency of matches may increase the risk of potential injuries due to a resulting player overload," FIFA’s spokesperon told BBC Sport.

The proposal still has to be approved by the International Football Association Board in order for it to be processed to each country’s domestic Football Association, as reported by BBC Sport.

Then, each domestic Football Association will decide whether they would like to implement the rule in their own league competition.

Lastly, if implemented this temporary rule is expected to be valid until the end of the 2021 season on the club level. While, for national teams the rule will be valid until 31 December 2021.