IFAB: extension of five substitutes per team option until 31/12/2022

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has extended the possibility of allowing teams to make up to five substitutions per match (instead of three) "in all top-level competitions scheduled to be completed by 31/12/2022," announced the Board during an ordinary meeting held by videoconference on 28/05/2021.

The period indicated notably includes the XXII World Cup organised in Qatar from 21/11 to 18/12/2022, but not the 2022-23 domestic championships which will end after 31/12/2022.

The decision (regarding a "temporary amendment to Law 3 - The Players", Laws of the Game 2021-22, available to download) follows a global analysis of the ongoing impact of Covid-19 on football, as well as representations from several key stakeholders from across the football community," explained IFAB, who first introduced the measure on 08/05/2020 (Circulars n°19 to 23, available to download).

"The temporary amendment is aimed at supporting player welfare, in particular where schedules have been disrupted, often leading to competitions being played in a condensed period," added the…