FIFA set to approve 5 substitutes as football set for return

The world governing body of football, FIFA will approve an increase from three to five substitutions per match. 

This will begin when football returns amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Referees chief, Nicola Rizzoli, says that football’s governing body will accommodate the requests of individual associations.

This will reduce the strain on players with fixture lists across the globe set to become more congested.

“I believe FIFA intend to allow five substitutions.

“In a phase of the season with many games one after the other and in elevated temperatures, we’ll have to all take a step forward to help everyone,” Rizzo, who reffed the 2014 World Cup final, told Sky Italia.

Rizzo added that the referees will need to make, including a reduction in the number of officials in the VAR booth – and the protective equipment they will need to wear.