FIFA To Allow Five Substitions – Referees Chief

World football governing body FIFA intends to allow teams to make five substitutions with football set to be played in higher summer temperatures amid the coronavirus pandemic.

This was revealed by Referees chief Nicola Rizzoli in a chat with Sky Sports Italia.

Leagues across the world are looking for ways to resume after delays of two months or more during the virus crisis, which means they will have to play through June and July.

And with fixture lists more congested as leagues attempt to finish their seasons, placing additional strain on the players, FIFA is apparently willing to make accommodations.

Rizzoli, the Italian official who took charge of the 2014 World Cup final and is now a referee designator for Serie A, said one change could be five subs instead of the usual three.

“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.

“We need to behave differently, including when it comes to social distancing, to avoid risks,” Rizzoli said

“We also require a cultural step forward that I hope can be positive for everyone. We are working with UEFA and other major leagues to set out the code of behaviour.

“We’re also working to reduce risks to a minimum, as usually there are four people in the VAR booth, but it would be reduced to three, all of them wearing masks and protective gloves.”