(Football news) The Premier League has confirmed that five substitutions will be permitted per match next season while the summer transfer window dates have also been revealed. At a shareholder meeting on Thursday, top flight clubs voted in favor of the substitution rule change which was originally introduced in May 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but the rule was reverted back to three substitutions from the 2020/21 campaign onwards.
The Premier League has also confirmed that the summer transfer window will open on Friday June 10 and will close at 11pm on Thursday September 1 and has said that only symptomatic patients will be tested for COVID-19 from Monday onwards. A statement released by the Premier League said “Premier League Shareholders met today and discussed a range of matters. Clubs agreed to change the rules relating to substitute players. From next season, clubs will be permitted to use five substitutions, to be made on three occasions during a match, with an additional opportunity at half-time. A total of nine substitutes can be named on the team sheet.
"In addition, the Premier League has today updated its remaining COVID-19 measures. From 4 April, the League will remove twice-weekly COVID-19 testing of players and staff and move to symptomatic testing only. Other key updates include the removal of the requirement for clinical passports to access previously restricted areas at training grounds and on match days as the Premier League returns to business-as-usual operations. The wellbeing of players and staff remains a priority and the Premier League will continue to monitor the national COVID-19 situation and adapt League-wide protocols as required, in line with the latest guidance from public health authorities and medical experts."
In an interview, Maheta Molango, chief executive of the PFA reiterated that the decision to reintroduce five substitutions was to tackle player fatigue. "When meeting our members, the most common issue they want to discuss is the impact of fixture congestion," Molango said. "It's clear to me that the number of games being played is directly affecting players' health and wellbeing. The adoption of this rule is a welcome step forward in what needs to be an ongoing effort to address issues with player fatigue, making sure they have the opportunity to perform at their best and to maintain the competitive edge that makes English football the best in the world."
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