Premier League Clubs Vote Against Five Substitute Law Change

Premier League clubs have once again rejected the proposed introduction of five substitutions in the English top flight - but clubs will now be able to name nine substitutes on the bench.

Teams were permitted to make five substitutions following Project Restart in order to aid player welfare during the congested fixture period, but the new law was scrapped ahead of the 2020/21 season as the English top flight reverted back to three substitutes.

However, five subs have continued to be used in the Champions League and in top domestic leagues across Europe, while the EFL introduced the measures in November.

With top six clubs having to contend with an intense fixture schedule as they balance domestic and European commitments, there have been calls from the Premier League's elite to reintroduce the law, and this was said to be gathering support across the division.

However, the Sun report that the notion has again been voted down for the third time this season in a meeting on Thursday, with ten clubs voting in favour and ten clubs voting against. The previous two votes on the matter had both ended 11-9 against.

A 14-6 majority is required in the Premier League for a law regulation to be passed.

In a minor win for top six clubs, teams will now be allowed to have nine substitutes named on the bench as opposed to seven.

The five subs law has been dividing opinion up and down the Premier League this season, with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp one of the most passionate supporters of the law change.

The Premier League released a statement on Thursday, revealing: "Shareholders also approved an amendment to Premier League rules to increase the number of substitutes a club may include in their team sheet from seven to nine, from Match Round 14 in Season 2020/21 only."

The Reds have been the victim of a substantial injury crisis this season as they go about defending their Premier League title - but Klopp opted to not use a single substitute during Wednesday evening's victory over Tottenham.

Chris Wilder has come in for heavy criticism from Klopp due to his desire to keep substitutions down to three, with the Sheffield United boss pointing to the unfair advantage that those with greater squad depth will enjoy.