EFL clubs to debate major change that would benefit Sunderland, Portsmouth, Ipswich Town, Sheffield Wednesday & co

It follows a similar move by the Premier League clubs last week ahead of next season.

Clubs are currently allowed to make three substitutions during a game and the debate over whether to extend that has divided opinion, with many arguing it would then favour those clubs with larger squads.

The likes of Sunderland, Portsmouth, Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich Town would be among those clubs to benefit should the rule change come in next season amid reports of a summer vote.

Sunderland – who beat Gillingham with a last-minute Nathan Broadhead winner on Saturday at the Stadium of Light – are battling for promotion.

Despite Premier league clubs, including Newcastle, previously voting against this change due to complaints that it would give clubs with bigger squads an unfair advantage, the ruling has now been agreed - meaning clubs can name nine substitutes on the bench and make five substitutes throughout the course of a match at three intervals - with an additional interval at half-time.

And there are now reports in the Mirror that EFL clubs will debate introducing similar changes this summer.

The Mirror report: “Clubs in the English Football League (EFL) will formally vote on whether to re-introduce the five substitutes rule in the summer.”

They add: “The vote is expected to take place in the summer. Five substitutes are currently allowed in cup competitions such as the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, whilst the Champions League also allows five alterations to be made.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor