Rangers affected as IFAB reach decision on subtitutes for 20/21 season

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Up to five subs will be allowed next season in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) have announced.

The ruling will leave it up to individual associations to make their own mind up on whether or not to implement the move for season 20/21.

This decision directly impacts Rangers as they continue their preparations ahead of the new season.

“Following the decision taken on 8 May 2020 to give competitions scheduled to be completed in 2020 the option of allowing teams to use up to five substitutes, The IFAB Board of Directors had agreed to review whether to extend this option further,” reads an IFAB statement.

“On the basis of this in-depth review, which included stakeholder feedback and an analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on competition calendars, The IFAB Board of Directors has extended the option to competitions scheduled to be completed by 31 July 2021 and to international competitions scheduled to take place in July/August 2021.

“The main reason for the temporary amendment to Law 3 – The Players was the impact on player welfare of competitions being played in a condensed period and in different weather conditions.”

As part of the decision and to avoid disruptions in the match, each team will only have three opportunities to make their five substitutions.

This will prevent the match from slowing down any or managers throwing caution to the wind later in the game.

The decision to implement the five-substitute rule will come at the “discretion” of competition organisers which means the SPFL will have the final say.

With the Scottish Premiership season set to kick off on August 1^st clubs across the country will be eager to find out what the situation is ahead of the Scottish season.