Leeds United subject to new EFL substitutions rule following relegation from Premier League

Leeds United will be permitted to use five substitutes from a possible nine during matches in the Championship this coming season, the EFL has announced.
By Joe Donnohue
Published 29th Jun 2023, 17:15 BST
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Clubs in England’s second tier had previously been limited to three substitutions during matches, selected from a maximum of seven named on the bench. That has now changed, per a new ruling introduced by the EFL on Thursday, June 29 after consultation with clubs.

A statement from the league read: “Following a discussion by EFL Clubs regarding the number of substitutes named in matchday squads, Championship Clubs have opted to use five substitutes from nine named (an increase from seven named) from the 2023-24 season.

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“Clubs in League One and League Two will continue to use five substitutes from seven named on the bench.

Leeds United's English head coach Sam Allardyce (R) shakes hands with Leeds United's Dutch striker Crysencio Summerville (L) as he prepares to come on as a substitute (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)Leeds United's English head coach Sam Allardyce (R) shakes hands with Leeds United's Dutch striker Crysencio Summerville (L) as he prepares to come on as a substitute (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
Leeds United's English head coach Sam Allardyce (R) shakes hands with Leeds United's Dutch striker Crysencio Summerville (L) as he prepares to come on as a substitute (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)

“In accordance with the League’s Articles of Association each Division is able to propose and adopt amendments or alterations to a variety of fixture related matters, including the number of substitutes.”

The Premier League green lit the use of five substitutions per match during 2022/23, following the lead of several major European leagues, after an impact assessment was made regarding player burnout. It followed research that suggested the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic could detrimentally affect players with high workloads, whilst also factoring in the repercussions of a mid-season FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The EFL has confirmed they will now follow suit, meaning the number of substitutes Leeds are allowed to use will remain the same as they were permitted in the Premier League.

Related topics:Premier LeagueEFLEnglandLeague Two