Rule changes as Leeds United are officially introduced to the new Premier League

Clubs had been allowed to use five substitutes as part of an increased match-day squad of 20 after the English football resumed following the 15-week pause to the season in the country's ongoing battle against coronavirus.

The rule change was brought in an attempt to protect player welfare but Premier League clubs have now voted to return to the system of being allowed to use just three substitutes as part of a squad of 18.

Clubs voted on the matter at Thursday's Annual General Meeting but the proposal to take the new rules into 2020/21 campaign did not receive the 14 of the 20 votes required to pass.

Shareholders also unanimously approved the implementation of VAR, in line with the full FIFA VAR protocol.

The AGM sees the season officially change from 2019/20 to 2020/21.

The three clubs who were relegated in 2019/20 - AFC Bournemouth, Watford and Norwich City - transfer back the share certificates that gave them Premier League status.

The Premier League Board of Directors then confirm the cancellation of these shares.

A new share certificate for each of the promoted clubs is signed by the Premier League directors and company secretary.

As required under company law, the three clubs then enter into the share register.

As a result the confirmation of the three promoted clubs as members of the Premier League is made at the AGM, with the League formally welcoming them as they are awarded their framed share certificates.

A statement om the rule changes read: "At the Premier League’s Annual General Meeting today, Shareholders agreed to rules relating to Video Assistant Referees (VAR) and substitute players for the 2020/21 season.

"Shareholders unanimously approved the implementation of VAR, in line with the full FIFA VAR protocol.

"Clubs also agreed to revert back to using up to three substitute players per match, with a maximum of seven substitutes on the bench."

A message from the Editor:

Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890.

We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds.

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/why-yorkshire-evening-post-needs-your-support-laura-collins-yep-editor-2913382

Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app.

With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Click here to subscribe.

For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you Laura Collins