The Premier League could soon undergo another major rule change. Discussions are underway to allow six substitutes per game and expand squad size to 28 players. The move is being actively explored by top clubs across Europe to address player fatigue and fixture congestion. The proposals gained momentum during the European Football Clubs (EFC) general assembly in Rome last week.
Notably, the conference was first since the body was rebranded from the European Club Association. The EFC now represents 820 clubs from 55 UEFA nations, with 17 of the 20 Premier League sides, including Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United among its members. The discussions were driven by growing concerns over the relentless schedule faced by modern footballers.
With an ever-expanding calendar of domestic, European and international fixtures, clubs are searching for ways to protect players from burnout. The introduction of six substitutes is being considered a realistic next step after the successful adoption of the five-substitute rule after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The proposed 28-man squad limit would also give managers greater flexibility in rotation and team selection. It could allow them to rest key players while giving opportunities to developing talents. However, insiders note that the move would increase financial strain on clubs, adding more contracts, wages, and transfer-related costs.
The idea has divided opinion among stakeholders. While FIFPro, the global players’ union, supports measures that prioritize player welfare, it has also floated an alternative of a 55-match annual cap per player. However, clubs have largely rejected that proposal. Meanwhile, the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) in England remains skeptical that larger squads alone would solve the problem. It pointed out that players would still travel and train intensively regardless of match involvement, contributing to mental and physical fatigue.
Any change would require approval from football’s lawmaking body IFAB (International Football Association Board) before being implemented. Though still in the discussion phase, the proposal will tackle the growing urgency to tackle the player overload crisis in modern football. With stars like Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Levi Colwill recently sidelined due to fatigue-related injuries, the push for reform is gaining traction among Europe’s biggest clubs.
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