ZURICH (Switzerland): FIFA has proposed up to five substitutions per match, instead of the usual three, as a temporary measure to help cope with potential fixture congestion in the aftermath of novel coronavirus outbreak.
“One concern in this regard is that the higher-than-normal frequency of matches may increase the risk of potential injuries due to a resulting player overload,” FIFA said in a statement.
Clubs such as Manchester City face an intense program in three competitions if games can safely restart in the coming weeks.
City could have 19 more games — 10 in the Premier League, up to six in the Champions League and up to three in the FA Cup — being scheduled in as few as 10 weeks through August.
Juventus could need 20 more: 12 in Serie A, up to six in the Champions League, and two Coppa Italia games.
The proposal must be signed off by the rule-making panel, known as IFAB.
FIFA on March 16 rang its support to the World Health Organisation by introducing a responsiveness campaign that would help tackle the virus.
“We all know the situation with the coronavirus is a serious one, and we need to put health first. These are the five key tactics to tackle the coronavirus, and I urge you to follow with discipline at all times, these five key tactics,” said FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsene Wenger.
