Revealed – Major Talking Points From Latest EFC Assembly Including Increased Number Of Substitutions

Europe’s top clubs gathered for the European Football Clubs’ (EFC) general assembly to address key issues in the sport last week.

According to the BBC via FCInterNews, changing the number of substitutions was among the major talking points during the meeting.

Although not formally scheduled, the clubs held private discussions about expanding matchday squads from 25 to 28 players.

Furthermore, they evaluated the prospect of allowing six substitutes instead of five.

EFC General Assembly Discussed Increased Number of Substitutions

VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Giuseppe Marotta of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Verona and FC Internazionale at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 23, 2024 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Serie A introduced five substitutes in 2020 when football resumed during the coronavirus pandemic.

However, the league reduced the number back to three for the 2020/21 season.

Yet, Italy’s elite division permanently allowed five from the 2022/23 campaign onward.

Moreover, clubs can also use an additional substitute to replace a player with a suspected head injury.

Meanwhile, members of the EFC assembly view three additional squad spots as a way to ease player workload amid a brutal schedule.

Still, it remains uncertain whether 28-man squads would help players avoid overexertion and mental fatigue.