Overview
- Representatives from Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest joined peers in Rome for the EFC general assembly, where the topic surfaced privately.
- The discussions considered lifting the in-game substitution cap from five to six and expanding registered squads from 25 to 28 to help manage congested schedules and injuries.
- The talks were not on the official agenda and no formal proposal or timeline has been submitted to IFAB for consideration.
- Sources close to the PFA questioned whether larger registered squads would reduce workload or mental fatigue, noting that non-playing members still travel and prepare.
- UEFA, the EFC, FIFPRO Europe and European Leagues launched a June study on injuries and welfare, as Premier League data since the five-sub rule shows a marked rise in goals by substitutes.