Players union backs four subs idea

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Angel Di Maria (left) replaced Juan Mata during Manchester United's victory against Manchester City

Football's global players' union FIFPro is backing the idea of allowing a fourth substitute in games.

The International Football Association Board, the sport's rule-making body, have twice
rejected proposals*
to allow an additional substitute in extra time of knockout matches.

But they have requested that more research be carried out on the idea.

In a FIFPro poll of players across all continents, 84% supported the idea of a fourth substitute in some form.

"The response to our survey is overwhelming," said FIFPro general-secretary Theo van Seggelen.

"Whether only applied to extra time or during the regulation 90 minutes, professional footballers worldwide surveyed by FIFPro see a need to add a fourth substitute.

"It's a position that will challenge traditional views, but the players have one of the most important roles in this debate."

Fifpro selected a representative sample of players from 27 countries and gave them the choice of three answers.

Out of 244 responses, 39 players (16%) said they were totally against a fourth substitution.

Of the remainder, 119 players (49%) were in favour of a fourth substitute but said the additional change should only be allowed in extra time. A total of 86 players (35%) were in favour of a fourth substitution even in matches of 90 minutes.

"Our research is representative of players on all continents and they have clearly shown a preference for the game to evolve and show greater flexibility, especially during matches that go to extra time," said Van Seggelen.

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