Ipswich Town look to benefit from substitutions in EFL being increased from three to five

Ipswich Town are set to be able to benefit from using more of their squad across their Sky Bet League One matches after the permitted number of substitutions was increased from three to five per match.

It comes after calls for an increase due to the extra demands put on the players in a condensed season and will mirror the situation in the Premier League on its resumption after the first Covid-19 lockdown.

The new ruling will come into effect from 12 noon on Friday, meaning Town will be able to use five substitutes – only in three stoppages, excluding half-time – in Saturday's home game with Shrewsbury Town (3pm).

It will be seen as good news for Town who have one of the biggest squads in the league but having gone out of all the cup competitions, have reduced opportunities to utilise their fringe players.

An EFL statement read: "Following consultation with clubs, the EFL Board has agreed to increase the permitted number of substitutes to five in all Sky Bet EFL fixtures taking place from 12 noon on Friday 20 November for the remainder of the 2020/21 season.

"Regulation 33.4 has been amended to permit:

• Championship Clubs to name up to nine substitutes in their matchday squad, with five permitted to take to the pitch in any fixture.

• League One and League Two Clubs can name up to seven substitutes in their match day squad, again with five permitted to take to the pitch.

• In line with the decisions of the International FA Board (IFAB) each team is only permitted a maximum of three opportunities (excluding half-time) to make substitutions during the match."

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