SUB-MISSION

Magpies chief calls for change in stoppage row

- Matt Badcock

CHORLEY manager Andy Preece believes player welfare is at risk with the new time added-on initiative – and is calling for clubs to be allowed to make five subs.

Following last year’s World Cup in Qatar that regularly saw lengthy stoppage time in matches, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) have ordered referees to get strict on time wasting and tot up the exact minutes for substitutions, goal celebrations, injuries, red cards and set- pieces.

In the EFL last Saturday, the average time added on was over 16 minutes.

Premier League stars including Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne and Manchester United defender Raphael Varane have criticised the changes and questioned the impact it will have on players’ bodies.

Magpies boss Preece says that is even more reason for a re-think and to look at increasing the number of substitutions from three to five.

Currently, Steps 1-4 can only make three changes while Step 5 and 6 clubs are in line with the higher levels of the game in being allowed five, in three windows. National League clubs opted against the move at the 2022 AGM but Preece believes the new rules mean they should be given the chance to reconsider and a change made with immediate effect.