FROM next season, EFL clubs will be allowed to make five substitutions in league games after the previous rules only allowed three.

The rule change came following an Annual General Meeting in which clubs ruled in favour of the increase in substitutes. The rule changes will affect Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Hartlepool United.

Clubs will be allowed to name seven subs for league games with no more than five will be allowed to brought onto the pitch. However, teams will only have three opportunities during the game to make the subs. This may be an avoidance tactic to stop the game being interrupted too much.

Substitutions made at half-time will not count towards the three opportunities in the game as it is doesn’t interfere with the timing of the game.