Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder says IFAB concussion trial is more sensible than allowing five substitutes in a game

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder believes IFAB’s plan to introduce additional permanent concussion substitutes is ‘more sensible’ than allowing clubs to make five changes in a game.
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Football's lawmakers have approved "extensive trials" for additional permanent concussion substitutes, giving the go-ahead for trials to start from January 2021.

Two different protocols will be trialled - in the first, a team can make one additional change if a concussion is suspected, but the opposition cannot make an extra change.

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In the second, which the FA has confirmed it wants to trial, teams are allowed up to two concussion substitutes. For each additional substitute introduced, the opposition will be able to make the same number of changes to counter any perception of an unfair advantage being gained.

It is understood the Premier League is waiting to see the detail of the concussion protocol from IFAB before making a decision.

Its clubs are meeting on Thursday, and there could be a vote on when and if to make the change at that meeting.

When asked at his press conference earlier today about the idea of introducing concussion substitutes, Wilder said: "I think that's a more sensible approach to it.

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"I've talked long and hard about my opposition to the five subs (rule) and, as I keep saying, I don't think there's been enough stats or clear, credible evidence that we need to change that, especially midway through the season on a third vote.

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder. Photo: Simon Bellis/SportimageSheffield United manager Chris Wilder. Photo: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder. Photo: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

"In terms of the concussion one, that is obviously plain to see regarding a quick examination by the medical staff and doctors that that player needs to be replaced. I'll leave that with the medical one - the other one, I don't feel there is enough evidence on the table."

United have had experience of the concussion protocols this season, after Max Lowe was forced off just minutes into his Premier League debut against Fulham after colliding with Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham confirmed the five-substitution amendment would be adopted for this season's FA Cup, stating it was a "player welfare" issue. He expressed "surprise" that the Premier League had not adopted it for the 2020-21 season.

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