EFL vote to increase number of substitutions permitted to Portsmouth, Sunderland, Ipswich, Hull, Charlton and rest of League One

Pompey boss Kenny Jackett substitutes Ellis Harrison and Marcus Harness against Bolton last season. Picture: Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.com

Sky Sports reports that the rule change will come in with immediate effect – starting with Friday night’s Championship clash between Coventry and Birmingham.

It means Pompey will be able to make two more substitutions when they take on Crewe at Fratton Park on Saturday.

There have been plenty of managers in the game – including England boss Gareth Southgate – who have clamoured for clubs to be allowed more than the traditional three subs given the nature of this season.

The later start date and condensed campaign means there have been concerns for player welfare and the added risk of injuries it brings.

When the 2019-20 Premier League and Championship seasons restarted after the first national lockdown amid the Covid-19 crisis, five substitutions were permitted.

Pompey were also allowed to make five changes in both legs of their League One play-off semi-final penalty shootout defeat to Oxford.

Although Premier League clubs voted against a five-substitution rule August heading into the 2020-21 season, Sky Sports reports a vote from EFL clubs will now increase the number of player changes that managers can make in the Championship, League One and League Two.

It could also mean teams are allowed nine players on the bench rather than seven.