The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has ratified a temporary rule change to allow teams to make five substitutions per match to help players cope with the return from the coronavirus-enforced break.
And in an effort to make up for potential delays, it has given leagues express permission to temporarily scrap the use of VAR should they choose to.
Football's law-makers agreed to the substitution proposal, put forward by world governing body FIFA, because of expected fixture congestion over the coming months as various leagues aim to finish their current seasons in a shortened period of time.
To reduce potential stoppages, the rule change stipulates that teams will only be able to make substitutions at three separate times during play, as well as at half-time.
It could come into effect in the Bundesliga when the German top flight resumes on May 15, but the decision to implement the rule change is at the discretion of each individual league.
That option will remain for any season that is scheduled to finish in 2020, with a review into maintaining the rule change to be carried out at a later date.
In a second, altogether more surprising announcement, IFAB has adjusted its rules on VAR.
Any competitions that have been using Video Assistant Referee technology can temporarily stop doing so should they choose to.
Responsible gambling
We are committed in our support of responsible gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.
Sky Bet's responsible gambling tools are detailed here and if you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, or visit begambleaware.org.
Further support and information can be found at GamCare and gamblingtherapy.org.
