PREMIER LEAGUE refs will be told to report any managers they fear are ‘gaming’ the new concussion rules.
The 20 clubs will tomorrow confirm the adoption of the Fifa-led trial allowing for two permanent concussion substitutes.
Prem refs will be told to report any managers they fear are ‘gaming’ the new concussion rulesCredit: Rex Features
But fears over cynical bosses getting uninjured stars to ‘play hurt’ and allowing them to send on extra ‘free’ substitutes have been discussed by club bosses.
And in a bid to ease those fears, referees and other match officials will be ordered to contact the Prem if they have any belief that a manager has taken advantage of the new Law to influence a game unfairly.
The official protocols for the introduction of the new Law will be agreed by the ‘shareholders’ at Wednesday’s virtual meeting.
They say: “The refereeing team must inform the Premier League immediately after the conclusion of the match if they have a concern that an APCS (Additional Permanent Substitutions) was potentially used incorrectly.”
FA chiefs decided that English football would trial the option for two concussion replacements.
That also allows the opposing manager to make extra tactical changes.
The other option allows a single permanent extra replacement for head injuries, with no corresponding tactical change.
That is one Fifa has adopted for next month’s Club World Cup.
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But even though the two substitute approach enables opposing coaches the chance to respond to changes, the concerns over rogue managers ordering uninjured players to feign a head knock are significant and have forced the extra instruction to officials.
It is now understood that the official start date of the trial, which was due to be the full midweek fixtures between Tuesday and Thursday next week, may now be put back.
While the clubs will agree to the trial, there are other details to be confirmed and it may not be introduced until next month.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
