Concussion substitutes could be introduced to the Premier League as early as next week after issues over the players’ confidential medical data were resolved.
As part of a Fifa trial, top-flight clubs agreed on Wednesdayto the addition of two extra permanent substitutes, that may only be used in cases of concussion or suspected concussion.
The trial requires club doctors to share the results of medical procedures involving concussed players with Fifa, with the Premier League saying in a statement that the implementation of the trial would be dependent on clarifying these “reporting processes”.
The Guardian understands, however, that queries over ensuring the privacy of players’ medical information could be resolved quickly, leaving the league free to begin the trials. While this weekend’s fixtures are thought to come too soon, extra subs could be added for a round of matches in the middle of next week or the following weekend.
Clubs had agreed in principle to the trial in December but had awaited full details on its processes before confirming. The trial will allow clubs to use up to five of their nine named substitutes in any match, though two of the five would only be available in the event of a head injury.
The substitutions will be permanent rather than temporary, after Ifab – which developed the protocol for the trial – ruled that team doctors may need more than the 10-minute window allowed for temporary changes to make an authoritative call on a player’s condition. If one team makes a concussion substitution, their opponents will also be able to make an additional change as a result.
Clubs also agreed at their shareholders’ meeting to extend at least until the end of February the broadcast arrangement by which every Premier League match is available to view on TV in the UK. This includes another live game on the BBC, which will show West Brom’s relegation-battle clash with Fulham on Saturday 30 January, at 3pm.
The majority of games will be on Sky Sports and BT Sport, as has been the case since fans were stopped from attending matches by the pandemic. Liverpool’s game against Manchester City will be on Sky Sports on 7 February.
“The Premier League and its clubs are committed to an accessible solution for fans,” a spokesperson said.
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