Uefa have announced a potentially game-changing rule to the Champions League next season.
In the knockout stages of the Champions League, teams will now be allowed a
fourth substitute in extra-time. This could have a massive impact on matches. The extra substitute could influence a manager's tactics or could be used to aid an injured player.
It could also improve the quality of extra-time. Many games that need an extra period to be decided can often lose intensity, as tired teams can just shut up shop and play for penalties. The option of a fresh pair of legs from the bench could breathe new life into a contest.
This rule change is one of several Uefa will make to the competition from next season.
- Games will now kick-off at 17:55 and 20:00, rather than the traditional time of 19:45.
- For the finals of Uefa's competitions - the Champions League final, the Europa League final and the Super Cup final - teams will be permitted to name 23 players in their match-day squads, rather than 18. Which means more players will earn medals, and managers won't have to cruelly cut a player from his matchday squad for the final.
- And teams will have more flexibility regarding January signings. Up to three new eligible players will be allowed after the group stages.
