EFL revokes restriction for Birmingham City, West Brom, Sunderland, Ipswich and Middlesbrough

Teams in the Sky Bet Championship will now be permitted to use five substitutes from a possible nine throughout matches in the 2023/24 season, the EFL has announced.

Previously restricted to just three changes from seven players on the bench, clubs in the second tier will now be able to mix and match more in games, giving managers more flexibility.

The decision has been made after consultation with all 24 sides in the second tier, including the newbies from League One and those relegated from the Premier League.

A statement from the EFL read: “Following a discussion by EFL Clubs regarding the number of substitutes named in matchday squads, Championship Clubs have opted to use five substitutes from nine named (an increase from seven named) from the 2023-24 season.

“In accordance with the League’s Articles of Association, each Division is able to propose and adopt amendments or alterations to a variety of fixture-related matters, including the number of substitutes.”

Although the change will come into immediate effect for the Championship, the same adjustment will not be made in League One and League Two.

The call has been made to stick with the three substitutes from a possible seven model, though future adaptation hasn’t been ruled out.