The background: After the first Corona-Lockdown and the very short preparation time for the restart, the associations wanted to help the clubs: in 2020 the entire play-off was held English weeks completed in order to be able to finish a championship by the summer.
Five changes were never taken back
That’s why it was Number of allowed substitutions increased from three to five. The coaches liked this flexibility – and the special rule became a habit. Even today, five players can still be traded worldwide.
In Austria there are only six field players sitting outside, while usually several candidates have to sit in the stands.
“I knew it differently from Germany and was very surprised by the 18-man limit,” said Robert Klauss after his involvement Rapid. In recent weeks, the German has also complained that he would like to see his expanded squad better represented on the substitutes’ bench.
In Germany there are 20, and in UEFA competitions – like in Spain – even 23 players (including three goalkeepers) in the match squad.
Debate since January
The Bundesliga had already convened a working group on this topic in January. The tenor is now clear: More substitutions should also result in more substitution players.
Recently, the players’ union also expressed this opinion.
From the 2025/’26 season there should be 20 players in the match squad – so eight instead of just six field players who have a chance of being used.