Premier League proposes temporary concussion substitutes and other rule changes

The Premier League has expressed its intention to implement a new substitution rule in the near future. The league has written a letter to the International Football Association Board (IFAB) requesting permission to trial temporary concussion substitutes. The proposed rule would involve players leaving the pitch for ten minutes to undergo a thorough assessment for a concussion following a head injury. If the player passes the assessment, they can return to the pitch. This would be a change from the current permanent concussion substitution rules in place. The Premier League has emphasized player welfare as a key factor for the proposed change and has collaborated with organizations such as the PFA, FIFPro, and the World Leagues Forum. The proposal has been sent to IFAB ahead of their annual general meeting. In addition to the concussion substitution rule, other topics to be discussed at the meeting include sin-bins for dissent, extended VAR coverage, and revisions to time-wasting and handball rules.