SFA AGREE INCREASE IN SUBS FOR CUP TIES

SCOTTISH CUP ties could now see a total of 16 substitutions being made after the SFA announced a change to the rules last night. For the rest of this season’s competition, teams will be able to name 11 players on the bench, two more than previously permitted. From those 11 players, each team will be allowed to make five subs during 90 minutes, one more in the event of extra-time, along with two additional concussion substitutes. In theory, a grand total of 16 players can now be brought off the bench as the competition resumes next weekend. An SFA statement read: ‘The Scottish FA board have approved the temporary amendment of cup competition rules relating to the number of substitutes permitted to be made by clubs during Scottish Cup matches for the remainder of the 2021-22 competition. ‘Starting from the fifth round of the 2021/22 competition, teams are now permitted to name up to 11 players on the bench, an increase on the nine previously allowed. ‘Five of those 11 players may be used as substitutes during the match, aligning the Scottish Cup rules with the current regulations applicable for all SPFL matches. ‘The increased number of substitutes comes in addition to the ongoing IFAB concussion substitutions trial, which has been in place throughout this season’s Scottish Cup.’ However, Motherwell chief executive Alan Burrows was critical of the move — insisting the game has now reached the point of overkill regarding subs. Whilst fully behind the concussion protocols currently in place, Burrows believes the old rules were fine as they were and did not require amendment. He wrote on Twitter: ‘Going to have to build extensions to dressing rooms & dugouts soon. ‘Eleven subs each can be named. Five can be made during the 90 minutes, one more in extra-time & the possibility of two concussion subs. Imagine a competitive game that ended with 16 subs made in total. ‘I am 100 per cent supportive of concussions subs (and sit on the PGB — Professional Game Board — that approved their use in Scotland). ‘We made one with Liam Shaw midweek as it happens. However, I don’t think we need 11 on a bench and six subs (over and above concussion subs). It’s overkill for me.’