Premier League, FA to trial concussion substitutes from February 6

The sport of football breaks barriers and introduces revolutionary changes to the sport to make it even more competitive and fair. Concussion subs in an essential topic in discussions for long, while it is currently used only in cricket. Football could see it from February 6.

Football has of late introduced some ground-breaking new rules, which has made the sport even better. Another such rule is all set to be introduced, with the English Premier League considering the concussion substitute trial.

The EPL has confirmed that from February 6, it would undergo the trial of the concussion substitute. A total of two permanent concussion substitutes could be allowed, outside the regular substitutions by the side.

Although EPL itself would not witness the trial, it would be done in the FA Cup, with Aston Villa's home encounter against Arsenal being the first game. It would also be conducted in the Women's Super League and Women's Championship.

The International Football Association Board confirmed the protocols. "The trial is a result of the IFAB's consultation with stakeholders and recommendations from their concussion expert group to allow additional substitutions for players with an actual or suspected concussion," a statement from Premier League and Football Association read.

The law has been considered following the rise of dementia cases among the players. England manager Gareth Southgate has been participating in the same research and has come out in support. "This is an incredibly important issue in our game and I'm very happy to play my part in supporting this research," he told FA.

Besides, FA CEO, Mark Bullingham has made it clear that the new law is in lines with the suggested 'if in doubt, sit them out' rule. "I'm really surprised this is seen as a cop-out. I see this as going further.
"I understand there are two models that have got different values, but from our point of view, we see this as a stronger model, the safer model, and that's what we're being advised by the medical experts," he reckoned, reports AFP.

As of now, the law is used in cricket. In case of a concussion substitute in the sport, the substitute cricketer can bat, bowl and even keep the wickets.