Champions League, Europa League will let teams use 4th sub in extra time

Teams competing in the Champions League and Europa League will be permitted to make a fourth substitution during extra time next season, UEFA announced Thursday.

The additional substitute is among a number of rule amendments that will take effect immediately. The changes also apply to other competitions, such as the 2020 European Championship.

A similar rule was approved earlier this year by FIFA and has been implemented at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Former Real Madrid forward Alvaro Morata became the sport’s first player to be used as a fourth substitute when he replaced Cristiano Ronaldo during extra time of the 2016 Club World Cup.

Competing teams will be allowed to list 12 possible substitutes to select from in the finals of both the Champions League and Europa League, in order to give coaches more flexibility.

The squads for all other games will remain at 18 players, while an additional five players will be available for selection during the final of each respective competition.

In another rule change, coaching staffs are now permitted to use handheld electronic devices – such as phones, tablets, and laptops – in the technical area.