Football lawmakers IFAB have announced that five substitutes will be permitted next season - but only if the individual competition in questions decides to use it.

The adaptation to substitutions was announced as football sought a prompt return to action following the coronavirus enforced suspension, but the impact of the break will be felt into next year, IFAB claim.

Norwich City were reportedly against the motion to change the law in the Premier League - something that passed by majority vote. The change is said to offer an advantage to those who possess a greater depth of quality within their squad.

The directors of the IFAB have now extended the amendment to the laws of the game to cover league competitions ending on or before July 31 2021, and to international competitions scheduled for July and August of the same year.

The move is designed to help sides deal with an increased workload, with fixtures next season being scheduled close together in order to facilitate Euro 2020 next summer.

The Pink Un: The five substitutes rule looks set to continue next season. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd.The five substitutes rule looks set to continue next season. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd. (Image: ©Focus Images Limitedwww.focus-images.co.uk+447814 482222)

A statement from IFAB said: “Following the decision taken on 8 May 2020 to give competitions scheduled to be completed in 2020 the option of allowing teams to use up to five substitutes, The IFAB Board of Directors had agreed to review whether to extend this option further.

“On the basis of this in-depth review based on stakeholder feedback and analysis of the impact of Covid-19 on competition calendars, The IFAB Board of Directors has approved to extend the option to competitions scheduled to be completed by 31 July 2021 and international competitions scheduled in July/August 2021.

“The main reason for the temporary amendment to Law 3 - The Players was the impact on player welfare of competitions being played in a condensed period and in different weather conditions.

“The recent review has shown that the reasons for the temporary amendment remain valid and the impact on player welfare is likely to continue into 2021.”