Ex-Fifa official: Liverpool fans will be cheated after Klopp-backed change confirmed
Fans will be cheated even more after a Liverpool-backed proposal for five substitutes in the Premier League was confirmed, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee revealed the ball is only in play for an average of 57 minutes in a top-flight game and having two more substitutes will create even more delays.
The Premier League confirmed last Thursday (31 March) that from next season clubs will be allowed to use five substitutes.
It comes after Jurgen Klopp led the campaign to reintroduce the change that was temporarily in place when football returned following the coronavirus lockdown in June 2020.
As quoted by BBC Sport last month (7 March), the Liverpool boss insisted the change was “essential”.
“This is another potential area that impacts on the amount of playing time,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“Can we expect a minimum of 10 minutes added time in every game in the Premier League next season?
“Currently, we have an average of 57 minutes per game when the ball is in play. The fact we now have five subs per team will in fact impact on the amount of playing time.
“If a team is 0-0 against these bigger teams with 10 minutes to go, here comes the train. One at a time, another sub then another sub.
“I’m not against five subs but it can extend with concussion subs to seven subs.
“Ok the decision has now been made but the Premier League have now got to look at the structure, the behaviour and the additional role on the fourth official.”
In other news, Liverpool are close to three new signings after agreements are reached.