Liverpool news: Ex-Fifa official lambasts Everton star after new twist in Jurgen Klopp row
It is “absolute nonsense” to suggest Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had any influence in the decision to introduce five substitutes permanently.
That is the view of ex-Fifa and Premier League referee Keith Hackett, speaking exclusively to Football Insider after Andros Townsend suggested Klopp was behind the rule change.
The Everton winger told talkSPORT last month (27 June), as relayed by the Daily Mirror, that Klopp’s “moaning” had seen him get his way as the Premier League confirmed the reintroduction of five changes.
The 55-year-old has been pushing for the change that was temporarily introduced at the end of the 2019-20 season before being dropped for the two subsequent campaigns.
Asked for his verdict on Townsend’s claim, Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “Absolute nonsense.
“It’s nothing to do with Klopp. The decision was promoted by Fifa and the IFAB.
“What he has to understand is that the English FA have one vote, like the Scots, like the Welsh, like the Irish. They’ve got one vote each and Fifa have four.
“If Fifa didn’t want five subs then we wouldn’t be getting it. This is more about the World Cup. I think it’s a sensible approach when you consider they are going to be operating in high temperatures.
“As we become more aware of health of players and have an understanding of when players fatigue, that’s when they pick up injuries.
“I don’t think there should be an issue with the number of the subs, it’s the management of the time with how and when they take place.
“At the end of the day, I don’t know what he’s moaning about. Clubs have squads of 25 registered players for the Premier League, it’s on the manager to use them.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire has revealed Liverpool FFP status is now in doubt after a “ludicrous” Uefa rule change.