Fourth substitute trial for FA Cup

The Football Association has announced that teams will be allowed a fourth substitution during extra time in the latter stages of this season's FA Cup.

Subject to International Football Association Board approval, the format was first trialled in this summer's Copa America and will be introduced from the quarter-final stage of the FA Cup.

The decision to allow teams to use a fourth substitute follows on from the announcement that replays will no longer be in place from the quarter-final stage, meaning ties will be settled on the day, using extra-time and penalties.

"The Emirates FA Cup is renowned for its great history and tradition but, as the game’s governing body, it is important The FA continues to look at how it can further add to the drama and spectacle of a competition loved by millions around the world," said FA chief executive Martin Glenn.

"With The Cup now adopting a straight knockout format from the quarter finals onwards, the introduction of a fourth substitute in extra time will bring extra intrigue and interest.

"Also, from a technical point of view, it will be interesting to see how managers use the chance to make an additional substitution in such high-profile games and the impact it has on the final result.

"Player welfare and being mindful of the number of games people play at the elite level has also been a consideration."

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