Limit on subs, end to golden goal format

The decision to limit substitutes will end the recent practice by many European coaches of making up to 11 substitutions in friendlies and was the hottest topic discussed during a two-hour meeting. Many international coaches will be dismayed by the decision, though it is something of a compromise between FIFA President Sepp Blatter, who wanted a maximum of five substitutes to stop matches turning into farces, and coaches who wanted the current situation Left unchanged.

The English Football Association, who, along with their three British colleagues from Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland make up the board with four representatives from FIFA, were dismayed by the decision.

The FA’s Chief executive Mark Palios said: “Our views onthis were pretty well known, but democracy has spoken and our view did not prevail.”