The EFL have introduced new measures to ensure teams are playing full-strength teams.
As part of the new rules which come into force this season, the EFL state that at least 10 outfield players from the previous fixture must continue in the side.
The alterations come into force on March 4.
The debate around full-strength teams was sparked after Birmingham City's 2-0 win against Huddersfield Town in April last year.
Terriers boss David Wagner made 10 changes to his side, who had already qualified for the play-offs.
Birmingham ran out comfortable winners to take a step closer to survival, which was secured the following week with a victory at Bristol City.
The EFL investigated Huddersfield's team selection but was unable to take any action because there are currently no guidelines on how to define what a full-strength team is.
However the issue was debated at the governing body's summer conference, with the EFL now set to introduce a new rule.
Following the confirmation of the new rule, a statement said: "Clubs supported the implementation of guidance on the following basis: 'for any league match played on or after the Thursday March 4 (including season 2017/18), any team sheet for a league game should include at least 10 outfield players who featured on the team sheet for the League match before'."
0
Comments
That's quite a lot.
So, teams wont be able to change up their tactics based on opposition? drop out of form players? The oppo knowing exactly what team you'll be putting out?
How ridiculous, surely not serious.
If it's the match day squad, then....isn't that what every team does week in week out already....
Still a silly idea IMO. Managers should be allowed to pick and choose their matchday squad as they see it best for their club.
10 outfield and 6 subs for the first match...
By the new rule, 10 of the original 16 must remain in the squad for the second match...
The maximum number (6) of first team players are rested so 6 new reserve players start the second match, plus 5 of the 6 subs from the first match.
The bench is made up of one sub from the last game and 5 starters of the last game.
No rules broken, totally different starting XIs.
With injury being the only exception (I'm guessing) it crazy they're enforcing this
Why not have a separate rule for the domestic cup competitions that a League club is involved in each year... As a club you name a squad of 20-players who in all three of those and thats it
Ultimately though, as a team, its up to the Manager who he picks... the Manager will know if he messes up and takes his team on a bad run after making so many changes then he knows he'll most likely get the sack - Of course, just look at Mark Hughes who did that for the Stoke game against Chelsea recently
The reason for apparently bringing it in is Huddersfield resting players at the end of the last season...
Of the 16 outfield players in the squad who played against Wolves in the 44th match of their season, there were thirteen players in the 16 against Birmingham in the 45th match of their season.
The new rules state a minimum of 10. So Huddersfield wouldn't have broken the new rule anyway.
Another thing - surely it's a mangers prerogative to change an entire team if he wants to for whatever reason?
It really does feel like an April fools joke.
Of course, their very own rules (Fit and Proper Person tests etc.) need absolutely no review as the EFL themselves are perfect, its the game thats broken!!
So, anyway what is the penalty? Money or points? Will the guidance apply to meaningless end of season fixtures often used to blood young players? Utterly bonkers.
Edited to add: how does it "fit in" with Reg 31: Penalty for Non-Fulfilment of Fixture Obligations? Would not having ten fit players from the previous fixture available because of injury or illness be deemed "outside the influence of the club"? Which penalty would be worse, fielding a weakened team or just not turning up but sending a batch of doctor's sick notes instead?
Surely It is the manager’s prerogative to use any players from that squad as he sees fit.
Fuck off EFL and sort out ownership issues first.
Fixture list have and always will be a luck of the draw - we had half our best player missing over Christmas - made us an easier fixture than we might have been earlier or later in the season - does that give teams that got to play us then an unfair advantage over ones that played in September?
Several teams will be settled in midtable by mid March and have little to play for - does that gives team who play them then an unfair advantage over teams who played them in November when the stakes were still higher?
A manager should be able to pick whatever team he likes. Huddersfield achieved a play off place early by having a good season and earned the right to rest players. I should imagine the clubs in the relegation area had a moan that Birmingham picked up an easy 3 points (in a game they still had to win). Here’s a novel idea those clubs should take on board - win games and makes sure you aren’t down at the bottom.
All it means is a list of mystery illness and fake injuries. Why they keep trying to change things is beyond me. Football just keeps getting shittier and shittier.
No this must be wrong.
Goal Line Technology
The EFL have confirmed that Goal Line Technology, which was introduced into the Sky Bet Championship in 2017/18, will be in operation at this year’s Sky Bet League One and Sky Bet League Two Semi-Final Play-Offs.
Lack of maths involved in team selection.
You might get through/not get through to the final because of a goal line decision, but that same decision couldn't be decided during the season which may have gained you/cost you a place in said play off semi finals.
Although I''m not in favour of it at all it is hardly draconian & leaves plenty of wriggle room imo.