OXFORD United will be able to make up to five substitutions per game from this weekend after a change in the rules.

The English Football League (EFL) confirmed the move today, which will come into force from Friday and last for the rest of the season.

Five substitutes were permitted when football returned from lockdown during the summer, in a bid to help players cope after a long break.

The game’s law-making body, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) announced in July the five substitutes rule would be extended into 2020-21 – but that it would be up to individual competitions whether or not they adopted it.

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So while it is still in place in the Champions League this season, domestically the rule reverted to three substitutions per team for each game at the start of the campaign.

Last night United finished with ten men in their 2-0 defeat to Crewe Alexandra, with Sam Winnall picking up a knock after all three changes had been made.

Championship clubs are now allowed to name nine players on their bench, those in Leagues One and Two will continue to have seven.

In line with IFAB decisions, each team is only permitted a maximum of three opportunities, not including the half-time break, to make substitutions during the game.