FA Cup to trial use of 4th substitute in extra time of later rounds

Teams participating in the sixth round or later of the 2016-17 FA Cup will be allowed to use a fourth substitute during extra time in an effort to reduce wear and fatigue in a congested English football season, the Football Association announced Wednesday.

The FA Cup is testing new rule changes being introduced by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), and allows clubs who have already used all three substitutes during the first 90 minutes to make one further change from its seven-man benches in the following 30 minutes of extra time.

The new allowance will apply during the sixth round, the semi-finals and the FA Cup Final.

"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," FA chief executive Martin Glenn said in a statement.

"With The Cup now adopting a straight knockout format from the quarter-finals onward, 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."

The FA Cup kicks off Aug. 5 with 184 preliminary-round fixtures taking place over the weekend. In total, 736 clubs will compete in the FA Cup this season.