UEFA To protect players

Champions League final to be played under a closed roof for first time

With the intention of preserving player fitness and health, UEFA have signed off on a rule change which will allow teams to make a fourth substitution in matches which go all the way to extra time.

Currently, only three changes are permitted no matter how long that match lasts, but this alteration will mean that coaches no longer have to think about saving a substitution if the scores are level as full-time approaches in a cup tie.

Furthermore, the men's and the women's editions of the upcoming Under-17s and Under-19s champions will test out temporary dismissals.

Another new policy from European football's governing body will alter the requirements which allow a city to host the Champions League final, in order to avoid a recurrence of the issues being experienced in Cardiff, where just 4,000 hotel rooms are available.