According to the German Football League (DFL), substitutes are permitted five times per match in the Bundesliga and the second-tier Bundesliga 2 in the 2021-22 season, while away fans will be allowed to watch games beginning August 27.
A decision was made by the IFAB, football’s law-making body, to allow teams to use up to five substitutes per game until the end of 2022, and the DFL’s Extraordinary Members Assembly took advantage of the option. In the absence of away supporters due to the COVID-19 pandemic last season, most matches were played without crowds. The DFL said that matchday three was chosen for the return as the team needed to get used to welcoming back crowds again.
“For as long as spectator capacity is still subject to legal restrictions, 5% of the tickets for each game are to be reserved for away fans,” the DFL said in a statement to Reuters
“Once restrictions are lifted completely, there will be an automatic return to the intended contingent of 10%.”
Last season’s champions Bayern Munich open their defence of the Bundesliga title away at Borussia Moenchengladbach on August 13. A statement from UEFA regarding its next move regarding substitute players is still pending. With Euro 2020 allowing the use of five substitutes, and the Coronavirus pandemic still threatening player health, it wouldn’t be surprising to see this trend continue in European competitions.
