Teams that reach the latter stages of next season's FA Cup "will be permitted to bring on a fourth substitute if the tie goes to extra-time," according to Ben Topliss of the LONDON TIMES. The use of a fourth substitute will be introduced in the quarterfinals, semifinals and final of next season’s competition "if the match cannot be settled in 90 minutes." The change in format is "subject to approval" from the Int'l FA Board, world football’s law-making body, which is "carrying out a global study into a proposal for teams to make a fourth replacement during extra time." The move comes after the introduction of a sudden-death format in the last eight, "as is already customary" for the semifinals and final, from next season that brings an end to quarterfinal replays (LONDON TIMES, 7/27). REUTERS' Simon Jennings reported if the FA "gets the go-ahead from the IFAB," clubs that have used three substitutes from the seven players named on their bench during the tournament's final three rounds "will be allowed to introduce a fourth player in extra time." The format was first used in this year's Copa America (REUTERS, 7/27). The BBC reported FA CEO Martin Glenn said that the move will add "intrigue and interest," adding that "player welfare" had also been a consideration. He added, "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." The FA's decision to scrap replays from the quarterfinal stage "was another factor in the move." Glenn: "With the cup now adopting a straight knockout format from the quarter-finals onwards, the introduction of a fourth substitute in extra time will bring extra intrigue and interest" (BBC, 7/27).
