A breakthrough solution is emerging that could soon transform European football.

Amid a tight schedule, many top European clubs are discussing a turning point that could change how football operates in the near future.

According to British media, during the annual congress of the European Football Clubs Association (EFC) held in Rome last week, several leading clubs held private talks about increasing the number of substitutions to 6 per match. This is seen as a measure to reduce physical strain on players given the increasingly congested fixture calendar.

Premier League teams such as Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Nottingham Forest were all present in Italy for the event. Although not part of the official agenda, this proposal sparked mixed reactions, especially when paired with the idea of expanding the main squad size from 25 to 28 players.

Some experts believe that increasing squad size and the number of substitutes could help clubs rotate their players more effectively, especially for those competing in multiple tournaments like the Champions League or Europa League. However, others worry this might reduce competition within squads and give an advantage to wealthier clubs with deeper rosters.

A veteran sports writer commented: "I find this idea unreasonable. When teams already have the right to make 5 substitutions and still want more, it only disrupts the flow of the game. Matches already lose too much time due to numerous substitutions in the second half."

In fact, allowing 5 substitutions per match was implemented by FIFA and UEFA after the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce injuries. But now that football has returned to normal, expanding substitution rights remains controversial regarding fairness and viewer experience.

Will permitting 6 substitutions per game truly enhance match quality, or will it simply make football less exciting?