Soccer rules panel says no to new trials for concussion subs

By The Associated Press

FILE - Iran's goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand collides with Iran's Majid Hosseini, right, during the World Cup group B soccer match between England and Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Monday, Nov. 21, 2022. A request by England’s Premier League and Major League Soccer to use temporary substitutes for players with suspected concussion goes to a meeting of the game’s lawmaking panel on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, File)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Alessandra Tarantino]

LONDON (AP) — Soccer’s law-making panel has rejected a request by the Premier League and MLS for trials with temporary substitutes to replace players with suspected concussion. The panel known as IFAB says “no consensus was reached” Wednesday. FIFA’s opposition is a key barrier to change wanted by the leagues who are supported by the global players’ union FIFPRO. They believe only having permanent substitutions for head injury puts extra pressure on a team’s medical staff. IFAB did allow trials of broadcasting match officials talking during video review of their decisions. It starts at the Club World Cup next month