FIFA to consider allowing 4th sub in extra time

FIFA will discuss the possibility of allowing teams to use a fourth substitute in extra time when its rules-making panel meets next month. The International Football Association Board is set to decide at a meeting in England on March 3 if increasing the current quota of three replacements would help improve matches and reduce injuries. "The FIFA Task Force Football 2014, the medical committee and the football committee support the proposal in order to maintain the technical level until the 120th minute and to protect the health of the players," FIFA said Wednesday. Goal-line technology tests will return to the agenda of the rules panel, which is known as IFAB. The panel will receive progress reports on tests involving eight systems, and decide which will proceed to a scheduled second round of testing starting in March. FIFA said a final decision to approve goal-line technology can be taken at a further IFAB meeting on July 2. It could take place in Kiev, the day after the 2012 European Championship final in the Ukraine capital. IFAB will also consider trials of the five-referee system, using additional assistants beside each goal to support referees  decision-making, which conclude at Euro 2012. The panel will also reconsider allowing Islamic female players to wear a hijab, five years after the headscarf was banned for safety reasons. FIFA vice president Prince Ali of Jordan also urged IFAB to respect cultural traditions and approve a headscarf held in place by a safe Velcro fastener. IFAB, which is comprised of the four British associations plus FIFA delegates, will also consider amending the so-called "triple punishment" of sanctioning certain fouls with a penalty kick, red card and suspension. Other proposals on the agenda include assessing tests at the 2011 Copa America where referees used vanishing spray on the grass to mark the 10 yards (9 meters) that defensive walls must retreat from the ball once placed for a free kick. Rules are amended with six of the eight available votes. Each British association  from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales  has one vote and FIFA officials have four. Changes typically take effect on July 1 ahead of the following season, but can be fast-tracked for a major tournament if the panel agrees.