World Cup 2022: Why both teams get an extra substitution if a player goes off concussed

Neco Williams had to be subbed off for Wales as half time approached due to a concussion - activating the newly introduced rule

Aaron Morris Senior Sports Reporter

21:02, 29 Nov 2022Updated 21:03, 29 Nov 2022

Wales' Neco Williams receives medical treatment(Image: AP)

A new rule for the Qatar World Cup 2022 stipulates that teams will be able to make an extra substitution, should a player suffer a concussion during a match.

The new rule was activated tonight in England's final group stage game of the competition, with Wales' Neco Williams being forced to leave the game with a suspected concussion as half time approached.

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While each side is typically only allowed to make five substitutions in three moves at the tournament - the newly introduced exception grants both sides involved in the match one extra change.

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The reason that both sides are granted the move is to prevent any unfair advantage being gained in any fixture - regardless if only one team's player suffers a concussion.

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The rule was first witnessed being put to use during England's Group B opener with Iran, in which goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand made way after clashing heads with one of his own defenders.

Although Beiranvand attempted to carry on, the effects of his collision became too much and he had to bow out.

More recently, in Tuesday's game Neco Williams suffered a suspected concussion early on for Wales, before being replaced by Connor Roberts in the 36th minute. The incident forced the Dragons to use their concussion substitution.

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