Premier League thwarted in future trial of temporary concussion subs

The Premier League are ready to back a trial of temporary concussion substitutes - but their hands are tied while IFAB refuse to launch such an experiment.

This week the game's lawmakers announced their plan to trial extra permanent concussion substitutes until 2023 at least. 

That is despite the protocol being widely criticised because of how it fails to properly protect players, many of whom have played on before being substituted.

The mood is changing inside Premier League HQ, too, with sources telling Sportsmail that they are keen to trial temporary concussion substitutes. 

That option would see a player taken to a private room for a 10 or 15-minute assessment while a team-mate temporarily takes his place on the pitch. 

As seen in other sports, if cleared to continue after this analysis, he can return.

The Premier League's 20 clubs would not be allowed to vote amongst themselves to introduce temporary concussion substitutes. 

IFAB have final say as the overseers of the global game's laws.

The lawmakers' idea of replacing throw-ins with 'kick-ins' attracted attention after their annual general meeting in Doha, Qatar, though their decision on concussion substitutes fell under the radar.

That angered dementia campaigners who not only feel concussed footballers are being forgotten about, but also that 'kick-ins' would increase the likelihood of heading in games if the ball was lumped long from the sidelines.