It might not have changed last season's final where Manchester United won with 10 men regardless, but the BBC are reporting that clubs will be permitted to use four substitutes in the latter stages of next season's FA Cup.
The format - which is subject to approval from the International Football Association Board - made its international bow at this summer's Copa America, and will be introduced at the quarter-final stage of next season's FA Cup.
FA chief executive Martin Glenn claims the move will add "intrigue" and "interest" to England's leading domestic competition. He's not wrong, of course - the odds on the first player to score a goal as a fourth sub will be very intriguing indeed.
Glenn said:
It is important The FA continues to look at how it can further add to the drama and spectacle of a competition loved by millions.
With the cup now adopting a straight knockout format from the quarter-finals onwards, the introduction of a fourth substitute in extra time will bring extra intrigue and interest.
Also, from a technical point of view, it will be interesting to see how managers use the chance to make an additional substitution in such high-profile games and the impact it has on the final result.
Glenn also suggested "player welfare" had played a major part in the decision considering the FA have done away with quarter-final replays, opting instead to introduce extra time at the last eight stage. Not quite a winter break at the same time, is it?
That being said, it will be interesting to see how managers apply the new rule to their thinking from March onward.
