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MLS to allow fourth substitution in overtime of playoff games

Major League Soccer is making an important rule change for the postseason.

The addition of a fourth substitution in overtime of playoff games will be welcomed by many people in MLS.
The addition of a fourth substitution in overtime of playoff games will be welcomed by many people in MLS.Read moreBrad Loper/AP

Major League Soccer is making an important rule change for the postseason.

MLS announced Thursday that it will allow teams to use a fourth substitute in 2017 playoff games that require two 15-minute extra time periods.

Teams are generally allowed to use just three substitutes in a match, even if the game goes into extra time. But the addition of a a fourth substitute for games that go into extra time has already been tested out in the FA Cup, Scottish Cup, FIFA Confederations Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB), which oversees changes to the Laws of the Game, will decide in 2018 or 2019 as to whether to permanently adopt a fourth substitute for extra time games.

MLS also announced Thursday that its Disciplinary Committee will no longer be reviewing incidents on the field where the referee does not issue a red cards even after Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, unless the Disciplinary Committee believes the incident warrants at least a two-game suspension.