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CUP CONFUSION

Carabao Cup: Football League bosses set to rewrite rulebook after Arsenal and Man City both make two substitutions in extra-time during fourth-round ties

EMBARRASSED Football League bosses are to rewrite the rulebook after SunSport revealed the confusion over the fourth sub in the Carabao Cup.

Uncertainty reigned as both Manchester City and Arsenal made four substitutions in their ties — two of them in extra-time.

 Arsenal made two substitutions in the extra-time during their Carabao Cup clash against Norwich
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Arsenal made two substitutions in the extra-time during their Carabao Cup clash against NorwichCredit: Getty - Contributor
 Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola also made two changes in the final half hour at the Etihad
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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola also made two changes in the final half hour at the EtihadCredit: Getty Images - Getty

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A new rule allows clubs to use four subs if their tie goes to extra-time but it was unclear whether more than one could be brought on in the extra 30 minutes.

Norwich and Wolves queried the rules and the League yesterday revealed they will now change the wording to avoid any more confusion.

The Carabao Cup rules currently state: “Each team is permitted up to seven substitutes of whom not more than three may take part in the match.

“Where any match goes to extra-time each club participating in that match will be permitted to use an additional substitute (in extra-time only).”

 Gunners striker Eddie Nketiah netted a brace against the Canaries to send his side into the quarter-finals
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Gunners striker Eddie Nketiah netted a brace against the Canaries to send his side into the quarter-finalsCredit: PA:Press Association
 The Citizens players celebrate after beating Wolves in the penalty shootout in the Carabao Cup
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The Citizens players celebrate after beating Wolves in the penalty shootout in the Carabao CupCredit: Getty Images - Getty

An EFL spokesman agreed that clarification was needed and said: “Clubs may use three of those seven substitutes at any time in a match (including extra-time).

“Clubs are permitted to use a fourth substitute if the tie goes into extra-time.”

The Gunners beat the Canaries 2-1 after young striker Eddie Nketiah netted a brace on his home debut, while the Citizens beat the Championship table-toppers in a penalty shootout.

The draw for the quarter-final for the Carabao Cup will be held on Thursday at 4pm.

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