In this July 13, 2014 file photo, Argentina's forward Gonzalo Higuain shakes hands with Argentina's forward Rodrigo Palacio (right) as he goes off for substitution during the 2014 FIFA World Cup final football match between Germany and Argentina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP)

BERN — Teams will be allowed up to five substitutions per match, instead of the usual three, as a temporary measure to help cope with potential fixture congestion in the aftermath of the novel coronavirus outbreak, FIFA said on Friday.

FIFA also said that competitions currently using the video replay system (VAR) would be free to discontinue its use on restarting

The change in the rules will be allowed in all competitions which are due to finish by the end of this year and it will be up to individual competition organisers whether to implement it.

FIFA also said that competitions currently using the video replay system (VAR) would be free to discontinue its use on restarting.

Soccer’s rule-making body IFAB agreed to make the change to the rules “based on a proposal received from FIFA seeking to protect player welfare”, the statement added.

FIFA added that, to avoid disruption to the game, each team would have to make their substitutions in a maximum of three slots plus the halftime interval.

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Football has been at a standstill since mid-March but many leagues and federations are still hoping to complete the season. To do so they would have to cram fixtures into a shorter period than usual once games re-start.

“The temporary amendment comes into force with immediate effect, and has been made as matches may be played in a condensed period in different weather conditions, both of which could have impacts on player welfare,” FIFA said.

“The IFAB and FIFA will determine at a later stage whether this temporary amendment would need to be extended further (eg for competitions due to be completed in 2021).”

FIFA did not give further details on the decision regarding the use of VAR.

Italy’s referees’ association said last month that it represented a potential health hazard as video assistant officials often worked from cramped conditions in vans or portable units where social distancing was impossible.

CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez said Friday he was surprised by a FIFA decision to allow up to five substitutions per match following the coronavirus pandemic.

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Football's governing body said organizers of individual competitions would be free to adopt the change until the end of 2020 or maintain the existing three-substitute limit.

"We are surprised by this measure, for which our confederation was not consulted," the head the of the South American Football Confederation said in a social media post.

"CONMEBOL will convene a panel of experts to analyze it and present its conclusions to the board, which will decide whether to adopt it in South American tournaments."