VAR could be dumped for the Premier League season when matches resume with clubs calling for the use of up to five substitutes per game to complete their coronavirus-delayed fixtures, claims a report.

The Mirror says that although Premier League bosses are determined to stick with VAR in the long term – despite the new officiating tool proving unpopular with many supporters due to both the decisions it has produced and the length of time taken to do so – it could prove a sticking point when football eventually re-emerges from its COVID-19 induced hiatus.

The VAR team is at least three people, including one referee, for each match all in a small room at Stockley Park which could raise concerns over social distancing.

But the articles states if there are other games going on being squeezed into the schedule then it could raise further concerns amid a background to get all of the games played to avoid the TV deal being in jeopardy.

Meanwhile, it is claimed Premier League clubs will push to use up to five substitutes if they are forced to cram all their remaining games into a month.

It comes amid serious discussions at Premier League level with the 20 clubs about potentially squeezing the rest of the campaign into June amid a strict quarantine with games behind closed doors.

The fear is that all of the games in a short space of time – most clubs have got nine games left – could cause fatigue and injuries for the players, especially if they are coming back after an unexpected rest.

They are currently allowed to use three substitutes from the seven players on the bench.

But the hope would be that using five would at least ease the physical demands on players and allow them to be substituted to avoid injuries and muscle strains.

While the individual thoughts on the subject from Everton’sCarlo Ancelotti or Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool remain unspecified, it is believed to be an idea being pushed by managers and may therefore be championed by the League Managers’ Association.