Go Ahead Eagles Use Loophole To Make Eight Subs In Unseen Scenario

Go Ahead Eagles took advantage of a rare loophole to make EIGHT substitutions one game on Wednesday night.

The Dutch outfit squared off against Roda JC in the second round of the KNVB Cup, winning on penalties away from home following a 1-1 draw.

Eagles, who are participating in this season's Europa League after winning the KNVB Cup last season, recorded a historic victory over Aston Villa in October.

But they made further football history with a unique feat during their latest victory. Having gone 1-0 up through Kenzo Goudmijn, Melvin Boel's side were pegged back when Jay Kruiver found the net.

They went on to secure passage into the next round of the cup following extra time and penalties but a total of eight substitutions were used by the visitors.

Traditionally, three substitutes was the normal amount in football before it was increased to five on a temporary basis during the COVID-19.

Go Ahead Eagles progressed to the next round on penalties. Image: Getty

It was then brought in permanently by IFAB in 2022.

Against Roda, as highlighted by VI, Eagles used all five permitted subs but were also able to make a further three changes because of an unusual scenario.

Substitution loophole explained

Jakob Breum was taken off in the first half due to injury before two double substitutions were used in the second half in the 76th and 85th minute respectively.

Often in cup competitions, an extra substitute is also allowed. But on top of that, they also made the most of "the white substitution" - which coms about due to a head injury.

Both teams had players forced off for head injury subs and little-known rule stipulates that if one is used, the other team also gets a bonus substitution too.

In extra time, Eagles made three substitutions when they replaced Oskar Sivertsen for Oscar Pettersson and also sent on Xander Blomme and Julius Dirksen for Aske Adelgaard and Dean James in extra time.

The Dutch side used eight subs by legal means. Image: Getty

Five subs were regular ones, one was their white subs, one was an additional substitution in response to Roda's white substitution, as well as the extra sub in extra time.

"Roda had already made a substitution, and Oskar didn't come off until later for us, so our substitution was made at a different time," manager Boel explained.

"I've only known this since last season, though. Back then, we played against Willem II in the play-offs with FC Dordrecht, and we went through the same thing. Willem II made a white substitution, which meant we got another one."

Eagles return to action on Sunday when they host Groningen at De Adelaarshorst.