FA introduce fourth substitute for the 2016-17 FA Cup competition

Teams in the 2016-17 FA Cup are set to be allowed to use a fourth substitute during extra time as the Football Association trials a new format for the first time. 

The innovation - which follows the announcement of a sudden-death format for the last eight stage - will only apply to teams playing in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and Wembley final. 

It means clubs who have used their regular three substitutions in normal time would be able to make an additional replacement should the game go beyond 90 minutes. 

The latest trial scheme to be planned for next season's FA Cup was also trialled in the Copa America earlier this summer with English football's most famous competition now set to follow suit. 

FA bosses believe they must make the tournament as appealing as possible to fans and are willing to trial new rules and regulations to see if they are a success. 

The rule is subject to approval from the game's law-makers the International Football Association Board (IFAB), but with no replays in the quarter-finals, the FA say new initiatives will continue to be explored to ensure the FA Cup retains its status and appeal. 

A total of 736 clubs will be involved this season with the show-piece finale coming at Wembley on Saturday, May 27 next year, the tenth anniversary since the national stadium reopened.