Should a team really be fined for making too many changes?

[dwn]

Regarding the Blackpool situation, should a team that decides to rest players for a future fixture, be penalized for doing so? What's the difference between this and when clubs put out weakened sides in the Carling Cup, or when a club who has already qualified from the their Champions League group travels without its key players?

What is the exact rule? Should this even be a rule at all?

[DeSoWa]

I think it is a dumb rule...but I understand why it was in place in the 1st place. It is to avoid teams throwing a game deliberately...like the wolves vs ManU game last season  Coaches/Managers should be able to pick whatever team they wish to pick. 

Big Up!

[Football supporter]

Its all about money...as usual. When F.A. etc sell competitions and T.V. rights, the buyers want guarantees that, for instance, Man U are gonna put out their strongest team so people will watch the game on TV and sponsors want to get to see all the big names and meet a few after the game.

Imagine paying all that cash to sponsor a game or televise it and a team of youngsters turn out.

But its not fair on teams with smaller squads like Blackpool & Wolves. Man U could rest the 11 players who played on saturday in EPL and still field a team of stars on a tuesday in the Carling Cup!!

[dwn]

Its all about money...as usual. When F.A. etc sell competitions and T.V. rights, the buyers want guarantees that, for instance, Man U are gonna put out their strongest team so people will watch the game on TV and sponsors want to get to see all the big names and meet a few after the game.

Imagine paying all that cash to sponsor a game or televise it and a team of youngsters turn out.

But its not fair on teams with smaller squads like Blackpool & Wolves. Man U could rest the 11 players who played on saturday in EPL and still field a team of stars on a tuesday in the Carling Cup!!

a team like man city could field a second 11 and everyone on the field would be a big name. would they get fined for making 10 changes if the men who coming in are players like given, boateng, richards, balotelli and vieira etc? this is why I am interested in knowing how the rule is stated. it seems kind of ridiculous that a team could get fined for resting players. its not like they conspire with the opposition to give them 3 points. and it's not like the teams have much to gain from losing an extra game with a weakened squad. it really is unfair to the smaller clubs if the rule depends on the quality of your team/profile of your players.

[Football supporter]

Its a rule of competition entry that each team field its strongest available team. However, much of that is down to opinion. Chelsea could say Drogba had a hint of a cold, Terry had a personal problem, Cole felt a twinge in his calf etc. Its only when it gets obvious that there's a problem. Man city could make 10 changes legitamately because they may have 10 internationals step in. Blackpool don't have that luxury. This is precisely why the money clubs have big squads!

[Observer]

I agree with the coach on this issue. If they had lost by 10 he could accept the penalty. However, the FA approved his 25 players, so he could play them how ever he wish. The fact remains it was a close game. What would the FA have done if they won?

[dwn]

Its a rule of competition entry that each team field its strongest available team. However, much of that is down to opinion. Chelsea could say Drogba had a hint of a cold, Terry had a personal problem, Cole felt a twinge in his calf etc. Its only when it gets obvious that there's a problem. Man city could make 10 changes legitamately because they may have 10 internationals step in. Blackpool don't have that luxury. This is precisely why the money clubs have big squads!

Think its a bit too subjective. Blackpool can say this is the strongest team available because the other players are tired. And does having 10 internationals step in imply "strongest available"? Bendtner might be an international, but he certainly isn't going Arsenal's strongest available striker in most people's opinion.

I see the money and tv rights issue, but I think it shouldn't stand as a rule.

[dotless007]

i doe understand how the FA could tell a manager how to MANAGE  his own team, especially since the manager had to put forward 25 players .

[Mango Chow!]

This so-called rule is just pure, polyunsaturated , plain and simple!  When Blackpool (or ANY other team) submits their 25-man roster to the fa, I seriously doubt any of the players are listed as "starting 11" versus "sub".  That determination can only be left to the manager's discretion on GAME DAY. 
the fa just full of shit!

[soccerman]

It's all about the benjamins....but I agree with most of the board, once a manager submits his 25 man roster, he can feel free to select who he wants from the list. I remember a similar issue last year in the NBA when the Cavs rested LeBron for a couple games and fans were complaining how they paid to see King James and he's sitting on the bench in street clothes and thier kids disappionted....well hard facking luck. If de man tired or nursing an injury and the coach decide to rest him, then too bad. The ticket states Cavs vs. Bucks not Lebron vs. Bucks or in this sceanrio Blackpool vs. whoever.

[Deeks]

dumb rule!!!!!!

[grassrotts]

clubs don't have to hire managers anymore. Like the premier league board offering free squad management now. They telling you what your best team is and making sure you put them out to play.
And why clubs dont appeal to fifa or uefa? Fifa and uefa approve of this too or wha? Basically the premier league making rules, enforcing rules and hearing all appeals too. Judge, jury and government in one yes? lol. And they making the rules real obscure. Plenty room for manipulating and applying the rules however they want. Tomorrow they would say if a team rest one player that is not a 'full strength team'. Take a fine!

[Peong]

Its a rule of competition entry that each team field its strongest available team.

I never heard of this rule.  Does it really exist or yuh just sayin that?
In any case it doesn't need to be stated since it's in a club's best interest to field their strongest team.

Man city could make 10 changes legitamately because they may have 10 internationals step in.

Having "internationals" on the bench is not the only way to legitimately make 10 changes.