Match day panels to be increased to 30 players

THE Gaelic Players Association (GPA) yesterday passed a motion at their AGM calling for the GAA to increase match day panel numbers from 26 to 30.

The decision to reduce the squad total came into force this year and was seen as a cynical cost-cutting initiative by many of its detractors.

Several managers expressed their opposition to the move and now the GPA are proposing that the GAA return the squad numbers to 30, with five substitutes being chosen from the 15 players on the bench.