Football teams could be fielding a fourth substitute during extra time in the future if FIFA’s law-making body, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), agrees to the proposal on Saturday.

The 126th IFAB meeting in London, will also debate the so-called “triple punishment” which is considered too severe for a player stopping a goalscoring opportunity as sanctions can include a penalty, a red card and a suspension.

Also to be considered is the future of goal-line technology and Islamic headscarves.

IFAB will hear a proposal that increasing the current quota from three to four substitutes over 120 minutes when matches go to extra time would help improve games and reduce injuries.

“The FIFA Task Force Football 2014, the medical committee and the football committee support the proposal in order to maintain the technical level until the 120th minute and to protect the health of the players,” FIFA said in a statement.

IFAB will also study trials of the five-referee system, using additional assistants beside each goal to help referees’ decision-making.

The board will also define exactly what action a referee should take if a dropped ball is kicked directly into goal after a stoppage.

IFAB, formed in 1886, pre-dates the foundation of FIFA by 18 years and is the game’s ultimate law-making body.

Changes usually take effect on July 1 ahead of the following season but can be implemented immediately as was the case last year when the board banned the use of snoods, a type of neck-warmer.