The potential for Tokyo 2020 to be part of a trial process was confirmed after the International Football Association Board (IFAB) Annual General Meeting in Belfast.

The IFAB agreed to develop protocols which would be used in concussion substitute trials, following feedback at the meeting from its Concussion Expert Group.

The body said more research data is required before proposing possible changes to the laws of the game.

“FIFA indicated a strong interest in having trials at the men’s and women’s Olympic Games football tournament in July 2020, with other competitions also being able to take part in the trials,” IFAB said.

Different alternatives are expected to be explored, such as the temporary substitutions while a potentially concussed player is assessed.

Another potential option would be for a permanent extra substitute to be available for teams.

The meeting was chaired by the President of the Irish Football Association, David Martin.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino was also present at the meeting, along with the heads of the Football Association, the FA of Wales, Scottish FA and The IFAB’s administration.

The IFAB agreed to a consultation with all the relevant stakeholders on a review of the offside law to foster the spirit of attacking play.

Members were also updated on the use of video assistant referees (VAR).

The IFAB claimed the introduction of VAR had been a successful innovation, while also considering future developments, including improving communication and potential technological advances.

The body claimed solutions need to be found to allow competitions with restricted budgets to be able to access and use VAR.