Answering your question directly, the number of changes that can be made in a football match varies depending on the competition, but generally, up to five substitutions are allowed in most official competitions, with specific rules governing how these substitutions can be made. This article will give you a complete and detailed guide about this topic, giving you all information for all cases. For more in-depth answers and expert advice on other football regulations, visit CAUHOI2025.UK.COM today! Unlock a world of knowledge and gain a competitive edge.
Meta description: Wondering how many substitutions are allowed in a soccer game? This detailed guide explains the rules for substitutions, extra time, and more, including official competition guidelines. Get all your football questions answered at CAUHOI2025.UK.COM! Stay informed about football rules, substitution regulations, and game management.
1. Players on the Field
A football match involves two teams, each permitted to field a maximum of eleven players, with one designated as the goalkeeper. The match can’t start or continue if either team has fewer than seven players on the field.
1.1. Minimum Number of Players
If a team drops below seven players because players have intentionally left the field, the referee isn’t obligated to halt play immediately. They can allow play to continue if it benefits the non-offending team. However, once the ball goes out of play, the match cannot resume if either team fails to have at least seven players.
According to the Laws of the Game, as maintained by FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), the game cannot continue if a team is reduced to fewer than seven players. This rule aims to ensure a fair and competitive environment.
1.2. Pre-Match Lineups
If competition rules require all players and substitutes to be named before the match begins, and a team starts with fewer than eleven players, only those players and substitutes listed on the starting lineup may participate upon their arrival.
1.3. Impact of Player Count on Game Dynamics
The number of players on the field significantly impacts game dynamics, affecting team strategies, player positioning, and overall match flow. Understanding these rules ensures fair play and competitive balance, aligning with the principles of sportsmanship and integrity in football.
2. Number of Substitutions Allowed
The number of substitutions permitted in a football match depends on the competition’s regulations, with a general maximum of five allowed in official competitions. Rules may vary for different types of matches, including those involving senior international teams.
2.1. Official Competitions
FIFA, confederations, or national football associations determine the number of substitutes allowed in official competitions, up to a maximum of five. For top-tier club and senior international matches, each team is typically limited to three substitution opportunities, excluding halftime.
Multiple substitutions during the same stoppage count as one opportunity. According to a 2020 IFAB (International Football Association Board) circular, the temporary increase in substitutions was introduced to manage player workload during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2.2. Extra Time
If a team hasn’t used all available substitutes or substitution opportunities by the end of regular time, they can use them during extra time. Some competitions allow teams to use one additional substitute in extra time, providing an extra tactical option. Substitutions can also be made between full-time and the start of extra time, as well as at halftime during extra time, without counting against the team’s substitution opportunities.
2.3. Other Matches
In senior international matches, teams can name up to fifteen substitutes, with a maximum of six being used. For other matches, a greater number of substitutes may be allowed if both teams agree and inform the referee before the match. If no agreement is reached or the referee isn’t informed, each team is allowed a maximum of six substitutes.
2.4. Return Substitutions
Return substitutions, where a substituted player can return to the field, are generally permitted only in youth, veterans, disability, and grassroots football, subject to approval from the national association, confederation, or FIFA.
2.5. Concussion Substitutions
Competitions may implement additional permanent concussion substitutions following specific protocols to ensure player safety. These substitutions allow teams to replace players suspected of concussion without using a regular substitution slot.
Concussion Protocol Card indicating steps for medical professionals to assess players for potential head injuries.
3. The Substitution Procedure
Proper execution of substitutions is essential to maintaining order and fairness during a football match. The process involves informing the referee, following specific protocols for player entry and exit, and adhering to the rules that govern when and how substitutions can occur.
3.1. Pre-Substitution Requirements
Before the match begins, the names of all substitutes must be submitted to the referee. Any substitute not named at this time cannot participate in the match.
3.2. Steps for Substituting a Player
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Inform the Referee: The referee must be informed before any substitution occurs.
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Exiting Player’s Actions: The player being substituted must receive the referee’s permission to leave the field, unless they are already off the field. They should exit at the nearest point on the boundary line, unless the referee directs them to leave directly and immediately at the halfway line or another point for safety or injury reasons.
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Post-Substitution Conduct: The exiting player must immediately proceed to the technical area or dressing room and take no further part in the match, except where return substitutions are allowed.
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Refusal to Leave: If a player refuses to leave the field when being substituted, play continues without the substitution.
3.3. Entering Substitute’s Actions
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Timing: The substitute can only enter during a stoppage in play.
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Location: The substitute must enter at the halfway line.
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Prerequisites: The substitute can enter only after the player being replaced has left the field and after receiving a signal from the referee.
3.4. Completion of Substitution
The substitution is complete when the substitute enters the field. At that moment, the replaced player becomes a substituted player, and the substitute becomes a player and can participate in any restart. All substituted players and substitutes are subject to the referee’s authority whether they play or not.
4. Changing the Goalkeeper
The goalkeeper can be changed with any player on the field, provided certain conditions are met to ensure fair play and adherence to the rules.
4.1. Conditions for Changing Goalkeepers
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Inform the Referee: The referee must be informed before the change is made.
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Timing: The change must occur during a stoppage in play.
4.2. Ensuring Fair Play
These conditions ensure that the change is done fairly and doesn’t disrupt the game unnecessarily. The referee’s awareness ensures transparency, while the stoppage in play prevents tactical advantages gained through surprise changes.
5. Offences and Sanctions Related to Substitutions
There are specific offences and sanctions related to substitutions that referees must manage to maintain fair play and order during a match. These include scenarios where a named substitute starts instead of a named player, substitutions made improperly during halftime, and unauthorized changes of goalkeepers.
5.1. Named Substitute Starts Without Notification
If a named substitute starts a match instead of a named player without informing the referee:
- The referee allows the named substitute to continue playing.
- No disciplinary action is taken against the named substitute.
- The named player can become a named substitute.
- The number of substitutions is not reduced.
- The referee reports the incident to the appropriate authorities.
5.2. Improper Substitution During Halftime or Before Extra Time
If a substitution is made during the halftime interval or before extra time, the procedure must be completed before the match restarts. If the referee is not informed:
- The named substitute may continue to play.
- No disciplinary action is taken.
- The matter is reported to the appropriate authorities.
5.3. Unauthorized Change of Goalkeeper
If a player changes places with the goalkeeper without the referee’s permission:
- The referee allows play to continue.
- Both players are cautioned when the ball is next out of play. This caution is not applied if the change occurred during halftime (including halftime of extra time) or between the end of the match and the start of extra time or penalties (penalty shoot-out).
5.4. Other Offences
For any other offences related to substitution procedures:
- The players involved are cautioned.
- Play restarts with an indirect free kick from the position of the ball when play was stopped.
6. Sending off Players and Substitutes
A player who is sent off faces different consequences depending on when the dismissal occurs, affecting the team’s composition and substitution options.
6.1. Before Submission of Team List
A player sent off before the team list is submitted cannot be named on the team list in any capacity.
6.2. After Being Named but Before Kick-off
If a player is sent off after being named on the team list but before kick-off:
- They may be replaced by a named substitute, who cannot then be replaced.
- The number of substitutions the team can make is not reduced.
6.3. After Kick-off
A player sent off after the kick-off cannot be replaced.
6.4. Named Substitute Sent Off
A named substitute who is sent off before or after the kick-off may not be replaced.
7. Extra Persons on the Field of Play
The presence of extra individuals on the field of play can disrupt the match and create unfair advantages. Referees must manage these situations carefully, following specific guidelines to ensure fair play.
7.1. Definition of Team Officials and Outside Agents
The coach and other officials named on the team list (excluding players or substitutes) are considered team officials. Anyone not named on the team list as a player, substitute, or team official is considered an outside agent.
7.2. Referee’s Actions
If a team official, substitute, substituted or sent-off player, or outside agent enters the field of play, the referee must:
- Only stop play if there is interference with play.
- Have the person removed when play stops.
- Take appropriate disciplinary action.
7.3. Restarting Play
If play is stopped and the interference was by:
- A team official, substitute, substituted or sent-off player, play restarts with a direct free kick or penalty kick.
- An outside agent, play restarts with a dropped ball.
7.4. Interference Near the Goal
If a ball is going into the goal and the interference does not prevent a defending player from playing the ball, the goal is awarded if the ball enters the goal, even if contact was made with the ball, unless the interference was by the attacking team.
A soccer referee signals a free kick during a match. The referee’s role includes managing substitutions, player conduct, and ensuring fair play.
8. Player Outside the Field of Play
Managing players who go outside the field of play is essential for maintaining the integrity and flow of the game. Referees must adhere to specific protocols to address situations where players leave and re-enter the field without permission.
8.1. Re-entry Without Permission
If a player requires the referee’s permission to re-enter the field of play and does so without permission, the referee must:
- Stop play (not immediately if the player does not interfere with play or a match official, or if the advantage can be applied).
- Caution the player for entering the field of play without permission.
8.2. Restarting Play After Unauthorized Re-entry
If the referee stops play, it must be restarted:
- With a direct free kick from the position of the interference.
- With an indirect free kick from the position of the ball when play was stopped if there was no interference.
8.3. Boundary Line Exception
A player who crosses a boundary line as part of a playing movement does not commit an offence.
9. Goal Scored with an Extra Person on the Field of Play
If, after a goal is scored, the referee realizes, before play restarts, an extra person was on the field of play when the goal was scored, and that person interfered with play:
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The referee must disallow the goal if the extra person was:
- A player, substitute, substituted player, sent-off player, or team official of the team that scored the goal; play is restarted with a direct free kick from the position of the extra person.
- An outside agent who interfered with play unless a goal results as outlined above in ‘extra persons on the field of play’; play is restarted with a dropped ball.
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The referee must allow the goal if the extra person was:
- A player, substitute, substituted player, sent-off player, or team official of the team that conceded the goal.
- An outside agent who did not interfere with play.
9.1. Actions After Allowing or Disallowing the Goal
In all cases, the referee must have the extra person removed from the field of play. If, after a goal is scored and play has restarted, the referee realizes an extra person was on the field of play when the goal was scored, the goal cannot be disallowed. If the extra person is still on the field, the referee must:
- Stop play.
- Have the extra person removed.
- Restart with a dropped ball or free kick as appropriate.
9.2. Reporting the Incident
The referee must report the incident to the appropriate authorities.
10. Team Captain
Each team must have a captain on the field of play who wears an identifying armband. The team captain has no special status or privileges but has a degree of responsibility for the behavior of the team.
Understanding the Nuances of Football Rules
Understanding the rules of football, including substitutions, player conduct, and managing extra persons on the field, is essential for all involved in the sport. These rules ensure fair play, maintain the integrity of the game, and provide a structured framework for competition. Whether you’re a player, coach, referee, or fan, a thorough understanding of these regulations enhances your appreciation and involvement in the game.
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FAQ: Football Match Substitution Rules
1. How many substitutions are typically allowed in a football match?
Most official competitions allow up to five substitutions.
2. Can substitutions be made during extra time?
Yes, teams can use any remaining substitutions during extra time, and some competitions allow an additional substitute.
3. What happens if a player refuses to leave the field when being substituted?
Play continues without the substitution.
4. Is it permissible to switch the goalkeeper with another player during the match?
Yes, provided the referee is informed and the switch occurs during a stoppage in play.
5. What occurs if a team begins the match with fewer than 11 players?
Only the players and substitutes named in the starting lineup may participate upon their arrival.
6. Are return substitutions allowed in football?
Return substitutions are generally only permitted in youth, veterans, disability, and grassroots football.
7. What is the procedure for concussion substitutions?
Competitions may use additional permanent concussion substitutions following specific protocols without using a regular substitution slot.
8. What happens if a substitute starts the match without the referee being informed?
The referee allows the substitute to continue playing, no disciplinary action is taken, and the incident is reported.
9. What should a referee do if an extra person is on the field during a goal?
The referee must disallow the goal if the extra person interfered with play and was a member of the scoring team.
10. What responsibilities does the team captain have during a match?
The team captain has no special status but has a degree of responsibility for the behavior of the team.