Meta description: Confused about the substitution rules in football? This guide breaks down the number of substitutes allowed, substitution procedures, and scenarios involving extra players on the field. Visit CAUHOI2025.UK.COM for more soccer insights! Football substitutions, player regulations, game rules.
1. Understanding the Basic Team Composition in Football
A football (soccer) match involves two teams competing against each other. According to FIFA regulations, each team can field a maximum of eleven players on the field at any given time, with one of them designated as the goalkeeper. However, a match cannot commence or continue if either team has fewer than seven players. This rule ensures that the game maintains a competitive balance and prevents situations where a team might be severely disadvantaged due to a lack of players.
1.1. The Minimum Player Requirement
The rule requiring at least seven players per team is essential for maintaining the integrity of the game. If a team drops below this number, whether due to red cards (ejections) or injuries, the match may be forfeited. This prevents scenarios where one team has an overwhelming advantage, which could compromise fair play.
1.2. Consequences of Deliberate Player Reduction
If a team deliberately reduces its number of players below seven by having players leave the field, the referee isn’t obligated to halt the game immediately. The referee may allow play to continue if the non-offending team has an advantage. However, once the ball goes out of play, the match cannot resume until each team has a minimum of seven players.
2. The Number of Substitutions Allowed
The number of substitutions a team can make during a match varies depending on the competition and the specific rules in place. It is important to distinguish between official competitions and other matches, as the substitution rules may differ significantly.
2.1. Substitutions in Official Competitions
In official competitions, FIFA, the relevant confederation (e.g., UEFA, CONCACAF), or the national football association determines the number of substitutes allowed. For top-tier club and senior international matches, up to a maximum of five substitutes may be used. To manage the flow of the game, teams typically have a maximum of three substitution opportunities during the match, excluding halftime.
2.1.1. Substitution Opportunities Explained
A substitution opportunity refers to a moment in the game when a team can make one or more substitutions. If both teams make a substitution at the same time, it counts as a used substitution opportunity for both. Multiple substitutions during the same stoppage in play only count as one opportunity. This encourages tactical decision-making and prevents excessive stoppages.
2.1.2. Substitutions During Halftime and Extra Time
Substitutions can also be made at halftime without counting as a substitution opportunity. This allows coaches to make strategic adjustments based on the first half of the game. In matches that go to extra time, teams may be allowed to use any remaining substitutes and substitution opportunities. Some competitions even permit an additional substitute during extra time, providing further tactical flexibility. These substitutions can also be made between full-time and the start of extra time, and at halftime during extra time, without using a substitution opportunity.
2.2. Substitution Rules for Other Matches
In senior ‘A’ international team matches, a maximum of fifteen substitutes may be named, of which a maximum of six may be used.
For other matches, the number of substitutes can be greater, provided the teams agree on a maximum number before the match and inform the referee. If no agreement is reached or the referee isn’t informed, each team is allowed a maximum of six substitutes.
2.3. Return Substitutions
The use of return substitutions, where players who have been substituted can re-enter the game, is typically restricted to youth, veterans, disability, and grassroots football. This is subject to the agreement of the national football association, confederation, or FIFA.
2.4. Additional Permanent Concussion Substitutions
To prioritize player safety, competitions may allow additional permanent concussion substitutions. These substitutions are used when a player suffers a suspected concussion, allowing them to be replaced without affecting the team’s regular substitution count. This measure helps ensure that players with head injuries receive appropriate medical attention.
3. The Substitution Procedure
The substitution procedure must be followed precisely to ensure fairness and maintain the integrity of the game. Several steps must be taken to ensure that substitutions are conducted properly.
3.1. Pre-Match Requirements
Before the match starts, the names of the substitutes must be provided to the referee. Any substitute not named by this time is ineligible to participate in the match. This ensures that all players are accounted for and that no unauthorized substitutions occur.
3.2. The Substitution Process
To replace a player with a substitute, the following steps must be observed:
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The referee must be informed before any substitution is made.
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The player being substituted:
- Must receive the referee’s permission to leave the field, unless already off the field, and must exit via the nearest point on the boundary line, unless otherwise directed by the referee (e.g., for safety or injury).
- Must go directly to the technical area or dressing room and take no further part in the match, unless return substitutions are permitted.
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If a player refuses to leave the field when being substituted, play continues.
The substitute can only enter the field:
- During a stoppage in play.
- At the halfway line.
- After the player being replaced has completely left the field.
- After receiving a signal from the referee.
3.3. Completion of the Substitution
The substitution is complete when the substitute enters the field of play. From 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 are actively playing or not.
4. Changing the Goalkeeper
Changing the goalkeeper follows a specific protocol to ensure that it is done fairly and without disrupting the flow of the game.
4.1. Protocol for Goalkeeper Changes
Any player on the team can change positions with the goalkeeper, provided that:
- The referee is informed before the change is made.
- The change is made during a stoppage in play.
This ensures that the referee is aware of the change and that it occurs at an appropriate time, minimizing disruption to the match.
5. Offences and Sanctions Related to Substitutions
There are specific offenses and sanctions related to substitutions, designed to prevent teams from gaining an unfair advantage or violating the rules of the game.
5.1. Unnamed Substitutes
If a named substitute starts a match instead of a named player, and the referee is not informed of this change:
- 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. Substitutions 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, and the matter is reported to the appropriate authorities.
5.3. Unauthorized Goalkeeper Changes
If a player changes places with the goalkeeper without the referee’s permission, the referee:
- Allows play to continue.
- Cautions both players when the ball is next out of play, unless the change occurred during halftime (including halftime of extra time) or the period between the end of the match and the start of extra time and/or penalties (penalty shoot-out).
For any other offenses related to substitutions, the players are cautioned, and play restarts with an indirect free kick from the position of the ball when play was stopped.
6. Players and Substitutes Sent Off
The rules regarding players and substitutes who are sent off (receive a red card) are distinct and have significant implications for the team.
6.1. Consequences of Being Sent Off
- A player sent off before the submission of the team list cannot be named on the team list in any capacity.
- A player sent off after being named on the team list but before kick-off may be replaced by a named substitute, who cannot be replaced. The number of substitutions the team can make is not reduced.
- A player sent off after the kick-off cannot be replaced.
A named substitute who is sent off before or after the kick-off may not be replaced.
7. Dealing with Extra Persons on the Field
The presence of extra persons on the field can disrupt the game and potentially influence the outcome. Therefore, specific rules are in place to address such situations.
7.1. Identifying Extra Persons
Team officials include the coach and other officials named on the team list (excluding players or substitutes). 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.
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.
8. Player Outside the Field of Play
If a player goes outside the field of play, there are specific rules regarding their re-entry to ensure fairness and prevent disruption.
8.1. Re-Entry Protocol
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.
A player who crosses a boundary line as part of a playing movement does not commit an offense.
9. Goals Scored with an Extra Person on the Field
The validity of a goal scored when there was an extra person on the field depends on the circumstances and the identity of the extra person.
9.1. Referee’s Actions Before Play Restarts
If, after a goal is scored, the referee realizes, before play restarts, that 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.
In all cases, the referee must have the extra person removed from the field of play.
9.2. Referee’s Actions After Play Restarts
If, after a goal is scored and play has restarted, the referee realizes that 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.
The referee must report the incident to the appropriate authorities.
10. The Role of the 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.
10.1. Responsibilities of the Captain
While the captain does not have any special powers, they serve as a liaison between the team and the referee. The captain is expected to help maintain order and ensure that their teammates adhere to the rules of the game. They can also communicate with the referee to clarify decisions or address concerns.
FAQ: Football Substitution Rules
Q1: How many players are allowed on the field for each team in a soccer match?
Each team can have a maximum of eleven players on the field, including the goalkeeper.
Q2: What happens if a team has fewer than seven players during a match?
The match cannot start or continue if either team has fewer than seven players.
Q3: How many substitutions are typically allowed in official soccer competitions?
In official competitions, teams are generally allowed to make up to five substitutions.
Q4: What is a substitution opportunity in soccer?
A substitution opportunity is a period during the game when a team can make one or more substitutions; teams usually have three opportunities per game, excluding halftime.
Q5: Can substitutions be made during halftime?
Yes, substitutions can be made during halftime, and they do not count as a substitution opportunity.
Q6: What happens if a player refuses to leave the field when being substituted?
If a player refuses to leave, play continues.
Q7: Can the goalkeeper be changed during a soccer match?
Yes, any player can change places with the goalkeeper, provided the referee is informed during a stoppage in play.
Q8: What happens if a substitute starts the match without the referee being informed?
The referee allows the substitute to continue playing, and no disciplinary action is taken against the player. The incident is reported to the authorities.
Q9: What should a referee do if an extra person enters the field of play?
The referee must stop play only if there is interference, have the person removed, and take appropriate disciplinary action.
Q10: What is the role of the team captain in a soccer match?
The team captain has no special privileges but has a degree of responsibility for the behavior of the team and serves as a liaison with the referee.
Navigating the intricacies of football substitution rules can be challenging, but understanding these guidelines is essential for players, coaches, and fans alike. At CAUHOI2025.UK.COM, we are dedicated to providing you with clear, concise, and reliable information to enhance your understanding of the beautiful game.
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