Introduction
Football is one of the most widely loved and followed sports globally. During a match, maintaining the original lineup is not always possible. This is where substitution rules come into play, allowing coaches to implement new strategies. But what are the substitution rules, and how many players can be substituted in a match? Let’s explore this question with Okebet in the article below.
Number of Substitutions Allowed in an 11-Player Match

In addition to the starting lineup, each team has a set number of substitute players ready to step in. Most professional tournaments today use an 11-player format. Previously, FIFA allowed a maximum of 3 substitutions per match. However, this rule has recently been updated.
Now, each team is allowed to make up to 5 substitutions during a 90-minute match. However, there is a critical note: teams are only permitted to make substitutions during three stoppages. If a team hasn’t used all their substitutions during regular time and the match goes into extra time, the unused substitution opportunities can be carried over to extra time.
Detailed Substitution Process During a Match
Now that we understand how many players can be substituted, let’s examine how the substitution process works:
- Permission from the Referee: Substitutions can only be made when the main referee decides to pause the match. The assistant referee nearest to the touchline will handle the substitution process.
- Substitution Board: A substitution board will be raised, indicating the jersey number of the player coming off and the player entering the field.
- Player Exit and Entry: The substituted player must proceed to the substitution area and leave the field before the new player can enter.
- Halftime Substitutions: Coaches can make substitutions during halftime. However, these must be done promptly and with the referee’s consent.
- Delay in Entry: If a substitute fails to enter the field within the designated time, the referee will restart the match with a goal kick, throw-in, or corner kick, as appropriate.
Specific Rules for Substituted and Substitute Players

The substitution rules also include guidelines for both substituted and substitute players:
- Substituted and substitute players must always seek permission from the referee before entering or exiting the field. Failure to comply will result in the player being sent off immediately, and the offending team will face a direct free kick penalty.
- Substitute players can only enter the field once the substituted player has completely left the field.
- If a substitute enters the field and scores a goal without the referee’s approval, the goal will not count.
Important Notes for Non-Participants
The substitution rules also include provisions for non-participants such as coaching staff, substitute players, and team officials:
- During the match, they are not allowed to enter the field. If they wish to enter, they must obtain the referee’s permission. Unauthorized entry can result in the match being paused, and security intervention may be required for serious violations.
- If players must leave the field due to injury, wardrobe malfunctions, or other reasons, they must get approval from the referee before re-entering the game.
Substitution Rules in Friendly Matches
The substitution rules mentioned above apply to professional tournaments. For friendly matches, FIFA has its own set of rules.
- Each team is allowed to substitute up to 6 players per match, subject to the referee’s approval.
- Players who feel unwell or mentally unprepared can refuse to be substituted.
- Any player entering the field without permission during a friendly match will face severe penalties. The referee may pause the match to issue a warning or, in severe cases, send the player off.
- The team of the offending player will concede an indirect free kick from the spot where the referee paused the game for the substitution.
- Goals scored due to interference by individuals outside the match will not be counted.
Substitution Rules in Other Football Formats
5-a-Side Football Substitution Rules
For mini-football with five players per team, substitutions work differently. Each team can have up to 7 players, including substitutes, and there is no limit on the number of substitutions, including for the goalkeeper. A substituted player may re-enter the match, and substitutions can be made whether the ball is in play or out of play.
Key points:
- Players entering or exiting must do so through their team’s designated substitution area.
- Substitutions require the referee’s approval.
- Any player on the team can replace the goalkeeper, but only when the ball is out of play.
- Violations of these rules will result in penalties as per regulations.
7-a-Side Football Substitution Rules
In 7-a-side matches, each team can field up to 7 players, including the goalkeeper. The match requires a minimum of 6 players to start. Substitution rules include:
- Teams can register up to 7 substitute players.
- Teams can substitute all 7 registered substitutes during the match.
- Once substituted, players cannot return to the match.
- Substitutions require notification to the referee. Substitute players may only enter the field once the player being substituted has completely left.
Violations, such as entering the field without the referee’s permission, will result in:
- Match stoppage.
- A warning or ejection from the field, depending on the severity.
- The referee will receive the team’s substitute list before the match. Teams failing to comply with this will forfeit substitution privileges.
If a team cannot field at least 4 players, the match will be stopped.
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Conclusion
This guide provides a comprehensive answer to the question: Substitution Rules and Player Limits in a Match. We hope the information helps you better understand the rules of the beautiful game. Don’t forget to follow Okebet for more exciting insights and updates!
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