How Many Substitutions Are Allowed in FIFA Football?

November 3, 2024 By Marquinhos

According to FIFA rules, how many substitutions are allowed in a football match? The standard rule is three substitutions per team in a regular 90-minute game. This has been a staple of the game for years, allowing managers to strategically change their team’s composition and tactics throughout the match. However, there are a few nuances and exceptions that fans and players alike should be aware of. Let’s dive into the specifics of substitution rules in FIFA-governed matches.

Understanding FIFA Substitution Rules

FIFA, the international governing body of football, sets the standard for substitution rules globally. These rules apply to all official FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, and are generally adopted by national leagues and federations. The core principle is to balance the need for tactical flexibility with maintaining the flow and fairness of the game.

Standard Substitution Rule: Three Subs

In most professional matches, teams are permitted a maximum of three substitutions. This allows managers to react to injuries, change tactics, or simply give key players a rest. These substitutions must be made at specific times designated by the referee and must adhere to specific procedures to avoid disrupting the game.

Exceptions and Additional Substitutions

While the three-substitution rule is the standard, FIFA allows for some flexibility in certain circumstances. These include:

Extra Time: In matches that go into extra time, teams are typically granted one additional substitution, regardless of how many they’ve used in regular time. This recognizes the increased physical demands of playing beyond the standard 90 minutes.
Friendly Matches: In friendly matches, by prior agreement between the teams, more than three substitutions may be used. This allows for greater experimentation and provides opportunities for more players to gain experience.
Concussions: FIFA has implemented a concussion substitution protocol, allowing teams an additional substitution (separate from their regular allowance) if a player is suspected of having a concussion. This prioritizes player safety and encourages prompt removal of potentially concussed players.

Concussion Substitution Protocol in Football

The Impact of COVID-19 on Substitution Rules

Temporary amendments to the substitution rules were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to address the increased physical demands on players due to congested fixture schedules. Five substitutions were temporarily permitted to mitigate the risk of injuries. While this temporary rule has since reverted back to the standard three substitutions in most competitions, it highlighted the ongoing debate about the optimal number of substitutions in football.

How Substitutions Work in Practice

Substitutions aren’t simply a matter of swapping players. There is a specific procedure that must be followed:

Notification: The team must notify the fourth official of their intention to make a substitution.
Authorization: The referee must authorize the substitution before it can take place.
Designated Area: The substitution must occur at the halfway line, within the designated area.
Exiting and Entering: The substituted player must leave the field before the substitute enters.
Completion: The substitution is complete when the substitute enters the field of play.

Football Substitution at the Halfway Line

Conclusion: FIFA Substitutions Explained

So, according to FIFA rules, how many substitutions are allowed in football? The answer is generally three, with some exceptions for extra time, friendly matches, and concussion protocols. Understanding these rules is crucial for both players and fans to fully grasp the dynamics and strategic nuances of the beautiful game.

FAQ

How many substitutions are allowed in extra time? Teams typically get one additional substitution in extra time.
Can teams make more than three substitutions in friendly matches? Yes, by prior agreement between the teams.
What is a concussion substitution? It allows for an additional substitution for a suspected concussion.
Where do substitutions take place on the field? At the halfway line, in the designated area.
Who authorizes substitutions in a match? The referee.
Why are there limits on substitutions? To maintain the flow and fairness of the game.
Did the COVID-19 pandemic impact substitution rules? Yes, temporarily allowing five substitutions.

Situations where Substitution Rules are questioned

A player is injured and needs to be substituted, but the team has already used all their allocated substitutions.
A team wants to make a tactical substitution during a stoppage in play, but the referee doesn’t allow it.
A concussion is suspected, but the team is unsure if they should use their concussion substitution or wait for further assessment.