by Football substitution rules determine how many players a team can replace, when changes can be made and what happens if a match goes into extra time. Under the standard Laws of the Game, the competition organiser sets the permitted number of substitutes, so the exact rule can differ between international football, professional leagues, cup competitions and grassroots matches.
In many senior competitions, teams can use up to five substitutes during normal playing time. Those five changes are usually limited to three substitution opportunities, not counting half-time. The competition regulations should always be checked because the Laws allow organisers to set different limits.
How many substitutions are allowed in football?
The answer depends on the competition. Many major competitions use the five-substitute rule, but the Laws of the Game do not make five substitutions compulsory for every match.
- Five substitutions: A team may replace up to five players if the competition regulations allow it.
- Three substitution opportunities: During normal playing time, those five changes are commonly made across three stoppages.
- Half-time changes: A substitution made at half-time does not normally use one of the three in-play opportunities.
- Fewer substitutions: Some youth, amateur or local competitions may permit fewer changes or different procedures.
A team cannot bring back a player who has already been substituted in a standard senior match. Re-entry may be permitted in certain youth, grassroots or recreational competitions if the competition rules specifically allow it.
What is the three-stoppage rule?
The three-stoppage rule limits the number of times a team can stop play to make substitutions. A manager can replace more than one player during the same stoppage, but each separate interruption counts as one substitution opportunity.
For example, a team might make two changes in the 60th minute, one in the 75th minute and two in the 88th minute. That uses five substitutes across three opportunities. If the manager makes another change by stopping play again, the team may have exceeded the permitted number of opportunities even though it has not used more than five players.
Changes made at half-time, before extra time or between the two periods of extra time are treated separately under the applicable competition regulations. A substitution made while play is already stopped for another reason may still count as an opportunity, depending on the circumstances and the referee’s decision.
How does a football substitution happen?
The substitute must be named on the team list where the competition requires named substitutes. The referee or fourth official must be informed, and the player leaving the pitch must usually receive the referee’s signal before exiting. The substitute enters only after the player being replaced has left and the referee has given permission.
Under the Laws, the player being replaced normally leaves at the nearest point on the boundary line unless the referee indicates another exit. The substitute enters from the halfway line and becomes a player only after entering the field. A player who leaves the pitch without permission or a substitute who enters too early can be cautioned.
The fourth official usually manages the substitution board and checks the player’s number. In matches without a fourth official, the referee or assistant referees may handle the process.
Can a team make substitutions during an injury stoppage?
Yes. A team can make a substitution during a stoppage caused by an injury, but the change normally uses one of its available substitution opportunities. Making several substitutions during that same stoppage generally uses one opportunity rather than one opportunity for each player.
Some competitions use a separate concussion substitution protocol. Under that protocol, a suspected concussion can allow an additional permanent substitution, while the opposing team may receive an additional substitution as well. This is not automatically part of every match, so it applies only when the competition has adopted the relevant protocol.
What happens if a player is sent off?
A player who receives a red card cannot be replaced. The team continues with fewer players. The same applies when a player is shown a second yellow card and sent off.
If a player is injured but has not been substituted, the team may temporarily have fewer than 11 players while receiving treatment or leaving the pitch. The player can return only in line with the Laws and the referee’s permission. A team may use an available substitute instead, but it cannot restore a player who has already been sent off.
Are there special substitution rules in extra time?
Competition rules may allow each team one additional substitution during extra time. When this sixth substitution is permitted, it is added to the normal five-substitute allowance rather than replacing it. The competition may also provide an extra substitution opportunity.
For example, a team that has used five substitutes in normal time may be allowed to make one more change during extra time. A team that has not used all five may still be limited by the total number permitted in the regulations.
Half-time before extra time and the interval between the two extra-time periods are normal times for changes, but the exact treatment of substitution opportunities is controlled by the competition rules.
What if a goalkeeper must be replaced?
A goalkeeper can be substituted like any other player, provided the team has an available substitute and follows the normal procedure. A field player may also change places with the goalkeeper, but the referee must be informed before the change and it must happen during a stoppage.
If a goalkeeper is sent off, the team cannot replace that dismissed player directly. The team must either use an available substitute goalkeeper, if permitted by its remaining substitutions, or place an outfield player in goal. The side still plays with one fewer player after the sending-off.
Which rules should Nigerian football fans check?
For a match in Nigeria, the competition regulations matter as much as the general IFAB Laws of the Game. A Nigeria national-team fixture, a Nigerian Premier Football League match, a domestic cup tie and a local amateur game may not all use identical substitution limits.
Before relying on the five-substitute rule, check the official competition regulations or match information for:
- the total number of substitutes allowed;
- the number of substitution opportunities;
- whether a sixth substitution is allowed in extra time;
- whether concussion substitutions apply;
- whether substituted players may return in youth or grassroots football.
Football substitution rules: common questions
Can a team use all five substitutions at once?
Usually, yes. A team may replace several players during one stoppage, provided the competition permits five substitutions and the changes are completed under the referee’s instructions.
Does a substitution at half-time count as one of the three stoppages?
Normally, no. A half-time substitution takes place while play is already stopped. The competition regulations may explain how changes before extra time are counted.
Can a substituted player return to the match?
Not in most senior professional matches. Return substitutions are allowed only where the competition rules specifically provide for them, which is more common in youth, amateur and recreational football.
Can a team substitute a player after using all five changes?
No, unless a separate competition protocol applies, such as an authorised concussion substitution or an extra-time substitution. An injured player may have to leave the field, leaving the team temporarily or permanently short if no legal replacement remains.
