Soccer Substitution Rules: Limits & Procedures

Last Updated on: 20th February 2025, 08:38 am

In soccer, substitution occurs when another replaces one player. This is often needed when a player is exhausted or if an injury happens suddenly, making it essential to replace the player.

According to soccer rules, once players leave the field, they cannot return to play in the exact match. Similarly, each team is allowed a limited number of substitutions per match, so teams carefully plan and make changes only when necessary.

When can you make a substitution in soccer?

Players are substituted for different reasons, such as when a player gets injured suddenly, is too tired to continue, or when there’s a tactical need. For example, coaches may choose key players who can impact matches where the opposing team dominates. 

While every player is good, coaches know which suits a particular situation, making substitutions essential. However, once a player is substituted, they cannot return to the game, so substitutions should be made thoughtfully.

How many Substitutions are Allowed in Soccer?

Each team is allowed 5 substitutions, which can be made during 3 stoppages or halftime. In the past, IFAB rules only allowed substitutions during one stoppage. However, when it was observed that players often got injured or exhausted, the rule was changed to allow 5 substitutions. 

Additionally, teams are given one more substitution opportunity if a match goes into extra time, even if they have already used their previous 5 substitutions.

Can a Substituted Player Return?

In many amateur and youth soccer, rolling substitution is usually acceptable so the players can be substituted and come on the field to replace others. 

This rule enables children to play and use their energy to the maximum, with everyone getting a fair share of time on the pitch. However, such substitutions are prohibited in professional soccer, and the total number of possible changes is restricted.

Substitution Rules in Major Football Competitions

Premier League Substitution Rules

Since the 2022/23 season, the Premier League has established five substitutions as a match allowance. Players can only make substitutions through the three designated time windows during gameplay. British football adopted a five-substitution limit, which followed the patterns established during the Project Restart phase of 2020.

World Cup Substitution Rules

A maximum of five substitutions became permissible during matches for the 2022 World Cup tournament. The temporary change in substitution rules became permanent during the initial Covid response. Officials recorded more substitute player goals during the tournament than in past World Cups.

FIFA Substitution Rules

FIFA allows five substitutions per match, made within three windows. If the game goes to extra time, one additional substitution is permitted, totaling six substitutions. This rule applies to all FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.

Champions League Substitution Rules

The Champions League allows coaches to implement five substitute players in the group phase. During knockout matches, teams get six substitutions with extra permission for another change when a second-round match requires additional time.

MLS Substitution Rules

Reduction In Match Substitutions has set a maximum of five substitutions and restricted them to three substitution periods during MLS matches. The total player roster consists of 20 choices, where 11 players will start, and 9 substitutes will complete the team. Teams can only execute substitutions before halftime or during delays in matches, yet they are permitted during cooling and drink stops.

Concussion Substitute Soccer Rules

Screenings for concussions can replace affected players through the new substitution rule, which started in 2021. The match proceeds without player replacement once a substitute enters the game for an injured player. A team remains with one fewer player on the field. The rules might soon evolve due to mounting demands for universal concussion substitution regulations in professional football.

FAQs:

How Many Substitutions Do Other Sports Allow Compared to Soccer?

Each play in American football permits an infinite number of substitutions by teams. Cricket provides strategic substitution opportunities through some of its playing formats. In ice hockey, players may make immediate substitutions without any limit to their number.

How Many Substitutes Are Allowed at Regular Times?

In most soccer matches, teams are allowed up to five substitutes during regular times. When extra time is played, an additional substitution is allowed, and the team can only make eligible substitutions