Law 3 - The Number of Players

Players

A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than eleven players, one of whom is the goalkeeper. A match may not start if either team consists of fewer than seven players.

Official Competitions

Up to a maximum of three substitutes may be used in any match played in an official competition under the auspices of FIFA, the Confederations or the National Associations.The rules of the competition must state how many substitutes may be nominated, from three up to a maximum of seven.

Other Matches

In National A team matches, up to a maximum of six substitutes may be used.

In all other matches, a greater number of substitutes may be used provided that:

* the teams concerned reach agreement on a maxinum number
* the referee is informed before the match

If the referee is not informed, or if no agreement is reached before the match, no more than six substitutes are allowed.

All Matches

In all matches the names of the substitutes must be given to the referee prior to the start of the match. Substitutes not so named may not take part in the match.

Substitution Procedure

To replace a player by a substitute, the following conditions must be observed:

* the referee is informed before any proposed substitution is made
* a substitute only enters the field of play after the player being replaced has left and after receiving a signal from the referee
* a substitute only enters the field of play at the halfway line and during a stoppage in the match
* a substitution is completed when a substitute enters the field of play
* from that moment, the substitute becomes a player and the player he has replaced ceases to be a player
* a player who has been replaced takes no further part in the match
* all substitutes are subject to the authority and jurisdiction of the referee, whether called upon to play or not

Changing the Goalkeeper

Any of the other players may change places with the goalkeeper, provided that:

* the referee is informed before the change is made
* the change is made during a stoppage in the match

lnfringements/Sanctions

If a substitute enters the field of play without the referee being informed:

* play is stopped
* the substitute is cautioned, shown the yellow card and required to leave the field of play
* play is restarted with an indirect free kick at the place it was located when play was stopped

If a player changes places with the goalkeeper without the referee being informed before the change is made:

* play continues
* the players concerned are cautioned and shown the yellow card when the ball is next out of play

For any other infringements of this Law:

* the players concerned are cautioned and shown the yellow card

Restart of Play

If play is stopped by the referee to administer a caution:

* the match is restarted by an indirect free kick, to be taken by a player of the opposing team from the place where the ball was when play was stopped*

Players and Substitutes Sent Off

A player who has been sent off before the kick-off may only be replaced by one of the named substitutes.

A named substitute who has been sent off either before the kick-off, or after play has started, may not be replaced.

Decisions of the International FA Board

Decision 1

Subject to the over-riding conditions of Law 3, the minimum number of players in a team is left to the discretion of National Associations. The Board is of the opinion however, that a match should not continue if there are fewer than seven players in either team.

Decision 2

A team official may convey tactical instructions to the players during the match and he must return to his position immediately after giving these instructions. All team officials must remain within the confines of the technical area, where such an area is provided, and they must behave in a responsible manner.