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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 organised 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 other matches, substitutes may be used, provided that:
the teams concerned reach agreement on a maximum number
the referee is informed before the match
If the referee is not informed, or if no agreement is reached before the
start of the match, no more than three 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
Infringements/Sanctions
If a substitute enters the field of play without the referees permission:
play is stopped
the substitute is cautioned, shown the yellow card and required to leave
the field of play
play is restarted with a dropped ball at the place it was located when
play was stopped
If a player changes places with the
goalkeeper without the referees permission 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 located when play was
stopped
Players and substitutes sent off
A player who has been sent off, either before the kick-off or after play
has started, may be replaced only 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 overriding conditions
of Law 3, the minimum number of players in a team is left to the discretion
of national associations. The Board is 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 after giving these
instructions. All officials must remain within the confines of the technical
area, where such an area is provided, and they must behave in a responsible
manner. |
