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, up to five 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 referee's 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 * (see preface)
If a player changes places with the goalkeeper
without the referee's 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 * (see preface)
Players and Substitutes Sent Off
A player who has been sent off before the kick-off 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.