Substitutions in Football: How They Work
Learn how substitutions work in football: number of changes allowed, substitution windows, halftime changes, and rules during extra time.
How substitutions work in football
Substitutions allow a team to change one or more players during a match.
A player leaving the field is replaced by a teammate on the bench, according to the competition's rules.
How many substitutions can be made
The maximum number of substitutions depends on the competition regulations.
Many modern competitions allow up to five substitutions during regular time.
However, the exact number may vary depending on the tournament, level, and applicable rules.
What are substitution windows
Substitution windows indicate the moments when a team can stop the game to make changes.
Even when multiple substitutions are allowed, the number of interruptions used may be limited.
This prevents a team from constantly stopping the match.
Do halftime substitutions count as a window?
In many competitions, changes made during halftime are not counted as one of the usual substitution windows.
This allows coaches to adjust the team during the break without using an additional game interruption.
Can multiple substitutions be made at the same time?
Yes. A team can make several substitutions simultaneously during the same window.
For example, a coach can decide to replace two or three players during the same interruption.
How a substitution takes place
The substitution must follow the procedure set out in the Laws of the Game.
Generally: - the referee is informed; - the substituted player leaves the field; - the new player enters only after authorization; - the substitution is effective when the substitute enters the pitch.
Can a substituted player re-enter?
In traditional professional competitions, a substituted player normally cannot re-enter the same match.
Different rules may apply in certain youth, amateur, or special competitions.
What happens if a team has used all substitutions?
If a team has exhausted all available substitutions, it usually cannot make further changes.
This can be particularly important in case of injury during the last minutes of the match.
Substitutions and injuries
An injury does not automatically guarantee an additional substitution.
If a team has used all allowed substitutions, it may have to continue with one player less.
Some competitions may have specific protocols for certain situations.
How substitutions work in extra time
When a match goes into extra time, the competition rules may allow an additional substitution.
Specific rules about substitution windows during extra time may also apply.
Exact rules depend on the competition.
Can a change be made before penalty shootouts?
If the regulations and available substitutions permit, a team can adjust the lineup before the end of extra time.
Once the playing period ends and penalty shootouts begin, specific rules apply.
Why coaches make substitutions
Substitutions can be used for various reasons, including: - replacing a tired player; - changing the tactical setup; - increasing offensive strength; - reinforcing defense; - replacing a booked player; - managing an injury; - bringing in a player better suited to the match situation.
Tactical changes and injury substitutions
A tactical change is mainly to alter how the team plays.
An injury substitution is made when a player can no longer continue playing regularly.
From the substitution count perspective, both usually fall under the allowed changes.
Can a goalkeeper be substituted?
Yes. The goalkeeper can be replaced like any other player, provided the team has a substitution available and follows the proper procedures.
What happens if the goalkeeper is sent off?
If the goalkeeper is sent off, the team must still have a player in goal.
The coach can bring on the reserve goalkeeper by substituting another player if substitutions remain.
If substitution is not possible, a player already on the field can take the goalkeeper role.
Are the rules the same in all competitions?
No. The number of substitutions, windows, and extra substitutions can vary among competitions.
Therefore, it's important to always check the official tournament regulations.
How to follow substitutions on Football17
On Football17 you can follow match events in real time, including substitutions when available from the provider.
The match timeline shows which players entered and left the game alongside other key events.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many substitutions can be made in football? Depends on the competition rules. Many modern competitions allow up to five substitutions.
What are substitution windows? They are moments when a team can stop play to make one or more changes.
Do halftime substitutions count as a window? In many competitions no, but specific regulations should be checked.
Can a substituted player re-enter? Normally no in professional competitions, though some leagues may have different rules.
Are extra substitutions allowed in extra time? In some competitions yes. The regulations may allow one additional substitution.
Can the goalkeeper be substituted? Yes, following the same procedures as other substitutions.