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 organized under the auspices of FIFA,
the confederations or the member 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 maximum 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 fi eld of play after the player being
   replaced has left and after receiving a signal from the referee
• a substitute only enters the fi eld of play at the halfway line and
  during a stoppage in the match
• a substitution is completed when a substitute enters the fi eld 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 an indirect free kick at the place the ball was
   located when play was stopped * (see page 3)

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

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.

Decisions of the International F.A. 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 member 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 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.