SubstitutionsSubstitutions
What is a substitution in football?
What should happen during a substitution in football?
What happens if…
They cannot take part in the game.
The game carries on.
Unless the referee has allowed more time because the player is injured or, for safety reasons, the player must still leave the pitch, but the substitute cannot enter until the first stoppage after one minute’s play (running clock).
The player is shown a yellow card unless the substitute is prevented from entering the pitch for one minute.
The substitute must go back and wait for the correct time to enter (no card is shown).
The player and substitute are both shown a yellow card.
The substitute may continue to play, no card is shown and the matter is reported to the appropriate authorities.
This must be prevented by the referee.
As soon as the referee becomes aware, the substitution(s) must be reversed. The matter must be reported to the appropriate authorities after the game.
A direct free kick or penalty kick is awarded, and a red or yellow card is shown (see red cards and yellow cards, respectively).
The other team gets an extra substitution which can be made at any time and for any reason.
The player cannot return as it could be dangerous for them to do so, as concussion symptoms can take some time to appear.
Substitutions
