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how many substitutes are allowed in football

In modern professional football (soccer), most top-level competitions now allow up to five substitutes per team in a 90‑minute match, but with some important details and exceptions.

Quick Scoop

  • In standard professional matches, teams can use a maximum of five substitutes, usually over three substitution windows during play, plus half-time.
  • The exact number of substitutes allowed is set by the competition (league or tournament rules), as long as it does not exceed five in official competitions.
  • In extra time, many competitions allow one additional substitute on top of the normal limit, if their competition rules say so.
  • In some friendly or lower‑level matches, teams can agree to use more (sometimes even “rolling” or unlimited) substitutions, as long as the referee is informed before the match.

What the Laws Actually Say

The official Laws of the Game state that in matches played in official competitions, the number of substitutes that may be used is decided by FIFA, the confederation, or the national association, up to a maximum of five. That means:

  • A league can choose 3, 4, or 5 allowed subs, but not more than 5 in official competitions.
  • They also decide how many players can be named on the bench (for example, 9 substitutes listed, but only 5 can actually come on).

Historically, football had:

  • 0 substitutions (early days of the sport).
  • Then 1, then 2, then 3 subs for many years.
  • Since 2020, the five‑sub rule was introduced and has now been made permanent in top‑level football to help with player workload and schedule congestion.

Different Competitions, Slightly Different Rules

Here’s how it typically breaks down:

  • Top professional leagues and major tournaments
    • Usually: 5 substitutions allowed, in 3 windows of play plus half-time.
* Bench size often 9 players or more, depending on the competition.
  • Senior “A” international matches (friendlies and some competitions)
    • Up to 6 substitutes can be used in some international fixtures, if the competition rules allow it.
  • Other or friendly matches
    • Teams can agree before kick‑off to allow a greater number of substitutes, sometimes effectively unlimited, as long as this is agreed and the referee is told.

Simple Example

If you’re watching a typical top European league game right now:

  • Each team names 11 starters + around 9 substitutes on the bench.
  • They can bring on 5 different players at most.
  • They must usually make those changes in no more than three separate substitution breaks during the match (half-time does not count as a break).

Bottom Note

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.