Section 4: Players/Officials
Number of Players (Law 3)
A match is played by two teams, each with a maximum of 11 players, one of whom must be the goalkeeper. A match may not start or continue if either team has fewer than 7 players. In official FIFA competition, a maximum of 5 substitutes may be used (with the recent permanent adoption of the five-substitution rule). Substitutions may be made during three opportunities per team plus the half-time interval, though an additional opportunity is granted if extra time is played.
Substitution Procedure
A substitute may only enter the field at the halfway line during a stoppage of play and after receiving the referee's signal. The player being replaced must leave the field before the substitute enters. A player who has been replaced may not take further part in the match. All substitutes are subject to the authority of the referee, whether called upon to play or not.
Concussion Substitutions (Permanent — effective July 2025)
IFAB has made the concussion substitution rule permanent (no longer a trial). Each team is permitted one additional "concussion substitution" when a player has an actual or suspected concussion. This substitution does not count toward the team's regular substitution limit. The opposing team also receives one additional substitution in response. The concussed player may not return to the match.
The Referee (Law 5)
Each match is controlled by a referee who has full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game. The referee's decisions regarding facts connected with play are final. The referee may only reverse a decision before play has restarted or if the referee realizes a decision is incorrect (including on the advice of another match official or VAR). The referee acts as timekeeper and keeps a record of the match.
Other Match Officials (Law 6)
- Assistant Referees (2): Positioned along each touchline, they assist with offside decisions, throw-in direction, corner/goal kicks, and fouls near their position.
- Fourth Official: Assists the referee with administrative duties, manages substitutions, and controls the technical areas.
- Video Assistant Referee (VAR): Reviews clear and obvious errors or serious missed incidents in four categories: goals, penalty decisions, direct red card incidents, and mistaken identity.
- Assistant VAR (AVAR): Assists the VAR, primarily monitoring live play while the VAR conducts a review.