Substitutions are a crucial part of football management, as they allow managers to replace players and adjust tactics during a game.
You may have wondered, when watching a football match, how many substitutions a manager is allowed to make.
In this blog post, we’ll explain what substitutions are, how many teams are allowed to make during a game and what happens if a team runs out of subs.
What Are Football Substitutions?
A football substitution is when one player comes off the pitch, and another takes their place. Managers make changes for all sorts of reasons, from covering an injury to adjusting tactics or adding energy in a key area.
Only players named as substitutes before kick-off are eligible. They must remain on the bench until the coaching staff signals for them to come on. The referee must approve the change, which usually happens at the halfway line, and the fourth official shows the numbers on an electronic board so everyone knows who is coming off and who is coming on. Once a player has been substituted off, they cannot return in the same match.
Substitutions are a vital part of football management, as they allow managers to switch up in-game tactics to potentially swing the game in their favour. Substitutions are also useful when a player gets injured, allowing a fit player to come on and provide extra energy.
When handled well by a manager, substitutions can sometimes make a big impact on the game, whether it is scoring a winning goal or providing additional defensive cover to maintain a lead.
How Many Substitute Players Are Allowed in Football?
In most professional matches in the UK, teams can list up to nine substitutes on the team sheet. Those named on the bench can provide managers with cover across positions and tactical styles.
During the match itself, teams can make up to five substitutions. This limit applies in the Premier League and most domestic competitions and has remained in place since it was introduced a few seasons ago.
Some knockout competitions allow an additional change if a tie goes to extra time, giving teams one more opportunity to make a change. Not every competition follows the same template, so exact allowances can vary.
Not all substitutions need to be made during a game, and some managers may keep a substitution until the later stages in case of injuries.
When Can Teams Make Substitutions?
Changes are made when the ball is out of play, such as at throw-ins, goal kicks, or after the referee has stopped play. The referee controls the timing to prevent disruption.
Most competitions require teams to make their substitutions within three substitution opportunities during normal time, excluding half-time, to keep the game flowing. Multiple players can be switched during a single opportunity, and it still counts as one. Half-time does not count towards the limit, which is why many managers make planned changes then.
If a match goes to extra time, competitions commonly add an extra substitution opportunity, and the short interval before extra time and at the break in extra time can be used to make changes without using up an in-play opportunity.
For serious head injuries, protocols allow immediate attention and, in some competitions, a permanent concussion substitution is allowed that does not reduce the standard allocation. The fourth official coordinates the process and signals every change.
What Is the Difference Between Bench Size and Allowed Subs?
Bench size is the number of players a team may list as potential substitutes, while allowed subs is the number of those who can actually take part.
Many competitions let teams name nine on the bench but use only five; exact limits vary by competition and season, so check the latest rules. Some formats also allow an extra change in extra time.
Naming nine substitutions on the bench allows managers to include specialist options, cover every position, manage fitness, and still choose the most suitable changes as the match evolves.
How Do Substitution Rules Work in Extra Time?
When a knockout tie extends beyond ninety minutes, the rules may offer a little more flexibility. In many competitions, teams are permitted one additional substitution in extra time, in addition to those available in normal play, subject to the competition’s regulations. Any unused changes from the ninety minutes carry over into extra time.
Where adopted, permanent concussion substitutions are treated separately from the standard limit and can be made in accordance with International Football Association Board (IFAB) protocols. This measure prioritises player welfare without conferring an undue tactical advantage.
Teams also gain an extra opportunity (a “window”) to make changes in extra time. The brief intervals before extra time and at the extra-time break may be used for substitutions without expending a window, helping to minimise disruption to active play.
The referee and fourth official manage the timing and process as usual, ensuring players leave at the nearest boundary where required and that the procedure is followed correctly. Any unnecessary delay or gamesmanship can be addressed through additional time or disciplinary action.
These allowances help squads cope with the demands of a longer match and reduce the risk of fatigue-related injuries, while maintaining fairness and integrity. Specific limits and procedures can vary, so always check the competition regulations for definitive guidance.
What Happens If a Team Runs Out of Subs?
Once a team has used all its permitted substitutions, no further routine changes are allowed. If a player then picks up an injury and cannot continue, the team must play on with fewer players.
Permanent concussion substitutions, when used by a competition, are in addition to the standard allocation. Also, a player sent off cannot be replaced; the team must continue with a player down. If a side has fewer than seven players available, the referee must abandon the match.
These limits apply to both teams, so planning is essential. Coaches must balance fresh legs, tactical tweaks and in some competitions, the risk of extra time to avoid getting caught short when it matters most.
