2026/27 season changes · In force since 1 July 2026. Where they differ from the summary below, these changes take precedence.
- More substitutes in friendlies: In senior international friendlies up to 8 substitutes may be used, or 11 if both teams agree and inform the referee beforehand; the limit of 3 substitution opportunities per team still applies.
- Substituted player must leave within 10 s: A substituted player must leave the field within 10 seconds. If exceeded without a safety or injury reason, the substitute may not enter until the first stoppage after one minute has elapsed.
- Only the captain may approach the referee (notice): Notice: the guidelines allowing only the captain to approach the referee will become mandatory in all competitions from 1 July 2027.
Minimum number of players
A match may not start or continue if a team has fewer than seven players. Seven is the key figure. If a team drops to six, the match is abandoned.
Substitutions
In official competitions, up to five substitutions (with a maximum of three substitution windows). The substitute only enters once the player being replaced has left and with the referee's permission.
Changing the goalkeeper
Any player may change places with the goalkeeper, provided the referee is informed beforehand and the change is made during a stoppage.
Sent-off player
A player sent off before kick-off may be replaced by a named substitute. A player sent off after kick-off may not be replaced.
Outside interference
If an outside agent (spectator, object, animal) interferes and the ball enters the goal, the goal is disallowed, unless the ball had already entered and the interference did not affect a defender.
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