Number of players starting in soccer

The number of players starting in soccer is usually eleven. Note that number of players starting in soccer can’t be over 11, but it doesn’t mean that a team cannot start with fewer players but not less than 7.

I have played matches where we started with 8 players and believe me it was a pain to play and when we lost the ball to our opponents it took use about 10 minutes to get it back. Usually the opponents tried to do tricks and other things like passing the ball between all players and laughing watching us running like a flock of dogs chasing a cat.

Anyway, it is allowed with max 3 substitutes in a game that is organized, the by FIFA (The Fédération Internationale de Football Association) confederations or the national associations. In other type of games the number of allowed substitute could be 5 provided that your and the other team have reached an agreement on maximum substitutes allowed.

Your team and your opponents must also inform the referee that you will have five substitutes. This has to be done before match start, if your team don’t reach an agreement with your opponents and not inform the referee then neither your or the opposing team have permission to exceed the number of 3 substitutes.

The referee must know the names of substitutes before the start of match. Substitutes that are not named may not participate.

Procedure of player substitution

• Inform the referee that your team wants to make a substation

• You may only enter the game after the teammate you will replace has left the field and after referee gives you the signal

• You may only enter the game at the halfway line and during a stoppage (ex, an throw in , corner kick or injury)

• A substitution is counted as completed when you enter the game

• The player you replaced cannot participate any more in the current match (Note that this can vary depending on which rules your team play under)

Procedure of goalkeeper substitution

Any of your team players may change places with the goalkeeper, provided that:

• The players have informed the referee before substation is made

• The substation is made during a break