Two IFAB changes to recognise during the 2026–27 season

Quicker substitutions

IFAB's published 2026–27 changes introduce a ten-second limit for a substituted player to leave the field. If that limit is exceeded, the replacement must wait until the first stoppage after one minute has elapsed.

Senior international friendlies

The permitted number of substitutes in senior A international friendly matches increases to eight. Teams may agree on up to eleven and inform the referee in advance. The restriction of three substitution opportunities per team remains.

Keep the scope clear

The friendly-match allowance is not a general increase for every league fixture. Check the rules of the competition you are watching. This article highlights two published changes and links to IFAB's complete list; it does not reproduce the full Laws or claim a new match result.