Question Number: 33573

Law 3 - The Players 8/14/2019

RE: Professional

Hussain Anwer of Muscat, Select state Oman asks...

A team started match with 10 players. One of the listed player came late. Can he enter while ball is in play or wait for ball to be out of play

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Hussain,
as long as there was a NEUTRAL official present say a 4th or AR that the CR COULD rely on, they can do the check and the CR would be able to wave him in. Otherwise it would be at a stoppage, check him and get him on the pitch before the restart.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Hussain
The player must wait for a stoppage in play so that his equipment can be checked.
If there is a 4th official it is possible for the player to be checked so that he can enter during play. However that is a highly unlikely event and anyway I believe in the interest of transparency and fairness to the opponents it is always best to do it at a stoppage.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Hussain,
One of the duties of the referee is to ensure the player's equipment conforms to the laws - which is why referees are supposed to check the players before the game. As you have not had the chance to check this player, you need to do so before he enters the field of play. Therefore, he will need to wait for the ball to be out of play.