Question Number: 17478

Law 3 - Number of Players 10/23/2007

RE: Adult

Nuno Santos of Lisbon, Portugal asks...

A player is at the halfway line ready to enter at the next stoppage time, the 4th official, the AR and the referee are aware of it.
The other team scores. Can the coach change the player that's ready to enter for another?

Thank you.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Nuno,
to be legally substituted the substitute is to be at the midline ahead of the stoppage and checked overby the AR 4th or referee depending on the level of play. Now lets say the substitute was going to go in the game as a defensive midfield to perserve the tie but the goal changes everything and the coach says damn we need to score Ronaldo you go in and take Hector's place as sub.

It is not likely the referee could allow this to occur at the elite FIFA level even though a kick off is a stoppage with certain needs, all players in their half before it can begin so no real tricky quick start is involved. Personally I think I would not be against it provided the new substitute was in fast checked over properly but there are very strict guidelines at the elite level and the new sub might have to wait until the next stoppage. I would hope no caution for delay or USB is considered if the change is not permitted until the next stoppage.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

A substitute may always be withdrawn prior to his enterning the field of play. His entry completes the substitution process, doesn't it? That is why at the highest levels of play we don't take the substitute's ticket until just before he enters.

Regards,