THE NUMBER OF PLAYERS

Players

A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than five players,
one of whom is the goalkeeper.
A match may not start if either team consists of fewer than three players.
The match is abandoned if one of the teams has fewer than three players on
the pitch.

Offic ial competitions

Up to a maximum of seven substitutes may be used in any match played in an
official competition organised under the auspices of FIFA, the confederations or
the member associations.
The number of substitutions that may be made during a match is unlimited.

Other matc hes

In national “A” team matches, up to a maximum of ten substitutes may be used.
In all other matches, a greater number of substitutes may be used, provided that:
• the teams concerned reach agreement on a maximum number
• the referees are informed before the match

If the referees are not informed, or if no agreement is reached before the
match, no more than ten substitutes are allowed.

All matches

In all matches, the names of the players and substitutes must be given to the
referees prior to the start of the match, whether they are present or not. Any
substitute whose name is not given to the referees at this time may not take
part in the match.

Substitution procedure

A substitution may be made at any time, whether the ball is in play or not. To
replace a player with a substitute, the following conditions must be observed:

• the player leaves the pitch via his own team’s substitution zone, save in the
exceptions provided for in the Futsal Laws of the Game
• the substitute only enters the pitch after the player being replaced has left
• the substitute enters the pitch via the substitution zone
• the substitution is completed when a substitute enters the pitch via the
substitution zone
• from that moment, the substitute becomes a player and the player he has
replaced becomes a substituted player
• the substituted player may take further part in the match
• all substitutes are subject to the authority and jurisdiction of the referees,
whether called upon to play or not
• if a period is extended to allow a penalty kick, a kick from the second
penalty mark or a direct free kick without a wall to be taken, only the
goalkeeper of the defending team may be substituted

Changing the goalkeeper

• any of the substitutes may change places with the goalkeeper without
informing the referees or waiting for a stoppage in the match
• any player may change places with the goalkeeper
• the player changing places with the goalkeeper must do so during a
stoppage in the match and must inform the referees before the change is
made
• a player or substitute replacing the goalkeeper must wear a goalkeeper’s
jersey with his number on the back.

Source : FIFA>COM