The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has permanently adopted a rule allowing teams to make five substitutions during a match. The official FIFA website announced this decision.

Previously, this rule was introduced due to player fatigue caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Following a request from FIFA in May 2020 regarding player health protection during the coronavirus pandemic, IFAB made a temporary amendment to football rules. This amendment allowed up to five substitutions in leading national and international matches.

This new measure was extended several times subsequently. Now, IFAB has taken into account numerous recommendations and strong support from the entire football community for this amendment to be adopted permanently as a rule. Additionally, it was decided to increase the maximum number of players on the bench from 12 to 15 at the discretion of match organizers.

As before, teams will have the right to stop play only three times during 90 minutes for substitutions. Therefore, to use all five substitutions, players can be released during halftime or multiple individuals can be substituted simultaneously.