Does a substitution made at half-time count as one of the 3 windows?

No. Under IFAB Law 3, substitutions made during the half-time interval do NOT consume one of a team's three in-play substitution opportunities. Only substitutions made while the match clock is active count as a window.

How does the Permanent Concussion Substitute rule work?

When a team uses an Additional Permanent Concussion Substitute (APCS), it does not count toward their 5 regular substitutions or 3 windows. To maintain sporting fairness and prevent tactical abuse, the opposing team is automatically granted an additional normal substitution and an additional substitution window.

Do unused substitution windows carry over into Extra Time?

Yes. Any of the 3 in-play windows not used during 90 minutes carry over into extra time. Furthermore, in competitions allowing a 6th substitute in extra time, teams receive one additional substitution opportunity.

IFAB 5 Substitutes & Concussion Protocol Rules

An authoritative breakdown of IFAB Law 3 substitution regulations: how in-play windows operate, why half-time changes are free, extra time sixth subs, and the permanent concussion protocol engine.

1. The Permanent 5-Substitution Revolution

Introduced as a temporary pandemic health measure in May 2020, the 5-substitution rule was permanently codified into IFAB Law 3 in July 2022. To prevent tactical time-wasting and match disruption, IFAB implemented the "3 Windows" restriction.

⚡ Core Rule (IFAB Law 3.2 - Number of Substitutions)

Each team may use a maximum of 5 substitutes. To make their substitutions, each team has a maximum of three opportunities (windows) during in-play match time. Substitutions made at half-time, during the cooling break, or prior to extra time do NOT count as one of the three opportunities.

2. What Counts as a "Window"?

Match Event	Consumes In-Play Window?	Rule Citation
Single player sub in 62nd min	YES (1 Window)	Clock is running; referee halts play.
Triple substitution in 70th min	YES (Only 1 Window)	Multiple players subbed simultaneously consume only 1 window.
Substitution at Half-Time (45')	NO (0 Windows)	Interval substitutions are exempt.
Simultaneous opposing substitutions	YES (1 Window each)	If both teams sub during the same stoppage, both teams consume 1 window.
Concussion Protocol (APCS)	NO (0 Windows)	Independent medical protocol; zero window penalty.

3. The Permanent Concussion Protocol (APCS)

Following high-profile head trauma incidents, IFAB approved Protocol A: Additional Permanent Concussion Substitutes. When a player suffers a suspected concussion:

The concussed player is immediately withdrawn permanently and cannot return to play.
This change does not count towards the team's 5 regular substitutions or 3 in-play windows.
The Sporting Fairness Principle: To eliminate the temptation for teams to feign concussion to gain a fresh player, the opposing team is automatically granted an additional normal substitute and one additional substitution window.

4. Extra Time Regulations (Knockout Ties)

If a knockout match proceeds to extra time (120 minutes):

Teams are permitted one additional substitute (a 6th substitute).
Teams receive one additional in-play window during extra time.
Substitutions made in the interval before extra time begins or during extra time half-time do not consume this additional window.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happens if a team makes a sub during a VAR review?

A substitution is only officially enacted when the substitute steps onto the pitch across the halfway line with the referee's explicit permission. If made while the match clock is running, it consumes an in-play window.

Can a substituted player return to the pitch?

In professional senior football, no. Once a player has been substituted, they take no further part in the match. 'Return substitutions' are only permitted in youth, veterans, or disability grassroots football under national association discretion.