How does the new 10-second substitution rule work?

Under Law 3 (2026-27), the player being substituted must be off the field within 10 seconds of:

• the substitution board being shown, or
• if there's no board, your signal for the substitution

This doesn't apply if leaving that quickly is impossible for safety, security or injury reasons. When there are several substitutions at one stoppage, all departing players must be off within 10 seconds of the last one being signaled.

If the player takes longer than 10 seconds:

• they must still leave, and are cautioned only if they excessively delay the restart beyond the 10 seconds
• the substitute can't enter yet
• play restarts
• the substitution can't be canceled, and a different substitute can't be used
• the substitute may enter, with your permission, at the first stoppage after one minute of play has passed

Normally the player leaves at the nearest point on the boundary line, unless you let them leave at the halfway line or elsewhere (for safety or injury, for example). The substitute enters only during a stoppage, at the halfway line, after the departing player has left, and on your signal.