How many FT1 players must be on the pitch?
I · Intermediate · The game · 1 of 5There are three sport classes, from FT1, the most affected, to FT3, the least. A team must keep at least one FT1 on the field or play one short, and may have only one FT3. If an FT1 is sent off, the team need not replace them. A wrong mix of classes counts as too many players.
How it works
- FT1: most affected.
- FT2: in between.
- FT3: least affected.
- FT1 on field: at least one.
- No FT1: one player short.
- FT3 on field: one at most.
- FT1 sent off: need not be replaced.
- Wrong mix: too many players.
The glossary has the FT1, FT2 and FT3, the class rules on the field, the team size, the substitutions, the profiles A, B and C and the sport class status (CP football).
Tricky cases
The FT3 player is sent off. Can an FT3 come on?
Yes, for an FT1 or FT2, if a substitution is left and an FT1 stays.
A team has no FT1 available. What happens?
It plays with six.
Can a team field two FT3 players?
No.
Does the class rule apply in shootouts?
Yes. A team cutting its kickers may not leave out its FT1, unless the opponents have none.
Why the rule exists
The FT1 minimum keeps more impaired players in the game, and the FT3 cap stops teams fielding only the least affected.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FT1 | At least one | C 4 |
| FT3 | One at most | C 4 |
| Wrong mix | Too many players | M 3 |
From the rule book
IFCPF, Competition Rules 2025, article 4, with IFCPF, Modifications to the IFAB Laws of the Game 2025, Law 3. Checked 15 October 2026. Official documents: IFCPF Competition Rules, Modifications to the Laws and Classification Rules.