Is there a concussion substitute in football?
A · Advanced · Who plays, and who can come on? · 8 of 12Checked 13 October 2026
Yes,
where the competition has adopted it. Each team may make one extra, permanent concussion substitution for a
player with an actual or suspected concussion, on top of its normal substitutes. That player takes no further part.
The other team then gets one extra substitute of its own to use for any reason.
How it works
- One concussion substitute per team per match, whatever number of normal substitutes has been used.
- It can be made straight away or after an assessment. It can also be made later, if concussion is suspected after the player has returned.
- The team tells the referee or fourth official, ideally with a card of a different colour.
- The player cannot return, including for a penalty shoot-out.
- The opposing team receives one additional substitute and one additional substitution opportunity.
- Match officials do not decide whether an injury qualifies; that is for the team's staff.
Tricky cases
Why does the other team get an extra substitute?
To keep the balance, so the rule cannot be used to gain an extra change.
Is it a temporary substitution while the player is checked?
No. The protocol approved by the IFAB is permanent: the player does not come back.
Why the rule exists
It removes the temptation to keep a possibly concussed player on because the team has no changes left.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Competitions that adopt the protocol | As above | L3.2; L Notes (concussion protocol) |
| Other competitions | No extra substitution | L Notes (General modifications) |
From the rule book
IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Law 3.2 and the "Additional permanent concussion substitutions protocol" in Notes and modifications, in force from 1 July 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: IFAB Laws of the Game (PDF).