The Premier League’s approach to substitutions has evolved in recent years—and for good reason. As the fixture calendar gets more congested and the physical demands on players increase, the league has had to adapt. In the 2025/26 season, substitution rules will once again play a crucial role in shaping matchday tactics, protecting player wellbeing, and ensuring the quality of football remains at the highest level.
From a controversial pandemic-era shift to a long-term fixture of modern football, the five-substitute rule is now a cornerstone of the Premier League. But how many subs are allowed in the Premier League this season? And what new rules have been introduced that will affect every club from Liverpool to West Ham? Whether you’re a supporter, punter, or armchair tactician, understanding the Premier League’s substitution guidelines for 2025/26 is a game changer.
Let’s break down the new rules, explore the impact of fixture congestion, and explain what’s allowed in the Premier League this season.
What Are The Current Premier League Substitution Rules?
In the 2025/26 season, each Premier League team is allowed to make five substitutions per match. These five changes can be made during three stoppages in play, excluding half-time. This follows the long-term adoption of the five-substitute rule first introduced during the pandemic.
The rule was officially made permanent in the 2022-23 Premier League season after clubs voted in favour of it. It was a step forward in what needs to be an ongoing effort to address issues with player fatigue and protect the wellbeing of top-flight footballers.
Managers like Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola had long campaigned for this rule change, arguing that the number of games being played is directly affecting players’ health and wellbeing. The Premier League finally followed the lead of major leagues across Europe by allowing teams to make five substitutions per game.
Why Did The Premier League Introduce The Five-Substitute Rule?
The five-sub rule was born out of necessity during the pandemic in 2020, when fixture congestion reached unprecedented levels. With players returning from lockdowns and tournaments crammed into a shorter calendar, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved temporary rule changes.
The Premier League initially resisted making five changes permanent, sticking to three subs per match longer than other top leagues. However, by 2022, the evidence was undeniable. The impact of fixture congestion and the number of matches per season was becoming a common issue for managers and players alike.
The adoption of this rule was a welcome step forward. It recognised the direct link between workload and injuries—something the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), led by chief executive Maheta Molango, had been highlighting. As Molango put it: “The number of games being played is directly affecting players’ health. This rule is a welcome step, but there needs to be an ongoing effort to address issues with player fatigue.”
How Many Substitutes Are Allowed In The Premier League Matchday Squad?
While only five substitutions can be made per team in a single fixture, clubs are permitted to name up to nine substitutes on their matchday team sheet. This gives managers greater tactical flexibility depending on the flow of the match.
This expanded bench was introduced in the 2020/21 season as part of the initial pandemic response and has remained ever since. With nine options, including a backup goalkeeper, managers can better cover for injuries, adapt to specific match situations, or rotate during busy fixture periods.
It also provides young talent with more opportunities to gain valuable matchday experience. For clubs like Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United—who often play midweek European fixtures—this extra depth is crucial.
How Many Times Can You Stop The Game To Make Substitutions?
Despite being allowed to make five changes, managers can only pause the game three times to make substitutions. This rule ensures that matches remain free-flowing and are not constantly interrupted.
Half-time does not count as one of the three opportunities, so managers can make subs during the break without it affecting their quota. This means a team could make a change at half-time and then use their three in-game stoppages to make four further substitutions.
It’s a delicate balance between tactical intervention and maintaining the rhythm of the game. Referees now keep a close eye on time-wasting, especially when the match ball goes out of play, and have the authority to add time accordingly.
What’s New In The 2025/26 Premier League Substitution Rules?
In addition to the continuation of the five-substitute rule, the 2025/26 Premier League season sees enhanced measures to prevent time-wasting and speed up substitutions.
New rules introduced this season require substitutes to leave the pitch at the nearest point unless otherwise directed by the referee. This has been done to reduce unnecessary delays and discourage players from walking across the pitch when being subbed off.
The Premier League has also doubled down on added time. As seen last season, referees now include more precise stoppage time based on actual time lost—especially from substitutions and goal celebrations. Expect more games to go beyond the 100-minute mark, particularly in tightly contested fixtures.
Why Was This Rule Change Needed?
The switch from three to five substitutes wasn’t just a matter of tactical luxury—it was a direct response to growing concerns about player workload and wellbeing.
PFA chief executive Maheta Molango highlighted that the number of games being played is directly affecting players’ health and wellbeing. He cited the mounting evidence of injuries and mental fatigue caused by a relentless schedule. From the World Cup in winter 2022 to back-to-back domestic and European competitions, there’s been little recovery time.
This rule is seen as a “step forward in what needs to be an ongoing effort to address issues” with modern football’s demanding calendar. It allows clubs to manage workloads more effectively while also ensuring that the quality of play doesn’t suffer due to fatigue.
Are Players Allowed To Return After Being Subbed?
No. In the Premier League, once a player has been substituted, they are not allowed to return to the field. The only exception is for concussion substitutes, a special rule introduced to protect player safety.
This differs from grassroots or youth football, where rolling substitutions may be allowed. In the top flight, each substitute must be used strategically, especially with limited in-game stoppages.
It’s a scenario that can lead to tactical dilemmas—especially if a player goes down injured after all five subs have already been used. It’s one of the reasons managers often hold back one substitution in case of emergencies late in the match.
Has The Five-Substitute Rule Affected Premier League Tactics?
Absolutely. The five-substitute rule has been a tactical game changer in the Premier League. Managers can now make sweeping changes to shift the momentum of a match or rest key players once the result is secure.
Take Liverpool, for instance. Jurgen Klopp has used the rule to rotate his high-pressing front line without losing intensity late in games. Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola frequently brings on a fresh trio of midfielders to control possession and slow down the tempo.
Substitutions made in the final 20 minutes now often have more impact on the outcome than ever before. The ability to bring on five fresh legs allows teams to chase goals or defend leads more effectively—turning the bench into a tactical weapon.
How Are Substitutions Monitored During A Match?
During a Premier League fixture, the fourth official and ball assistants work together to monitor substitutions. Teams must notify the fourth official, who signals the change to the referee and ensures the process is smooth.
Each team is given three substitution windows during the match to make their five changes. This does not include half-time, full-time (for extra time in cup games), or stoppages for injuries where play is paused.
Substitutions per match are recorded and tracked, with statistics made available post-match. Clubs also analyse these patterns to identify trends and optimise their substitution strategies.
Do All Premier League Clubs Benefit Equally From The Rule?
While the rule aims to protect players across the board, there’s no denying that the five-substitute rule favours clubs with deeper squads. Premier League teams like Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal can bring on world-class replacements, whereas smaller sides often lack that level of depth.
West Ham manager David Moyes acknowledged this last season, suggesting that “bigger clubs benefit more from the rule change.” That said, every Premier League club voted to adopt the rule—underlining its necessity to protect players’ health and address the impact of fixture congestion.
Even clubs outside the top six understand that the wellbeing of players and staff remains a priority. With the season running from August to May and no winter break, rotating players has become essential.
What Are The Official Guidelines From IFAB?
The International Football Association Board (IFAB), which sets the rules of the game worldwide, originally introduced the five-substitute option as a temporary measure. Following strong support from domestic leagues, it was made permanent in 2022.
The Premier League, governed by the rules and guidelines of IFAB, now implements this standard fully. Referees are instructed to monitor time lost due to substitutions and ensure fair play by enforcing the rules consistently.
IFAB also worked with the PFA and Premier League clubs to study the impact of substitutions on game tempo, player health, and tactical fairness before formalising the rule. The consensus was clear: five changes were here to stay.
Conclusion
The Premier League’s substitution rules for the 2025/26 season are not just a matter of procedure—they’re central to how modern football is played, managed, and understood. The five-substitute rule has transformed tactical decision-making and given managers greater control over player welfare in an era where fixture congestion shows no signs of easing.
From the increased use of stoppage time to the push for more efficient substitutions, every tweak to the rulebook reflects the league’s growing awareness of the physical toll on its stars. While debates continue over whether the system favours wealthier clubs with deeper squads, one thing is certain: the days of rigid substitution limits are long gone.
As the season unfolds, how managers use their five changes could prove just as decisive as formations or starting line-ups. In a league where marginal gains make the difference between survival, Europe, or a title challenge, the smart use of substitutes might just be the most underrated tactic of all.
