During the COVID-19 era, FIFA permanently approved a rule allowing teams to make up to five substitutions per match. This rule was established by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and has been in place since 2021.
However, in their World Cup qualifier against Colombia, Brazil made seven substitutions, raising questions about whether coach Dorival Júnior had broken FIFA’s rules.
Did Brazil Violate the Rules?
The answer is no. Dorival stayed within the regulations while using all seven substitutes.
How Was It Possible?
- The match was tied 1-1 at halftime, and Brazil eventually won with a last-minute goal from Vinícius Júnior.
- Right after scoring, Vinícius was substituted, allowing Flamengo’s center-back Léo Ortiz to make his Brazil debut.
- Before that, Joelinton, Matheus Cunha, Savinho, André, Wesley França, and goalkeeper Bento had already come on.
- Their substitutions were direct replacements for Gerson, João Pedro, Rodrygo, Bruno Guimarães, Vanderson, and Alisson Becker.
The Special Rule That Allowed 7 Subs
In the 69th minute, goalkeeper Alisson Becker suffered a head collision with Colombian defender Davinson Sánchez while punching away a free-kick. Both players collapsed on the pitch, causing a 10-minute delay as medical teams assessed their injuries.
FIFA’s Concussion Protocol states that if a player leaves the field due to a head injury, the team is granted an extra substitution.
Brazil used this rule to bring in Bento for Alisson and later subbed in Ortiz for Vinícius.
Colombia Also Had the Option for 7 Subs
Since Davinson Sánchez also suffered a head injury, Colombia could have used the same concussion substitution rule. However, coach Néstor Lorenzo only made four changes.
Brazil Moves to 2nd Place in South American Qualifiers
Following their victory, Brazil now sits second in the CONMEBOL standings with 21 points from 13 matches.
Argentina remains in first place with 25 points from 12 games.
Next Match: Brazil vs. Argentina
Brazil will face Argentina in Buenos Aires at Estadio Monumental on Wednesday morning (Bangladesh time) in a highly anticipated showdown.
