Substitutions are an integral part of soccer, often determining the course of an event. However, what if a player disputes the decision made by the coach to substitute them?
Imagine the crowd’s roar, the game is tense, and suddenly a fourth official holds up his substitution board. The coach has made his choice, but the player shakes his head at him to indicate that he’s not leaving.
The referee shrugs the game back into action, leaving all in wonder – can a player refuse to be substituted, and is that legal?
Yes, a soccer player can refuse to be substituted.
FIFA and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) have defined that a player does not need to leave the field just because their coach wants to replace him.
However, it has extreme implications both in-game and off-field.
Rules of Substitution

Substitutions in soccer are governed by clear rules established by FIFA and IFAB.
These rules ensure smooth transitions and minimize disruptions to the flow of the game. One critical line in the IFAB Laws of the Game directly addresses the situation of a player refusing to be substituted:
“If a player who is to be substituted refuses to leave, play continues.“
This rule assumes that the player has the discretion to decide to leave the field.
Instead of letting such instances stall the game, the rules provide the referee with the right to continue play and leave the issue to be dealt with off the field.
This flexibility in the rules acknowledges that soccer is as much about emotions and instincts as it is about strategy. Players often make decisions in the heat of the moment, and the laws of the game accommodate these human elements.
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Real-Life Examples of Players Refusing Substitutions
The concept of a player refusing to leave the field to be substituted is very much theoretical. There have been high-profile instances when players refused to leave the field after being sent off by their coaches.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 2017
In April 2017, one such moment that defined CR7’s determination to stay on the pitch was during a Champions League quarter-final.
During the match between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, Zinedine Zidane opted to substitute him with Marco Asensio, while Real Madrid was 2-1 down in the second leg.
As the fourth official raised the substitution board, Ronaldo made a dismissive gesture, indicating that he would not leave the pitch.
Zidane realized the confidence of the player and changed his strategy, substituting him with Toni Kroos. It became very crucial for Ronaldo as he continued to score two more goals and thus complete his hat-trick, giving Real Madrid the win on aggregate.
It was a moment of absolute confidence for Ronaldo and also proved at times how a player feels they are the one who can change the game and do it much better than others.
Zlatan Ibrahimović – 2010
In 2010, in a Serie A match with the team AC Milan, the fierce and determined Zlatan did not want to be replaced. He scored versus Fiorentina.
The injury occurred immediately after the goal. Coach Massimiliano Allegri opted for a substitution just in case.
However, Zlatan had other plans. Insisting he was fit to continue, he refused to leave the field. Allegri respected his decision, and the match proceeded with Zlatan contributing significantly to his team’s efforts.
This incident exemplified the Swede’s unyielding attitude and belief in his capabilities.
Lionel Messi – 2014

Lionel Messi, who is mostly known for his composure and brilliance on the field, also had a moment of defiance in 2014. In a La Liga match between Barcelona and Eibar, Luis Enrique decided to substitute Messi in the final minutes to give him a rest.
At that point, Barcelona were leading comfortably, and Messi had already scored.
But Messi had more to say, feeling he still had to play.
After all the arm waving, Luis Enrique gave up and substituted in Neymar. A competitive instinct with a strong sense of desire to make each second count in any playing time makes it hard for him to walk away from playing.
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Consequences of Refusing Substitution

Despite that the laws permit players to reject substitution, doing so will never be done without having consequences.
Strained Relationship with the Coach
Refusing a substitution can strain the relationship between a player and their coach.
Coaches expect their decisions to be respected, and a player’s defiance might be seen as undermining their authority.
This could lead to tense conversations post-game and potentially affect the player’s future involvement in the team.
Loss of Trust
Trust is the backbone of any successful team.
A player who does not want to substitute may lose his coach’s trust in making tactical decisions during matches. This may cost him more playing time or even bigger roles in future matches.
Justifying the Decision
If the decision will lead to the player scoring an important goal or winning the match, they can regain their coach’s favor.
In case the decision goes wrong, the player can be criticized both by the technical bench and by the fans.
Why a Player Might Refuse Substitution
A player may refuse substitution for several reasons. Here are some of the reasons why:
The Importance of the Game
In high-stakes matches, the players are highly responsible and tend to believe that their appearance on the field is important for winning the match for their teams.
They may refuse to leave the ground despite the coach’s view.
Personal Goals and Milestones
Players sometimes have personal objectives, such as scoring a hat trick or breaking a record.
These goals can motivate them to stay on the field, even against their coach’s wishes.
Opportunities of Redemption
If a player has made some mistake earlier in the game, he may view staying on the pitch as an opportunity for redemption.
A desire to atone for his mistake may compel him to reject substitution.
Confidence in Their Abilities
Elite players often have immense self-belief. They might feel they are better equipped to influence the game than the substitute waiting to replace them, leading to a refusal to leave.
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The Role of the Coach
Coaches play a crucial role in handling substitution and team dynamics.
They have to enforce their authority but must still exercise empathy and understanding. Here are some techniques where coaches can use them:
Effective Communication
When a coach clearly communicates why that player was brought off, the player will be less likely to argue with the decision.
When coaches open themselves, they stand a good chance of gaining the trust and coordination of their players.
Safeguarding Player Autonomy
In certain situations, allowing a player to stay on the field can boost their confidence and foster mutual respect. Coaches must assess each situation individually and weigh the potential benefits and risks.
Establishing Team Rules
Clear guidelines regarding substitutions and player behavior can minimize conflicts. By setting expectations upfront, coaches can create an environment of accountability and discipline.