News

Temporary Amendment to Law 3

May 9, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a far-reaching impact on daily life, including sport, around the world. As many countries begin to emerge from this situation, the focus is slowly turning to the resumption of football competitions that have been affected by the virus. When competitions resume, matches may be played in a condensed period (e.g. to reduce the impact on future competitions) and in different weather conditions, both of which could have an impact on player welfare.

Consequently, The IFAB has approved FIFA’s proposal to introduce a temporary amendment to Law 3 – The Players relating to the maximum number of permitted substitutions (details below and on page 3) for competitions scheduled to be completed in 2020, whether or not they have already started.

Competition organisers have discretion as to whether or not to apply this temporary amendment. The IFAB and FIFA will determine at a later stage whether this option will need to be extended, e.g. to competitions due to be completed in 2021.

Law 3 – The Players – temporary amendment

The exact wording can be found on page 3 of this document, but in summary:

– Each team will be permitted to use a maximum of five substitutes.

– To reduce disruption to the match, each team will have a maximum of three opportunities to make substitutions during the game; substitutions may also be made at half-time.

– If both teams make a substitution at the same time, this will count as one of the three opportunities for each team.

– Unused substitutions and opportunities are carried forward into extra time.

– Where competition rules allow an additional substitution in extra time, teams will each have one additional substitution opportunity; substitutions may also be made before the start of extra time and at half-time in extra time.

NB: the use of return substitutes is not an option for senior competitions.

The IFAB also takes this opportunity to draw competition organisers’ attention to existing options within the Laws of the Game concerning the welfare and safety of the players and other participants, in particular those related to drinks breaks and cooling breaks contained in Law 7.

Competitions in which video assistant referees (VARs) are implemented are permitted to cease their use upon their restart, at the discretion of the competition organiser. However, where VARs are used, all aspects of the Laws of the Game and, by extension, the VAR protocol will remain in place.

Competitions eligible to use the temporary amendment to Law 3, or any of the other existing options, do not require permission from The IFAB to do so.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the Laws of the Game 2020/21

The Laws of the Game 2020/21 come into force for competitions (and non-competition matches) as from 1 June 2020, but competitions suspended because of COVID-19 have the option of completing the competition using the Laws of the Game 2019/20 or the Laws of the

Game 2020/21, even if the restart is after 1 June 2020. ‘Friendly/warm-up/practice’ matches in preparation for the restart of the competition should use the version of the Laws that will be used when the competition restarts.

Download IFAB Circular 19_2020_EN

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IFAB Circular 19_2020_EN (371 kB)

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BFA Welcomes New Zebras Head Coach, Morena Ramoreboli

The Botswana Football Association (BFA) is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Morena Ramoreboli as the new Head Coach of the Zebras. This marks an exciting new chapter for Botswana football, as the men’s and women’s national teams recently achieved historic qualifications for the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2025 – only the second time both teams have qualified in the same year.

Mr. Ramoreboli brings over a decade of top-level coaching experience and holds a CAF A license. His accomplishments include winning two Botswana Premier League titles and securing two CAF Champions League qualifications with Jwaneng Galaxy, achieving significant victories against teams like Orlando Pirates and Wydad Athletic Club. His familiarity with many of Botswana’s players from his time at the club level ensures a seamless transition into his new role.

The BFA has set clear targets for Mr. Ramoreboli, including progressing beyond the group stages at AFCON 2025, collecting at least 12 points in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, qualifying for CHAN 2026, and winning the 2025 COSAFA Senior Men’s Challenge. Additionally, improving Botswana’s FIFA ranking to the top 30 in Africa is a key objective.

To achieve these goals, the BFA is committed to providing the necessary resources and support for the Zebras. The Association also calls on all Batswana to rally behind Mr. Ramoreboli and the national teams. Fans are encouraged to attend matches and create an electrifying atmosphere during the World Cup qualifiers. Plans are underway to make travel packages available for supporters to cheer on the teams in Morocco for the Women’s AFCON and in December for the men’s AFCON.

The BFA also appeals to the media to play an active role in building excitement and uniting the nation behind the Zebras and Mares. A collaborative committee will be formed to drive fan engagement and ensure widespread support.

“We are confident that with Mr. Ramoreboli’s vision, experience, and leadership, the Zebras will achieve great success. With unity and the unwavering support of the nation, there is no limit to what we can accomplish,” said the BFA President.