You may be wondering why it's possible for teams to replace players in their squad even after the World cup has started.
The truth is that ational teams cannot simply recall or swap players whenever they feel like it once the World Cup is underway.
Here is how it works.
According to the Regulations, every nation is required to submit a provisional squad of up to 55 players.
From that pool, they are then to name a final 26, including at least three goalkeepers, on or before FIFA's official deadline.
Once that final squad is locked in, the freedom to make changes almost disappears.
For outfield players, a replacement is only permitted in the case of serious injury or illness, and only up to 24 hours before the team's FIRST match. The replacement must come from that original provisional list, and it requires FIFA Medical Committee approval with proper documentation.
After that 24-hour cutoff, the outfield squad will have to remain unchanged for the entire tournament, group stage through to the final. Any player that gets injured at that point will stay registered but cannot be replaced by another player that's not on the squad list.
Goalkeepers are the exception. Because three keepers are so essential, a goalkeeper can be replaced at any stage of the competition if he is unfit.
We have just seen the outfield rule in action. England lost Tino Livramento to injury before their opener against Croatia and brought in Trevoh Chalobah, who was on standby. It was allowed precisely because it fell inside the 24-hour window.
It's fair, but it's also unforgiving.
I hope you have learned something today.
My name is Ajoje. I am a FIFA Licensed Agent and International Sports Lawyer. I write on the Law and Business of Football, a lot. Repost and Follow if you want to read more posts like this.
I wanted to gather my thoughts because I was really pissed off.
I'm perplexed by the attitude of the new generations, who normalize insults based on physical attributes or skin color, as well as publicly bullying a kid just because they're emotionally upset.
The problem isn't rewarding someone for letting his tablet get stolen.
But it's not sending the message that it's normal to mock a more sensitive kid. Fortunately, Benjamin was showered with love and got his tablet back.
He expressed his desire to play football, and we offered him a full scholarship for next year.
Joining Juventus he’ll have a special coach in Kwadwo Asamoah.
Dear football,
Today, I want to share with you that this season will be my last as a professional footballer. After so many years living my dream, I feel it’s time to start a new chapter in my life.
Being honest, even though I have been preparing myself for this moment, I found it hard to write this letter. After 20 seasons , many people have played an important role in my career.
When I first kicked a ball as a child in Pamplona with my schoolmates, I never imagined the amazing journey ahead. I’m grateful for every moment: the wins, the tough losses, the challenges, and most of all, the people I’ve met and the friendships I’ve made along the way.
To my teammates, coaches, and every staff member at all the clubs I’ve been lucky to be part of, thank you for helping me grow as a person and a player every day. Wearing the shirts of CA Osasuna, Olympique Marseille, Chelsea FC, Atlético de Madrid, Sevilla FC, and representing my country at the biggest stages has been a true privilege. Every moment has meant so much to me…