A Premier League matchday squad can contain up to 20 players: 11 starters and up to 9 named substitutes. Each club must submit its team sheet at least 75 minutes before kick-off, and only players on that sheet may take part in the match.
How the number is made up
A match is played by 2 teams, and each team can have a maximum of 11 players on the field, with 1 of them as the goalkeeper. Premier League rules also allow each club to name up to 9 substitutes on the team sheet, which brings the matchday total to 20 players.
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Starting players | 11, including the goalkeeper |
| Named substitutes | Up to 9 |
| Total players on the team sheet | Up to 20 |
| Substitutes who may take part | Up to 5, plus concussion-protocol places |
Being named as a substitute does not mean every substitute can get on the pitch. Premier League rules say no more than 5 of the named substitutes may normally take part, with extra places only under the concussion protocol. The full substitution process sits under separate substitution rules.
What must be on the team sheet
The team sheet has a fixed deadline and a defined list of details. Clubs must give the names and shirt numbers of their players, including substitutes, plus the colours of the strip, including the goalkeeper's strip.
| Content | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Submission deadline | At least 75 minutes before kick-off |
| Player details | Names and shirt numbers, including substitutes |
| Kit details | Colours of the strip, including the goalkeeper's |
| Officials on the bench | Up to 7, with names and job titles |
| Referee briefing | At least 60 minutes before kick-off, attended by the manager or a senior coach named on the sheet |
The same document also controls who may be in the technical area during the match. Only substitutes and officials named on the team sheet may be there.
There are fixed penalties for breaking the submission or briefing rules. A first breach in a season brings a £2,500 penalty, a second brings £5,000, and a third brings £10,000.
Who can be named and who can play
The names on a matchday team sheet come from the club's Squad List for league matches. That registered list can have up to 25 players, with no more than 17 non-homegrown players.
There is also an age limit. A player placed in an age group below Under 16 may not be named on a team sheet or play in a League Match.
The match rule is simple once the sheet is filed: no player whose name is not on his club's team sheet may take the field in that match. That is why the team sheet matters beyond lineup announcements.
Can the team sheet change before kick-off?
Yes, but only in a narrow set of circumstances. If a named starter or substitute is injured or unwell after the team sheet is submitted and before kick-off, the club may add another player if a doctor certifies that the original player cannot reasonably be expected to play.
The change must then be passed on straight away to the referee, the opposing club and the Match Manager. The rule allows replacement for fitness reasons, not a late tactical rethink.
FAQ
How many substitutes can a Premier League club name?
A club may name up to 9 substitutes on its team sheet. From that group, no more than 5 may take part in the match.
When do Premier League clubs have to submit the team sheet?
The deadline is at least 75 minutes before kick-off. That submission includes the player list, shirt numbers, kit colours and the officials who will sit on the bench.
How many coaches and staff can sit on the bench?
A club may list up to 7 officials on the team sheet to sit on the trainers' bench. Their names and job titles must be included, not just the total number.
Can a club change its team sheet before the match starts?
It can, but only if a named player or substitute is injured or unwell after submission and before kick-off, with a doctor's certification. The club must then notify the referee, the other club and the Match Manager straight away.