When the substitution board is being shown, the player being substituted is on the far side of the field of play, close to the touchline. After the referee signals for the substitution to take place, the player walks slowly towards the substitute who is at the halfway line. What is the correct procedure?

THE DECISION

The player must leave the field of play within ten seconds of the substitution board being shown, usually at the nearest point on the boundary line. If the time limit is exceeded, the player must still leave as quickly as possible (no caution, unless they excessively delay the restart). Play restarts, but the substitute may only enter with the referee’s permission during the first stoppage after one minute has elapsed following the restart.