Euro 2024 is here, with nations looking to battle it out to become the last one standing to lift the trophy as European champions.
A busy summer of football action is ahead, as international heavyweights such as England, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Portugal and Belgium look for glory.
However, it is far from an easy tournament as plenty of underdogs will fancy their chances to complete a historic triumph.
With the European Championships only played once every four years, some rules differ from the usual competitions.
So with that said, here’s a look at the Euro 2024 rules you need to know for this summer’s football festival.
How many players are allowed in a Euros squad?
UEFA confirmed that Euro 2024 would allow for teams to have a squad size of 26 players, which is an increase on the previous rule of 23.
It means that teams with a provisional squad larger than that will be forced to trim their options down before the tournament starts.
How many subs are allowed at Euro 2024?
It was confirmed by UEFA that five substitutions will be allowed during Euro 2024, matching the rules of all major domestic European leagues.
Those five changes are only allowed in three separate stoppages, though that doesn’t include the half-time break.
An additional sixth substitute is allowed if a knockout stage match reaches extra time.
Concussion subs are in place if a player is forced off through a head injury which means they cannot continue – which won’t count against the five substitution rule.
Yellow card and red card suspension rules at Euro 2024
A player will pick up a one-game suspension at the Euros if they receive two yellow cards in two separate matches, or if they pick up four yellow cards in total.
That tally is reset once the tournament reaches the quarter-final stage, giving a clean slate for the final few rounds.
Red cards will bring a one-game suspension automatically, however, UEFA can increase this ban depending on the severity of the incident.
Any red card in a team’s final game of the tournament will be carried over to the next official UEFA match, such as qualifiers.
New Euro 2024 yellow card rule
A key change is set to take place during the Euros which will involve the surrounding of referees during decisions.
Players have been warned that only the captain will be able to discuss decisions with the referees in matches or they risk being shown a yellow card.
In return, the captains will get greater insight into the explanations from the match officials surrounding key moments in the game.
Will Euro 2024 have VAR?
There will be a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in operation for all of the matches at this summer’s European Championships.
The team of officials will consist of one VAR and two Assistant Video Referees (AVARs), as well as three video operators.
Will there be semi-automatic offsides?
The use of semi-automatic offside technology (SAOT) will be allowed for the Euros this summer, speeding up the process of making offside decisions.
Sensors in the match ball will send a signal for when a pass is made, allowing cameras around the stadium to take a snapshot of the game from all angles.
This is then fed into a computer, which generates a clear image of the offside call in 3D within mere seconds.
The reason this is semi-automated is that players have to interfere in play to be called offside, which requires a decision from a referee or VAR in some instances.
Do the Euros have extra time and penalties?
The Euros will go to extra time in the knockout stages if a game reaches the end of the regulation 90 minutes and there is no winner.
Extra time will be split into two 15-minute halves for the teams to break the deadlock.
If the match is still level at a draw after the full match and the two halves of extra time, then it will be decided on penalties.
Each team must take five penalties each, with the winner scoring more than the other, however, if it is tied after five spot-kicks then it will be decided on a penalty-by-penalty basis – also called “sudden death”.