If a player is sent off before the kickoff, how does it affect the number of substitutions for their team?

When a player is sent off before the kickoff, that player's team is already at a numerical disadvantage, as they will have one less player on the field from the start of the match. In situations like this, the rules stipulate that the team is permitted a maximum number of substitutions, which does not change solely due to the player's ejection. However, because the team is down a player, the effective number of substitutions they can utilize becomes decreased proportionally.

This means that, while the overall number of substitutions allowed might not change, the fact that they now have a disadvantage in player count inherently affects their strategic ability to substitute effectively. Consequently, substituting one player for another becomes more critical, thus resulting in a situation where their capacity to maintain a full-strength side during the match is hampered, leading to the perception that their substitution options are decreased.