Tournament Information

Any team which causes the suspension of a match, whether due to collective bad behaviour, players leaving the pitch, agression towards the other team, the referee, assistant referees, team leaders, coaches, etc., the invasion of supporters onto the pitch, or for any other reason which causes the referee to suspend the match will automatically lose the match 3-0, unless, when the suspension occurred, they were losing by a higher score.

Each club will be responsible for the behaviour of their players, supporters and family members, both on and off the field. Bad behaviour can lead to expulsion from the tournament.

The accommodation is shared with people outside the tournament who deserve our respect. Bad behaviour within accommodation can lead to them to rescinding their accommodation and catering services and the tournament organisers will be able to do nothing to resolve this situation.

Competition Format

Teams will be divided into groups of 4 or 5. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the quarterfinals, leading to the semifinals. The semifinal winners will compete in the final match, while the losers will play for third place.

Scoring and Ranking in Group Matches

Points will be awarded based on the following:

Teams will be divided into groups of 4 or 5. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the quarterfinals, leading to the semifinals. The semifinal winners will compete in the final match, while the losers will play for third place.

Scoring and Ranking in Group Matches

Points will be awarded based on the following:

• Three (3) points for a win
• One (1) point for a draw
• Zero (0) points for a loss

Rankings will be determined by total points.

Tiebreaker Rules

If more than two teams are tied on points, the following criteria will be applied to determine rankings:

1. Results of matches between the tied teams.
2. Greater number of points obtained in all matches.
3. Goal difference.
4. Greater number of goals scored.

The team with the higher number in each category will be ranked higher.

Further Tiebreakers

If a tie persists after the above criteria, the following will be applied (based on all tournament matches)

1. Goal difference in all matches.
2. Greater number of goals scored

Again, the team with the higher number in each category will be ranked higher.

Final Tiebreakers

If teams remain tied, rankings will be determined based on the following:

• Yellow card: 1 point
• Red card (two yellow cards in the same match): 3 points
• Direct red card: 3 points
• One yellow card and one direct red card in the same match: 4 points

Teams with the fewer points in this category will be ranked higher. If a tie on
points still exists after considering these criteria, drawing lots will be conducted to determine team rankings. If two teams are tied and still on the field, kicks from the penalty mark will be used to determine rankings.

Played in knock – out format as single elimination. If these matches
end in a draw after normal playing time, taking kicks from penalty
mark will be applied to determine winner.

General Regulations

Matches will follow the Laws of the Game as established by the
Yakoma Cup.

Player Registration

Each team may register a maximum of 18 players (7 starters and 11 substitutes) for each match. Teams are permitted to substitute up to 11 players during the game.

Match Duration

Matches will consist of two 25-minute halves, with a 5-minute halftime break. This duration may vary depending on the organizers and could be adjusted longer or shorter based on unforeseen circumstances that may arise during the game.

Responsibility

The Organizing Committee will address all disciplinary actions for
violations committed by participants during the tournament.

Yellow Card Suspension

A player receiving two (2) yellow cards in the same match (resulting in an indirect red card) will be sent off and suspended for the next match.

Multiple Yellow Cards

A player receiving two (2) yellow cards in two (2) separate matches will be suspended for the next match.

Red Card Suspension

A player receiving a direct red card will be suspended for at least
the next match. The Organizing Committee may extend the suspension based on the severity of the violation.

All matches will be played with Organisation footballs. In no case will balls be left to warm up.

11-a-side: Size 5
8-a-side: Size 4

All of the pitches are natural grass or top-quality artificial turf.

If the referee decides that a team must change its shirts due to a conflict with the colours of the other team’s shirts, the team that changes must be the second one listed on the calendar. The first team must play with their first-choice shirt.

All teams must be on the pitch 15 minutes before the match starts. If this is not the case and there is no good reason, the Competition Committee may take one of the following measures:

The team on the pitch will be awarded a 3-0 win for the match The offending team will automatically lose the match and be deducted a point The referee will decide if the match should be played or not If a team does not appear for a match with no good reason, the offending team will forfeit that game (3-0) and be deducted three points. In both cases, the Competition Committee reserves the right to discipline a team should a third party be affected.

Delegates who want to check whether any player should be allowed to play can do so before the end of the match by speaking to the Organisation official for that pitch. At the time of the claim, the complainant must make a deposit of 50 USD for each player they suspect.

If the player proves their legality by submitting any of the required original documents, the pitch official will finalise the claim.

If the player under suspicion does not have the requested document available or does not appear on the lists, both the claimant and the player (together with the team leader) will have to go to the headquarters of the tournament Competition Committee (Information Central) two hours later, which will make the final decision.

In any case, if the player under suspicion proves their legality, the claimant will lose their deposit. Otherwise, it will be returned in full.

Complaints about refereeing errors will not alter the outcome of the game. The Competition Committee’s decision is final and irrevocable. The interpretation of the facts and the rules shall be final.

Once the ages of the players have been confirmed, the lists will be validated. The procedure to define the players of each match is as follows:

The lists will be filled in the table of the field where you are going to play FROM THE MOBILE OF THE FIELD OFFICIAL
You will indicate to the field official the numbers of all players available for the match and then the starting players will be marked

No match can start until the referee has the team list.

Upon arrival, all participants must confirm their age. To do this, the delegate or team leader must submit the original passport or national ID card of each player. Any player who does not present any of these documents will not be allowed to play.