Tournament Rules

TOURNAMENT RULES & REGULATIONS

1. PLAYER REGISTRATION & TEAM REQUIREMENTS

All participating teams, coaches, managers and players are required to comply with the official Champions FA Cup Tournament Rules and Regulations.

1.1 Player Cards & Supporting Documentation

It is mandatory for all players participating in the Champions FA Cup to possess a valid Champions FA Cup Player Card.

Players must have verified supporting documentation available for inspection. Acceptable documentation may include:

Identity Document (ID)
Valid Passport
Birth Certificate with a recent ID photograph attached

The organisers reserve the right to conduct player verification checks at any stage of the tournament.

1.2 Team Sheets

Each participating team must complete the official Champions FA Cup Team Sheet.

The following requirements apply:

All players listed on the Team Sheet must present themselves to the designated tournament official together with the required supporting documentation when requested.
The Team Sheet must be completed in duplicate.
One copy must be presented to the opposing team.
One copy must be presented to the referee before the commencement of the match.
Any team that fails to present an official Team Sheet will forfeit the match.

1.3 Final Player Registration

Only players listed on the team’s final approved registration form may participate in the tournament.

Fielding a player who is not listed on the final registration form by a manager or coach will result in the immediate disqualification of the team.

This rule applies regardless of whether the player possesses a valid Champions FA Cup Player Card.

1.4 Registration Changes & Guest Players

Player registration changes are strictly prohibited once the tournament has commenced.
Guest players are not permitted.
No player may be transferred, added or replaced during the tournament unless expressly authorised by the Tournament Organising Committee under exceptional circumstances.

2. 2026 AGE CATEGORIES

The Champions FA Cup 2026 age categories are based on the player’s actual age as at 31 December 2026.

Category	Tournament Age Group	Eligible Birth Years	Actual Age in 2026
Girls & Boys U10	U10	2017 / 2016	9–10 years
Girls & Boys U12	U12	2015 / 2014	11–12 years
Girls & Boys U14	U14	2013 / 2012	13–14 years
Girls & Boys U16	U16	2011 / 2010	15–16 years
Girls & Boys U18	U18	2009 / 2008	17–18 years

All age eligibility will be determined according to the player’s age on or before 31 December 2026.

The organisers reserve the right to conduct age verification checks at any time during the tournament.

3. SQUAD SIZES

Each team is permitted to register the following squad:

3.1 11-a-side Matches

Maximum of 20 players
1 Coach
1 Manager

3.2 7-a-side Matches

Maximum of 18 players
1 Coach
1 Manager

Only the registered Coach and Manager will be permitted in the designated technical area.

4. TEAM PERSONNEL & FIELD ACCESS

Each team is entitled to have two (2) personnel within the designated field perimeter during a match.

These personnel will be identified by an official neck tag supplied by the tournament organisers.

Only the following two designated team officials may enter the field perimeter:

Registered Coach
Registered Manager

No other coach, manager, parent, supporter, player or team representative may enter the field of play or stand behind the designated barrier.

5. SUBSTITUTIONS

Each team is allowed five (5) rolling substitutions for all matches.

Rolling substitutions shall be conducted in accordance with the instructions of the referee and tournament officials.

6. COMPETITION FORMAT

6.1 Stages of the Competition

The competition will consist of:

Group Stage
Knockout Stage
Semi-Finals
Finals

The number of groups will depend on the number of teams registered in each age category.

7. GROUP STAGE

Teams will be divided into groups according to the number of participating teams in each age category.

The Group Stage will be played on a round-robin basis.

Each team will play the other teams within its allocated group, subject to the official tournament fixture schedule.

8. GROUP STAGE POINTS

Points will be awarded as follows:

Result	Points
Win	3
Draw	1
Loss	0
Default Game	3 Points + 2 Goals

9. GROUP STAGE TIE-BREAKERS

If two or more teams finish the Group Stage with the same number of points, the following criteria will be applied in order:

Goal Difference
Goals For
Goals Against
Penalty Shootout, where required

If the above criteria have been applied and teams remain equal, a penalty shootout will determine which team advances.

10. QUALIFICATION FOR KNOCKOUT STAGES

After completion of the Group Stage, qualifying teams will progress to the Knockout Stage.

Qualification will be determined as follows:

10.1 Two Groups – Semi-Finals

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Semi-Finals.

Total: 4 teams

10.2 Three Groups – Quarter-Finals

The following teams will qualify:

The top two teams from each group
The two best-performing teams overall across the three groups

Total: 8 teams

10.3 Four Groups – Quarter-Finals

The top two teams from each group will qualify.

Total: 8 teams

10.4 Five Groups – Quarter-Finals

The following teams will qualify:

The top team from each group
The three best-performing teams overall across the five groups

Total: 8 teams

11. SEMI-FINALS

The winners of the Quarter-Finals will progress to the Semi-Finals.

If a Semi-Final match ends in a draw at the end of normal playing time, the match will proceed directly to a penalty shootout.

Each team will initially take five (5) penalties.

If the scores remain level after five penalties each, the shootout will proceed to sudden death.

The referee will be responsible for administering the penalty shootout.

12. FINALS

The winners of the Semi-Finals will progress to the Final.

If the Final ends in a draw after normal playing time, the match will proceed directly to a penalty shootout.

Each team will initially take five (5) penalties.

If the scores remain level after five penalties each, the shootout will proceed to sudden death.

The referee will be responsible for administering the penalty shootout.

13. LAWS OF THE GAME

All Champions FA Cup matches will be played in accordance with the applicable FIFA Laws of the Game, incorporating any tournament-specific adjustments approved by the Local Organising Committee (LOC).

The referee’s decision during a match is final.

Where substantial evidence is presented demonstrating mitigating circumstances that may have materially affected the outcome of a match, the matter may be referred to the Tournament Disciplinary Committee for consideration.

The decision of the Disciplinary Committee will be considered final in all disciplinary matters.

14. DURATION OF MATCHES

Match durations will be determined according to the applicable age category and stage of the Champions FA Cup tournament.

All match durations are subject to the official tournament schedule and may be adjusted by the Local Organising Committee where necessary due to scheduling, weather, venue or other operational circumstances.

14.1 Group Stage

U10 – 7-a-side

15 minutes per half
Straight change at half-time
Maximum 5-minute half-time interval
Total playing time: 30 minutes

U12 – 7-a-side

20 minutes per half
Straight change at half-time
Maximum 5-minute half-time interval
Total playing time: 40 minutes

U14 – 11-a-side

25 minutes per half
5-minute half-time break
Total playing time: 50 minutes

U16 – 11-a-side

30 minutes per half
5-minute half-time break
Total playing time: 60 minutes

U18 – 11-a-side

35 minutes per half
5-minute half-time break
Total playing time: 70 minutes

14.2 Semi-Finals

The Semi-Final match duration will correspond to the applicable age category.

U10 – 7-a-side

15 minutes per half
Straight change at half-time
Total playing time: 30 minutes
If drawn, the match proceeds directly to a penalty shootout.

U12 – 7-a-side

20 minutes per half
Straight change at half-time
Total playing time: 40 minutes
If drawn, the match proceeds directly to a penalty shootout.

U14 – 11-a-side

25 minutes per half
5-minute half-time break
Total playing time: 50 minutes
If drawn, the match proceeds directly to a penalty shootout.

U16 – 11-a-side

30 minutes per half
5-minute half-time break
Total playing time: 60 minutes
If drawn, the match proceeds directly to a penalty shootout.

U18 – 11-a-side

35 minutes per half
5-minute half-time break
Total playing time: 70 minutes
If drawn, the match proceeds directly to a penalty shootout.

14.3 Finals

The Final match duration will correspond to the applicable age category.

U10 – 7-a-side

15 minutes per half
Straight change at half-time
Total playing time: 30 minutes
If drawn, the match proceeds directly to a penalty shootout.

U12 – 7-a-side

20 minutes per half
Straight change at half-time
Total playing time: 40 minutes
If drawn, the match proceeds directly to a penalty shootout.

U14 – 11-a-side

25 minutes per half
5-minute half-time break
Total playing time: 50 minutes
If drawn, the match proceeds directly to a penalty shootout.

U16 – 11-a-side

30 minutes per half
5-minute half-time break
Total playing time: 60 minutes
If drawn, the match proceeds directly to a penalty shootout.

U18 – 11-a-side

35 minutes per half
5-minute half-time break
Total playing time: 70 minutes
If drawn, the match proceeds directly to a penalty shootout.

14.4 Penalty Shootouts

Where a Knockout Stage, Semi-Final or Final match is drawn at the end of normal playing time:

The match will proceed directly to a penalty shootout.
Each team will initially take five (5) penalties.
If the scores remain level after five penalties each, the shootout will proceed to sudden death.
The referee will administer and control the penalty shootout.
No extra time will be played unless specifically determined by the Local Organising Committee before the relevant tournament stage.

15. COMMENCEMENT OF GAMES & LATE ARRIVAL

All teams must report to their allocated field 30 minutes before the scheduled kick-off time.

Teams must report to the designated tournament official at the field upon arrival.

15.1 Late Arrival – Up to 5 Minutes

A team arriving late, but within five (5) minutes after the scheduled kick-off time, will be penalised.

The opposing team will be awarded one (1) goal, and the match will commence thereafter.

15.2 Late Arrival – More Than 5 Minutes

Any team arriving more than five (5) minutes after the scheduled kick-off time will forfeit the match.

The match will be recorded as a default.

16. UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS

All teams must have two playing strips in distinctive colours.

Where there is a colour clash between teams:

The designated away team will be required to change its playing strip.
Tournament bibs may be used where approved by the tournament officials.

The referee and tournament officials will have the final determination regarding kit clashes.

17. DISCIPLINARY MEASURES

The designated Tournament Disciplinary Committee (DC) has sole jurisdiction over disciplinary matters relating to breaches of the Champions FA Cup competition rules.

The decisions of the Disciplinary Committee are final, and no appeals will be entertained.

17.1 Red Cards

A player sent off by the referee will receive an automatic one-match suspension.

The Disciplinary Committee may impose additional sanctions depending on the seriousness of the offence.

17.2 Two Yellow Cards in One Match

A player receiving two yellow cards in the same match will be sent off and will receive an automatic one-match suspension.

17.3 Accumulated Bookings

Bookings accumulated during the Round Robin Stage will not be carried over into the Knockout Stage.

17.4 Serious Offences

The tournament organisers reserve the right to refer serious breaches of tournament rules to the Disciplinary Committee.

Where appropriate, serious matters may also be referred to the relevant home Local Football Association (LFA) for further consideration.

18. CONDUCT & RIGHT OF ADMISSION

The tournament organisers reserve the right of admission.

Any team, player, coach, manager, parent, supporter or other person found to be contravening the laws of South Africa, tournament regulations or venue rules may be removed from the premises and/or banned from further participation or attendance.

The following conduct is strictly prohibited:

Consumption of alcohol on the premises.
Smoking cigarettes or similar products on the premises.
Making fires or using cooking apparatus to prepare food on the premises.
Use of foul, abusive or offensive language.
Threats of violence or aggressive behaviour.
Racist slurs, discriminatory language or derogatory comments.
Unethical, immoral or unconscionable conduct towards tournament personnel, staff, officials or referees.
Unauthorised entry onto the field of play.
Unauthorised access to the technical area or field perimeter.
Any conduct that threatens the safety, security or integrity of the tournament.

19. FIELD PERIMETER & SPECTATOR CONDUCT

Only the designated Coach and Manager may enter the field perimeter and stand behind the designated barrier.

No other person is permitted within the restricted field area.

This includes:

Parents
Supporters
Players from teams not currently playing
Additional coaches
Additional managers
Unauthorised team officials

Any person who breaches the field perimeter will be reprimanded and instructed to leave the restricted area.

A person who repeatedly breaches the perimeter may be removed from the tournament premises.

20. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY & DISQUALIFICATION

The integrity of the Champions FA Cup competition is of paramount importance.

A team may be immediately disqualified where it:

Fields an unregistered player.
Fields a player who does not appear on the final approved registration form.
Uses a guest player.
Provides false or fraudulent player documentation.
Attempts to manipulate player age or eligibility.
Fails to comply with mandatory player verification procedures.
Uses another player’s player card.
Deliberately provides misleading information to tournament officials.

Possession of a tournament player card does not override the requirement for the player to appear on the team’s final approved registration form.

21. TEAM SHEET COMPLIANCE

The official Team Sheet is an important part of the tournament’s player verification and competition integrity process.

Teams must ensure that:

All participating players are correctly listed.
Player information is accurate.
The Team Sheet is completed before the match.
The Team Sheet is provided to the referee.
The Team Sheet is provided to the opposing team.
Players are available for verification when requested.

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the team forfeiting the match.

22. MATCH FORFEITURE

A team may forfeit a match for any of the following reasons:

Arriving more than five minutes after the scheduled kick-off time.
Failing to present an official Team Sheet.
Fielding an unauthorised or unregistered player.
Using a guest player.
Refusing to comply with player verification procedures.
Serious misconduct.
Any other breach determined by the Tournament Organising Committee or Disciplinary Committee.

A default game will be recorded as:

3 Points and 2 Goals for the opposing team.

23. TOURNAMENT OFFICIALS

All teams, coaches, managers, players and supporters are required to respect the authority of:

Tournament Officials
Referees
Disciplinary Committee Members
Local Organising Committee Members
Tournament Administrators
Venue Officials
Security Personnel

Any threatening, abusive or disrespectful behaviour towards tournament officials may result in disciplinary action, removal from the venue or disqualification.

24. NO CORRESPONDENCE AFTER THE TOURNAMENT

The tournament organisers will not enter into correspondence with any team, club, player, parent, supporter, coach or manager regarding matters arising after the conclusion of the tournament where the relevant matter has already been dealt with in accordance with the tournament rules and regulations.

The decision of the Tournament Organising Committee and/or Disciplinary Committee shall be regarded as final in accordance with these regulations.

25. LIABILITY DISCLAIMER

The Champions FA Cup organisers, Local Organising Committee, officials, representatives, partners and associated personnel will not be held liable for any indirect, economic, special or consequential loss or damage of any nature arising from or connected with participation in the tournament.

This includes, without limitation:

Physical injury
Personal injury
Loss or damage to personal property
Material damage
Economic loss
Indirect or consequential loss
Loss arising from participation in tournament activities

All teams, players, coaches, managers, parents and supporters participate in the tournament at their own risk and are expected to take all reasonable precautions to ensure their own safety and the safety of others.

26. ACCEPTANCE OF TOURNAMENT RULES

By participating in the Champions FA Cup, all teams, clubs, players, coaches, managers and authorised representatives acknowledge that they have read, understood and agreed to comply with these Tournament Rules and Regulations.

Participation in the tournament constitutes acceptance of the rules, regulations, disciplinary procedures and decisions of the Tournament Organising Committee and Disciplinary Committee.

The Champions FA Cup reserves the right to amend, interpret or supplement these regulations where necessary to ensure the fair, safe and efficient administration of the tournament.