1. General Rules

1.1 The IberCup will be played in strict accordance with FIFA and IFAB (International Football Association Board) rules. In matters of interpretation of FIFA rules, the original English text applies.

1.2 The club must be a member of a national football association affiliated with FIFA. In countries where football is operated by schools, teams affiliated with duly recognized school football associations are allowed to participate.

1.3 Teams are divided into groups of four to six teams, depending on the number of registrations in the category.

1.4 Ranking in the group stage is determined by points:

• Win: 3 points
• Draw: 1 point
• Loss: 0 points

1.5 Tie-Breakers (Group Stage): If two or more teams finish with the same number of points, the ranking will be decided in the following order:

1. Goal difference (Difference between goals scored and conceded);
2. Highest number of goals scored;
3. Head-to-head result (result between the tied teams);
4. Highest number of wins;
5. Team with the lowest average age.

1.6 Competition System:

• 1.6.1 Teams play against each other in the group stage in a single round-robin format.
• 1.6.2 Qualification for the Playoffs (Gold, Silver, or Bronze) depends on the final standing in the group and the specific rules of each age category (refer to the category technical chart).
• 1.6.3 If a team is disqualified or withdraws during the group stage, all its results (past and future in this stage) will be converted to a 0-3 loss in favour of the opponent.

1.7 Playoffs (Knockout Stage):

• 1.7.1 All Playoff matches are decided in a direct elimination format.
• 1.7.2 Matches ending in a draw at full time will be decided exclusively by penalty kicks (no extra time), in accordance with FIFA rules.
• 1.7.3 All players listed on the match sheet (starters and substitutes) are eligible to participate in the penalty shootout.

2. Categories and Formats

The age groups and match formats follow this structure:

Male Categories:

• Born in 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014: 7-a-side (7v7)
• Born in 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008: 11-a-side (11v11)

Female Categories:

• Born in 2015, 2014: 7-a-side (7v7)
• Born in 2013: 9-a-side (9v9)
• Born in 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008: 11-a-side (11v11)

Note: Female teams from the 2015 category are eligible to compete in the Male 2016 category.

3. Registration and Player Eligibility

3.1 Player Limits per Match Sheet:

• 11-a-side: Maximum of 26 players.
• 9-a-side: Maximum of 20 players.
• 7-a-side: Maximum of 16 players.
• Officials: Maximum of 6 and minimum of 1 official on the bench.

3.2 Identification: All players must prove their age via an original ID card, passport, or federation license with a photo.

3.3 Jersey numbers must remain fixed throughout the tournament. If there is a change, the match sheet must be updated in the App before kick-off.

3.4 Substitutions:

• 3.4.1 Rolling substitutions (unlimited and with re-entry) are permitted in all categories, provided they are authorized by the referee and take place in the technical area.
• 3.4.2 Incorrect substitution procedures will be punished with a yellow card.
• 3.4.3 For goalkeeper substitutions, the match must be stopped.

3.5 Cross-Eligibility:

• A player may represent the same club in different age categories (provided age rules are met), but must be registered on both match sheets.
• A player may NEVER represent two teams from the same club in the same category. Infringement results in the player's exclusion and a 0-3 loss in the matches played.

4. Match Duration

There is no guaranteed stoppage time (running time), except for serious injury situations managed by the referee. There is no extended half-time break (immediate change of ends).

• 7-a-side and 9-a-side: 2 halves of 20 minutes (2x20 min).
• 11-a-side: 2 halves of 25 minutes (2x25 min).

5. Equipment and Match Details

5.1 Match Sheet (IberCoach App):

1. Validation of the match sheet on the official App is mandatory up to 45 minutes before kick-off.
2. Failure to comply may prevent the match from starting and result in a fine.

5.2 Equipment:

• Numbers on the back of shirts are mandatory and must match the match sheet.
• Shin guards are mandatory.
• Aluminium Studs: Prohibited in all 7-a-side and 9-a-side categories. In 11-a-side, allowed only for goalkeepers on natural grass. Strictly prohibited for everyone on artificial turf.
• In the event of a kit colour clash, the team losing the coin toss must change kit or wear bibs.

6. Accreditation and Age Control

6.1 Online Accreditation: Must be completed up to 7 days before the tournament (uploading photos and documents to the system).

6.2 On-site Accreditation: Mandatory upon arrival to collect kits and for final validation. Unaccredited teams cannot play their first match.

6.3 Age Control (Spot Checks): The organization will conduct random checks at the pitches. Teams must have original documents (physical or official digital) available at the pitch 15 minutes before every match.

7. Special Dispensations (Over-age Players)

Teams are permitted to use players who are maximum one year older than the category age limit, in the following quantities:

1. Male 7v7 and 9v9: Maximum of 2 players.
2. Male 11v11: Maximum of 3 players.
3. Female 7v7 and 9v9: Maximum of 3 players.
4. Female 11v11: Maximum of 5 players.

8. Specific Technical Rules

8.1 Offside:

• 11-a-side and 9-a-side: Normal FIFA rule applies.
• 7-a-side: The offside rule applies only in the zone between the penalty area line (offside line) and the goal line.

8.2 Goal Kick (7v7/9v9): Must be taken from the ground. The ball is in play as soon as it moves. Opponents must be outside the penalty area. 8.3 The goalkeeper is prohibited from handling the ball after a deliberate pass from a teammate's foot (in all categories).

9. Discipline and Cards

9.1 Yellow cards do not accumulate for subsequent matches.

9.2 Red Card:

• 11-a-side: The player is sent off and the team plays with one less player. Automatic 1-match suspension.
• 7-a-side and 9-a-side: The sent-off player cannot re-enter the match, but the team may complete the number of players by introducing a substitute. The sent-off player serves an automatic suspension in the next match.
• Serious aggression may lead to longer suspensions or tournament exclusion, decided by the Jury.

10. Protests

10.1 Must be submitted in writing to the Secretariat within 90 minutes after the match.

10.2 Protest fee: €100 (refundable if the protest is upheld).

10.3 Protests regarding refereeing decisions (facts of play) are not accepted.

11. Walkovers and Anti-Match Fixing

11.1 Teams must be present 15 minutes before the match.

11.2 Failure to appear without a valid reason results in a 0-3 loss and an administrative fine of €100 (to be paid before the next match).

11.3 Classification Manipulation (Anti-Match Fixing): To safeguard sporting integrity and prevent "opponent picking":

• If the Jury determines that a walkover (no-show) was deliberate to manipulate the standings (e.g., losing to avoid an opponent or to drop to a lower Playoff), the team will be sanctioned with Automatic Playoff Demotion.
• The team will be relegated to the Playoff phase immediately below the one they qualified for (e.g., qualified for Gold, but demoted to Silver; if Silver, demoted to Bronze).
• If the team is already in the lowest tier, they may be excluded from the competition.

11.4 Delays due to force majeure (proven traffic or organization transport failure) may lead to the match being delayed by up to 40 minutes, subject to the Jury's decision.

12. Code of Conduct and Anti-Violence Policy

IberCup enforces a Zero Tolerance policy. Team leaders are responsible for all members of their party.

12.1 Loss of Security Deposit and Exclusion: The team will forfeit its entire security deposit and may be expelled from the tournament in the following situations:

• Material Damage: Deliberate damage to sports facilities (changing rooms, benches, pitches), accommodation (hotels, schools), or transport. The team must also pay for the full repair of the damage.
• Violence between Participants: Involvement of players or staff in physical aggression, brawls, or general conflict, whether on or off the pitch.
• Fan Violence: If a team's supporters or family members invade the pitch, threaten, or physically assault referees, staff, players, or opposing fans.

12.2 Match Abandonment: The referee has the authority to terminate the match immediately if safety conditions are not met due to the behaviour of fans or teams. The defeat will be awarded to the team causing the disturbance.

12.3 Serious infractions will be reported to the competent National and International Federations.

13. Logistics and Insurance

13.1 IberCup does not provide GROUP or ATHLETE insurance. Each player must MANDATORILY possess their own sports/medical insurance valid in Portugal.

13.2 Teams are responsible for their belongings. There are no lockers at the pitches; valuables must remain with the team on the bench.

13.3 Teams must arrive at matches already dressed in their kit. The use of changing rooms at the pitches may be limited.

The Organization reserves the right to alter groups, schedules, and pitches at any time for logistical reasons, informing the team officials in due time.