Regulation

Last updated Jul 1, 2026

1. RULES

1.1 The IberCup will be played in accordance with the applicable sections of the FIFA Laws of the Game. For any question of interpretation of the FIFA Laws, the English text shall apply.

1.2 The club must be a member of a national soccer association affiliated to FIFA. In countries where soccer is run by schools, we also allow the participation of teams affiliated to the schools' soccer association.

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

1.4 Team rankings are determined by points. Three points are awarded for a win, one point for a draw and zero points for a defeat.

1.5 If two or more teams finish level on points, the ranking is decided in the following order:

a) Attendance to the opening ceremony (When applies)

b) Goal difference;

c) Highest number of goals scored;

d) Result between the teams level on points (head-to-head);

e) Highest number of wins;

f) The team with the lowest average age.

1.6 The competition format is governed by the following rules:

1.6.1 Teams play each other once in the first group stage (single round-robin).

1.6.2 The order between teams is decided by points.

1.6.3 If a team is disqualified or withdraws during the group stage, all its results are changed to 0-3 in favour of the opponent.

1.6.4 — Qualification by category

Once the group stage is complete, the best-ranked teams in each category qualify for the play-offs, according to the number of places shown in the table. All play-offs are played as a straight knockout. Teams that do not fill these places do not advance.

Boys

Girls

1.7 — Play-off matches

1.7.1 All play-off matches are decided by a straight knockout.

1.7.2 A match that ends in a draw is decided by kicks from the penalty mark, in accordance with the FIFA Laws.

1.7.2.1 All players, whether starters and/or substitutes, are allowed to take part in the penalty shoot-out, provided they are listed on the registration sheet.

1.7.2.2 Before the shoot-out begins, only 16 players from each team are eligible to take kicks and must remain on the pitch. All other players must remain off the pitch.

1.8 If a team is disqualified or withdraws during the group stage, all results are changed to 0-3 in favour of the opponent.

1.9 If a team is disqualified or withdraws during the knockout matches (play-off), the opposing team advances in the competition.

1.10 If a play-off match ends in a draw, the winner is decided by kicks from the penalty mark.

1.10.1 The FIFA Laws apply, with a series of 5 takers per team; any player registered for the match may take a kick.

1.10.2 If the teams remain level after the round of 5 penalties, the winner is found when one team scores and the other misses in the same round.

2. CATEGORIES

Categories in the competition, by gender, year of birth and playing format:

Boys: 2017 (7v7), 2016 (7v7), 2015 (7v7), 2014 (7v7), 2013 (11v11), 2012 (11v11), 2011 (11v11), 2010 (11v11), 2009 (11v11) and 2008 (11v11).

Girls: 2015 (7v7), 2014 (7v7), 2013 (9v9), 2012 (11v11), 2011 (11v11), 2010 (11v11) and 2008 (11v11).

*Important note: The competition has the right to agregate categories in order to improve the competition for the teams. Only allowed one year more or less.

3. PLAYERS

3.1 In all categories, the maximum number of players per team is: 11v11 — 25 players; 9v9 — 20 players; 7v7 — 16 players.

3.1.1 Age categories in 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11 formats.

3.2 All players must be able to prove their age with the original identity card and/or passport, showing a photograph and date of birth.

3.3 We recommend that all players wear the same shirt number throughout the tournament.

3.3.1 If players change numbers between matches, the coach or team leader must update this information before the match starts in the IberCoach App, or all of that player's match statistics will be wrong.

3.4 Teams may use all players registered in the system for the competition.

3.5 For substitutions, players must follow these rules:

3.5.1 A substituted player may return to the match.

3.5.2 A substitution may be made without stopping play, but only with the referee's permission.

3.5.3 Substitutions must be made within the team's technical area or, where no area is defined, at the halfway line.

3.5.4 A player may only enter the pitch once their team-mate is off the field of play and with the referee's permission.

3.6 Incorrect substitutions are punished with a yellow card.

3.7 If a goalkeeper is substituted, play must be stopped and the referee informed.

3.8 A player may represent the same club in several age categories, but may not represent different teams in the same age category.

3.9 If a player represents a club in several age categories, they must appear on the squad list of every team they will play for.

3.9.1 If a player represents a club in several age categories but is only registered with one team, they may not play for the others. If this happens, the player is excluded from the competition and the team forfeits 0-3 the matches in which that player took part.

3.10 If a club competes with two or more teams in the same age category, players from those teams may not switch teams. If this happens, they are excluded from the competition and the team forfeits 0-3 the matches in which those players took part.

3.11 Teams using players who do not appear on the registration sheet may be excluded from the tournament.

3.12 Players may not be registered during the competition. The deadline for registration is up to 24 hours before the start of the first match. After validation and accreditation, no further player registrations are accepted.

4. PLAYING TIME

4.1 In 7v7 categories, all matches are 2 (two) halves of 20 (twenty) minutes.

4.2 In 11v11 categories, all matches are 2 (two) halves of 25 (twenty-five) minutes.

4.3 In 9v9 categories, all matches are 2 (two) halves of 20 (twenty) minutes.

4.4 There is no stoppage at half-time. Teams change ends after the referee's whistle and the second half begins immediately.

4.5 All matches will kick off punctually, in accordance with the published schedule.

5. MATCH DETAILS

5.1 — Match sheet

5.1.1 In every match it is mandatory to check the online match sheet with the pitch director before kick-off.

5.1.2 All players registered for the competition must appear on the match sheet.

5.1.3 If a player does not appear on the match sheet, they may not be used. In this case, the team leader must contact the competition's administrative services to resolve the matter.

5.1.3.1 Any player or official not on the match sheet may not enter the technical area.

5.1.4 The match sheet is always active with the previous match's information. If an update is needed, the team leader must make the changes in the IberCoach App before the next match.

5.1.5 Team leaders must confirm the squad list numbers in the IberStaff App before kick-off, to avoid errors in the match data.

5.1.6 Even if there has been no change to the shirt numbers, the team leader must always validate the match in the IberCoach app 45 minutes before kick-off, or the match may not start on time.

5.1.7 All players on the team list are considered to have taken part in the match.

5.1.8 Random checks of squad and participant lists will be carried out.

5.2 — Player kit

5.2.1 Shirt numbers are mandatory.

5.2.1.1 If a player has no number on their shirt, they must add one manually with tape, or they will not be allowed to play.

5.2.2 The number of players on the match sheet must match the shirt numbers.

5.2.3 Two players from the same team may not wear the same number in a match.

5.2.4 The number each player has on the team sheet must be the same as the shirt number.

5.2.5 If a player changes their shirt number from the previous match, this must be updated on the online match sheet with the pitch staff before kick-off.

5.2.6 No player may change number during the same match. Failure to comply results in a yellow card and the player leaving the pitch to put on the correct shirt.

5.2.6.1 The player may only return once wearing an authorised shirt number and with the referee's consent.

5.2.7 If teams wear the same kit colour, the choice of who changes is made by a coin toss. The loser must change kit.

5.2.8 Shin pads are compulsory in all matches.

5.2.9 Aluminium studs are only permitted for goalkeepers in the 11v11 categories. All other players are prohibited from wearing this type of boot. The use of aluminium studs on artificial turf is expressly prohibited.

5.3 — Before and after the match

5.3.1 All teams must be ready on the pitch no later than 15 minutes before kick-off, with valid documents for age checks if requested.

5.3.2 Immediately after each match, all team leaders or coaches must validate the online match sheet with their PIN, available in the MyTeam Info area on the website. Failure to validate may result in a referral to the IberCup jury.

5.4 — Match balls

5.4.1 All 11v11 matches are played with size 5 balls.

5.4.2 For 7v7 and 9v9, all matches use size 4.

5.4.3 The organisation will provide official match balls, but teams should also bring their own balls.

5.4.4 The organisation does not provide balls for the warm-up. Teams wishing to buy warm-up balls should contact the organisation.

6. ACCREDITATION, MATCH SHEET AND AGE CHECKS

6.1 — Player registration

6.1.1 The team leader will gain access to the My Team Info area as soon as the first payment or deposit is made, allowing them to register their players in the system in advance.

6.1.2 Mandatory information when registering a player: full name, date of birth, identification number, photograph, position and attached identity document.

6.1.3 Once registration is complete, the team leader must attach each athlete's document in MyTeamInfo, up to 30 days before the start of the competition.

6.1.4 When attaching documents, teams must have the player's photograph uploaded to the profile, allowing the document to be checked against the photo on the website.

6.1.5 Once all documentation has been received, players are accredited online.

6.1.6 If the team leader does not complete accreditation according to the steps indicated, the player will not be allowed to take part.

6.1.7 In previous editions, some players were prevented from taking part for missing this process's deadline, and the fees paid were lost.

6.2 — Online accreditation

6.2.1 Online accreditation can only begin once all registration steps are complete with the proper documentation (identification, photograph, scanned documents).

6.2.2 The process is validated through the list of players registered on the website, with the photo registered in the system and the documentation attached in MyTeamInfo.

6.2.3 All players must be accredited up to 7 days before the start of the tournament. After this date, the team loses two points in the group-stage standings if online accreditation is not complete.

6.2.4 Any player who, at the date of online accreditation, has not yet uploaded a photo to the system will not have valid accreditation and may not take part.

6.2.5 Players not verified at online accreditation will not be allowed to take part, even if they present an identity document on match day.

6.2.6 For players to be officially registered and accredited, all payments must be made by the teams.

6.2.7 Valid documents:

6.2.7.1 Host-country teams: a player card from the local soccer association or a citizen's card.

6.2.7.2 Foreign teams: only a valid identification card will be accepted (a legal document from a government institution, laminated).

6.2.8 This card must contain the full name, photograph, identification number and date of birth, and must be used together with the player's passport.

6.2.9 For players from countries where a passport is not required to enter the host country, the organisation will only require a valid identity document (a legal document from a government institution, laminated).

6.2.10 At check-in, the organisation will request insurance documentation, which must cover participants until the end of the tournament. If it is not provided, the team may not take part.

6.3 — In-person accreditation

6.3.1 In-person accreditation on arrival at the tournament is mandatory.

6.3.2 Team leaders will be informed in advance of where they can complete this procedure before the tournament begins.

6.3.3 The team leader is only authorised to complete in-person accreditation and collect the team kit if the online process is complete.

6.3.4 Teams that are verified and have completed online accreditation only need to collect the kit at the secretariat, with no queues on the reserved days.

6.3.5 If a player's verification is still pending, it can no longer be validated at the secretariat during in-person accreditation, except in extreme cases of replacing an injured player.

6.3.6 Teams travelling by air or in their own transport: the kit may be collected at the secretariat (location to be confirmed nearer the date) after check-in at the accommodation.

6.3.7 Local teams: the kit must be collected at the secretariat (location to be confirmed nearer the date) 2 days before the competition.

6.3.8 If a local team leader collects the kit only 1 day before, they will have to wait in queues and will not have priority over teams staying at the competition.

6.3.9 Only the team leader needs to be present at in-person accreditation to collect the kit and receive important information.

6.3.10 If team leaders do not complete in-person accreditation, teams will not be allowed to play the first match.

6.3.11 If a team does not complete in-person accreditation (registration of athletes and document checks), the organisation reserves the right not to allow it to advance to the play-off stage.

6.4 — Age checks

6.4.1 With the online accreditation system, teams do not need to bring players' identity documents to matches.

6.4.2 Age checks, with random verification of teams, may be carried out at any time.

6.4.3 This check is carried out by our staff, identified as “Age Control”, by visual confirmation between the players and the profile registered in the system.

6.5 — Match sheet

6.5.1 Up to 45 minutes before kick-off, all teams must be ready and the leader must confirm the line-up online in the IberCoach App, so that the match starts with the correct numbers.

6.5.2 Even with no change to shirt numbers from the previous match, the leader must always validate the match in the IberCoach App 45 minutes before kick-off, or the match may not start on time.

6.5.3 This period may be used to confirm players' ages with competition officials, if necessary, and to validate the correct shirt numbers.

6.5.4 If the leader does not confirm the numbers on the official list in the IberCoach App 45 minutes before kick-off, the match may not start on time.

6.5.5 The leader should make this a routine for every match, to avoid errors in the match data, such as the scorer's number and assists.

7. SPECIAL PARTICIPATION PERMITS

Number of players per team up to a maximum of one year above the category age.

7.1 Special permits are automatically granted, in the boys' categories, for:

7.1.1 7v7 and 9v9 — 2 players accepted automatically.

7.1.2 11v11 — 3 players accepted automatically.

7.1.3 11v11 (2008) — 5 players accepted automatically.

7.2 Special permits are automatically granted, in the girls' categories, for:

7.2.1 7v7 and 9v9 — 3 players accepted automatically.

7.2.2 11v11 — 5 players accepted automatically.

7.3 Other special permits may be considered; to request one, please contact the organisation.

8. 7V7 AND 9V9 SOCCER RULES

8.1 — Competition formats

8.1.1 In 7v7 competitions, all categories play with 7 players on the pitch (one goalkeeper and six outfield players).

8.1.2 In 9v9 competitions, all categories play with 9 players on the pitch (one goalkeeper and eight outfield players).

8.2 — Offside rules

8.2.1 The offside rule applies in 7v7, between the 7v7 offside line / penalty area and the goal line.

8.2.2 The offside rule applies in 9v9 and 11v11, from the halfway line.

8.3 — Goal kick

8.3.1 The goal kick is taken from the ground; the ball is placed at any point on the line marking the goal area.

8.3.2 Play resumes the moment the ball is kicked and clearly moves (it does not need to leave the goal area).

8.3.3 Opponents must remain outside the penalty area until the ball is kicked and clearly moves.

8.3.4 Team-mates may be inside the goal area at the moment of the kick.

8.3.5 If the opposing team enters the goal area before the ball is touched, the kick is retaken.

8.4 — Other rules

8.4.1 Whenever play starts from the centre of the pitch, a direct shot from the halfway line its valid.

8.4.2 All throw-ins are taken with the hands and all corners are taken with the foot.

8.4.3 The ball may not be passed back to the goalkeeper for them to pick up with their hands.

8.4.4 In addition to the points above, all other rules as determined by the head referee apply.

9. PITCHES

9.1 All pitches are natural or artificial grass.

9.2 The soccer pitches are spread across several complexes in the area.

9.3 In poor weather conditions, some matches may be decided by kicks from the penalty mark or a coin toss.

9.4 Other pitches may be used if the number of teams is well above that expected.

10. MATCH SCHEDULE

10.1 The organising committee has the right to change groups, times and pitches at any time, before and during the competition.

10.2 In the event of changes, team leaders will be promptly informed, but it is the teams' responsibility to check on the website, 2 hours before kick-off, where the match will take place.

10.3 Teams should always check the match fixtures, especially when progressing to the next stages, as the organisation may need to change the time and location for logistical reasons.

11. REFEREES

11.1 All referees are members of their country's Soccer Association.

11.2 In 11v11 matches there are at least 2 referees, or 1 referee and 2 assistants.

11.3 All 7v7 and 9v9 matches have 1 referee.

11.3.1 For the semi-finals and finals of the Gold Play-offs in 7v7 and 9v9 competitions, the IberCup may, where possible, provide two assistants in addition to the referee.

11.4 The referees' coordinator will be available, during the tournament, at the IberCup office.

12. TOURNAMENT JURY

12.1 The Tournament Jury is made up of representatives of IberCup and Referee Abroad.

12.2 The Jury deals with protests, sanctions and matters not provided for.

12.2.1 All situations are always assessed according to “Fair Play”.

12.3 Decisions of the Tournament Jury are final and not subject to appeal. Note that decisions taken may not correspond to the FIFA Laws, as they are based on Fair Play.

13. SANCTIONS AND PROTESTS

13.1 All protests must be submitted in writing by the team leader and handed to the jury within a maximum of 90 minutes after the end of the match.

13.2 Protests must be submitted at the tournament Office.

13.3 A protest fee of €100 is payable when the protest is submitted at the tournament Office.

13.3.1 This fee is only refunded if the protest is upheld.

13.4 Protests based on refereeing decisions will not be accepted.

13.5 In all categories, if a player receives a red card, they may be replaced by another player during the match, except in the 11v11 categories.

13.5.1 The player sanctioned in that match may take part in the next match, unless the referee reports the dismissal as very serious, for the jury to review and decide on any match(es) of suspension.

13.5.2 If a suspended player plays unlawfully, their team automatically forfeits the match 0-3.

13.6 Yellow cards are not accumulated.

13.7 Serious offences will be reported to the soccer federations of the corresponding countries.

14. FAILURE TO APPEAR

14.1 If a team fails to appear for a match without a valid reason, it may be awarded a 3-0 defeat, but only after a jury decision.

14.2 If a team fails to arrive on time due to a transport delay caused by traffic or another reason, the jury may decide to delay the match (maximum 40 minutes after the scheduled time).

14.2.1 In exceptional situations, the match may be rescheduled to another time on the same day or the next day, if no pitches are available when the teams arrive.

14.3 If a team repeatedly fails to appear, it may be excluded from the tournament.

14.3.1 In special cases, the jury may exclude a team at the first offence, if it considers the offence deliberate for the team's own benefit and unfair to another team in the group.

14.4 Any team that loses a match by failing to appear must pay a €100 fee to play the next match and continue in the competition.

14.5 If a team fails to appear for the last match of the group, without a valid reason and for its own benefit, it may be eliminated or relegated to the Silver Play-off, but only after a jury decision.

14.6 If a team fails to appear for a match, the organisation is not responsible and will not refund any of the teams.

14.7 If a match is interrupted and cannot be completed, the jury will decide between these 5 options:

14.7.1 Replay the match from the start.

14.7.2 Restart the match from the minute at which it was interrupted.

14.7.3 Treat the score at the moment of interruption as final.

14.7.4 Award a 3-0 win to one of the teams.

14.7.5 Award a 0-3 defeat to both teams.

15. CODE OF CONDUCT

15.1 Team leaders are responsible for their players' behaviour in the event of damage caused to sports facilities, changing rooms, accommodation, transport, schools and other facilities.

15.2 In the event of damage, the team leader must contact the organisation's staff immediately.

15.3 In the event of doubt over the interpretation of these rules, contact the organisation's staff directly.

15.4 Quiet must be respected in the accommodation between 23:00 and 07:00.

15.5 Meal times must be respected. Teams may miss meals if they arrive outside the scheduled times.

15.5.1 In the event of a delay to a match or transport, inform the organisation.

15.6 Travelling on any transport without a t-shirt is prohibited.

15.7 Failure to respect these rules will be reviewed by the organisation and may result in exclusion from the competition and the accommodation, with loss of the security deposit.

16. CONDUCT OF FAMILY MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS

16.1 Teams are responsible for the conduct of their supporters and family members.

16.2 Teams may lose a match if the referee decides to end it because of verbal and violent misconduct by their family members and supporters towards the referees.

16.3 Teams may be expelled from the tournament at the first incident, because of verbal and violent misconduct by their family members and supporters towards the referees or the other team, losing the security deposit.

17. INSURANCE AND LIABILITY

17.1 Each player must have medical insurance (through their federation or private insurance).

17.2 Make sure all your players are insured both on and off the pitch.

17.3 The IberCup has no group insurance protecting participants in the event of injury, illness, theft or damage to property, and is not liable for accidents, damage or financial loss arising from war, acts of war, civil war, revolution or civil unrest, actions by the authorities, strikes, lockouts, natural disasters, epidemics or similar events.

17.3.1 Such matters will be resolved under the teams' own responsibility, and are not the responsibility of the IberCup or the local organisation.

17.4 Participants from countries that do not have a medical insurance agreement with Portugal must have personal medical insurance.

17.5 Team leaders should know in advance which hospitals/clinics their insurer has agreements with, so that, if medical services are required, they can take the athletes to those facilities.

17.5.1 If ambulance drivers are not told by the team leaders which clinic or hospital to go to, the team is responsible for paying for the service provided at the hospital the player is taken to, if it has no agreement with the insurer.

17.6 The organisation accepts no responsibility for theft of sports equipment or participants' personal belongings, at the accommodation, in transport or at sports venues.

18. CHANGING ROOMS

18.1 Teams must leave their accommodation already wearing their match kit.

18.2 Some sports complexes may have changing rooms, but some are small and, owing to the large number of teams, your team may not have space to change.

18.3 This rule applies to local teams.

18.4 Teams with accommodation through the organisation should shower at their accommodation after the match.

18.5 There are no lockers in the changing rooms at the venues. It will therefore not be possible to store bags and kit in the changing rooms during the match; teams must take all their belongings to the substitutes' bench.

19. WATER FOR MATCHES

19.1 IberCup staff at the pitches dont have bottled water for teams, we have 10gallons orange barrels with water, but it is very important that teams bring their own .

19.2 Tap water in Portugal is safe and fit for drinking.

19.3 The organisation still recommends buying bottled water for babies.

19.4 You can always buy water as an alternative on site.

20. GUEST PLAYERS

20.1 Each team may have guest players, provided they are duly registered through their National and State Association, Federation or other affiliated organisation.

20.2 Players may not play for more than one team in the tournament.

20.3 It is the player's responsibility to register with a club as a Guest Player.

20.4 The tournament does not have a system to manage this process individually.

21. PERMITS TO TAKE PART IN THE IBERCUP

21.1 All foreign teams must ask their soccer federations to send a letter of authorisation to the IberCup (info@ibercup.com) in order to take part in the tournament. In countries where soccer is run by soccer schools, the organisation allows the participation of teams affiliated to those schools; in such cases, a letter of authorisation from the club or school is sufficient.

22. ORGANISER

EasyChoice — Organização de Eventos Desportivos, Lda. (NIPC 512 105 901, registered office in Alverca do Ribatejo) organises the IberCup Estoril 2026.