Official Tournament Rules

Last Updated: August 18, 2025

1. Tournament Format

1.1 Team Composition

• Each team must consist of a minimum of 7 players and a maximum of 12 players.
• 5 players on the field at any time (4 outfield players + 1 goalkeeper).
• Teams must have a designated captain who will be the point of contact for tournament officials.
• All players must be registered before the tournament begins. No additions to the team roster will be permitted after registration closes.

1.2 Match Format

• Matches consist of two 10-minute halves with a 2-minute halftime break.
• No stoppage time except in extraordinary circumstances at the referee's discretion.
• Single-elimination knockout format for all tournament stages.
• In case of a tie after regulation time, the match will proceed directly to a penalty shootout (3 penalties per team, followed by sudden death if still tied).

1.3 Tournament Structure

• Monthly qualifiers held in 16 participating states.
• Each state will have a maximum of 32 teams participating.
• The winning team from each monthly qualifier advances to the Year-End Championship ("Kings of 5's").
• The Year-End Championship will feature 12 monthly winners divided into 4 groups of 3 teams for the group stage, followed by knockout rounds.

2. Playing Rules

2.1 General Rules

• FIFA Laws of the Game apply with modifications for 5-a-side format.
• No offside rule.
• Unlimited rolling substitutions (players can re-enter the game).
• Substitutions can only be made when the ball is out of play and with the referee's permission.
• All free kicks are direct.
• Kick-ins instead of throw-ins when the ball goes out of play.
• Goal kicks must be taken from the ground within the penalty area.
• The goalkeeper cannot pick up a deliberate back-pass from a teammate.
• The goalkeeper cannot throw the ball directly beyond the halfway line.

2.2 Fouls and Misconduct

• Sliding tackles are not permitted and will result in a direct free kick.
• Yellow card: Player must leave the field for 2 minutes (team plays with one player less).
• Red card: Player is ejected from the current match and suspended for the next match.
• Accumulated fouls: After 5 team fouls in a half, each subsequent foul results in a direct free kick from the second penalty mark (10 meters).
• Serious foul play, violent conduct, or abusive language may result in immediate disqualification from the tournament.

2.3 Penalty Area Rules

• The goalkeeper may handle the ball only within the penalty area.
• Penalty kicks are taken from the penalty mark (6 meters from the goal line).
• During a penalty kick, all players except the kicker and the defending goalkeeper must remain outside the penalty area and at least 5 meters from the penalty mark.

3. Equipment and Uniforms

3.1 Team Uniforms

• All teams must have matching uniforms with clearly visible numbers.
• In case of a color clash, the team listed second on the schedule must wear alternative colors or bibs provided by the tournament organizers.
• The goalkeeper must wear a jersey color that distinguishes them from the outfield players and the referee.
• Monthly tournament winners will receive team jerseys for the Year-End Championship.

3.2 Required Equipment

• Shin guards are mandatory for all players.
• Appropriate footwear for the playing surface (no metal studs allowed).
• No jewelry, watches, or other potentially dangerous items may be worn during play.

4. Match Procedures

4.1 Pre-Match

• Teams must arrive at least 30 minutes before their scheduled match time.
• Team captains must check in with tournament officials and submit their team sheet.
• Player identification checks may be conducted before matches.
• A team with fewer than 4 players at the scheduled kick-off time will forfeit the match (3-0 result awarded to the opponent).

4.2 During the Match

• Only registered players and a maximum of 2 team officials are permitted in the technical area.
• Teams will switch sides at halftime.
• The referee's decisions are final and not subject to appeal during the match.

4.3 Post-Match

• Team captains must sign the match report confirming the final score.
• Teams must clear the field promptly after their match to allow the next match to begin on time.
• Any protests must be submitted in writing to tournament officials within 15 minutes of the match's conclusion.

5. Disciplinary Matters

5.1 Disciplinary Committee

A Disciplinary Committee consisting of tournament officials will handle all disciplinary matters. The committee's decisions are final and binding.

5.2 Suspension Rules

• Accumulation of 2 yellow cards in different matches results in a one-match suspension.
• A direct red card results in at least a one-match suspension.
• Serious misconduct may result in suspension for multiple matches or disqualification from the tournament.
• Yellow cards are reset after the group stage in the Year-End Championship.

5.3 Team Conduct

Teams are responsible for the behavior of their players, officials, and supporters. Misconduct by any associated person may result in disciplinary action against the team.

6. Awards and Prizes

6.1 Monthly Qualifiers

• Winners: ₦2,000,000 cash prize + Team Jerseys + Gold Medals + Qualification for Lagos Grand Finale
• Runners-up: Silver Medals + Certificate of Achievement
• Third Place: Bronze Medals
• Individual Awards: Best Player, Top Scorer, Best Goalkeeper

6.2 Year-End Championship

• Winners: ₦5,000,000 Grand Prize + Championship Trophy + 1-Year Brand Ambassadorship + Special Edition Championship Jerseys
• Runners-up: ₦2,000,000 + Silver Medals
• Third Place: ₦1,000,000 + Bronze Medals
• Individual Awards: Tournament MVP, Golden Boot, Golden Glove, Fair Play Award

7. Force Majeure

In the event of unforeseen circumstances (weather conditions, facility issues, etc.), the tournament organizers reserve the right to:

• Modify the tournament format
• Reschedule matches
• Relocate venues
• Make any necessary adjustments to ensure the tournament's completion

8. Final Authority

The tournament organizers have the final authority on all matters related to the tournament. Any situation not covered by these rules will be resolved by the tournament organizers, whose decision shall be final and binding.

Last Updated: August 18, 2025

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