1. General Rules

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

1. Goal difference (the difference between goals scored and conceded).

2. Highest number of goals scored.

3. Head-to-head result (the result between the tied teams).

4. Highest number of wins.

5. Team with the lowest average age.

1.2 All clubs must be members of a national football association affiliated with FIFA. In countries where football is operated by schools, teams affiliated with duly recognised school football associations are permitted to participate.

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

1.4 Group Stage Rankings: Determined by points: 

• Win (3 points)
• Draw (1 point)
• Loss (0 points).

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

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 group standing and the specific rules of each age category.
• 1.6.3 If a team is disqualified or withdraws during the group stage, all its results (past and future) will be recorded as a 0–3 loss in favour of the opponent.

1.7 Playoffs (Knockout Stage):

• 1.7.1 All Playoff matches are played 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: 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: 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 a minimum of 1 responsible official on the bench.

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

3.3 Shirt Numbers: Numbers must remain fixed throughout the tournament. If a change is made, 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 authorised by the referee and occur within the technical area.

• 3.4.2 Incorrect substitution procedures will be penalised with a yellow card.

• 3.4.3 Play must be stopped for goalkeeper substitutions.

3.5 Cross-Eligibility:

• A player may represent the same club in different age categories (respecting age limits) 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 for the matches in which they participated.

4. Match Duration

There is no guaranteed stoppage time (running time), except for serious injury 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): Validation on the official App is mandatory at least 45 minutes before kick-off. Failure to comply may result in a 0–3 defeat.

5.2 Equipment:

• Back numbers are mandatory and must match the match sheet.

• Shin guards are compulsory.

• Aluminium Studs: Prohibited in all 7-a-side and 9-a-side categories. In 11-a-side, they are only permitted for goalkeepers on natural grass. Aluminium is strictly prohibited for all players on artificial turf.

• In the event of a kit colour clash, the team losing the coin toss must change their kit or wear bibs.

6. Accreditation and Age Control

6.1 Online Accreditation: Must be completed up to 20 days before the tournament (uploading photos and documents to the system).

6.2 Missing Accreditation: If a team fails to complete online accreditation before their first match, they will be penalised with -3 points in the standings at the start of the tournament. Should the situation persist, they will be barred from playing their second match.

6.3 Age Control (Spot Checks): The organisation 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 a maximum of one year older than the category age limit in the following quantities:

• Male 7v7 and 9v9: Maximum of 2 players.

• Male 11v11: Maximum of 3 players.

• Female 7v7 and 9v9: Maximum of 3 players.

• Female 11v11: Maximum of 5 players.

7.1 The organisation may issue positive rulings for exceptional participation requests regarding specific teams or athletes.

8. Specific Technical Rules

8.1 Offside: 11-a-side and 9-a-side follow normal FIFA rules. In 7-a-side, offside only applies 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 once it moves; opponents must be outside the penalty area.

8.3 Back-pass: The goalkeeper is prohibited from handling the ball after a deliberate pass from a teammate's foot in all categories.

8.4 Kick-off: Scoring a goal directly from the kick-off is permitted in all categories (F7, F9, and F11).

8.5 Ball in Play: The ball is in play the moment it is kicked and clearly moves; it may be kicked in any direction, including backwards.

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 fewer player. An automatic 1-match suspension only applies if the referee submits a report to the tournament board.
• 7-a-side and 9-a-side: The sent-off player cannot re-enter, but the team may complete the line-up by introducing a substitute. An automatic 1-match suspension only applies if the referee submits a report to the tournament board.

• Serious aggression reported by referees may lead to longer suspensions or tournament exclusion, as decided by the Jury.

10. Protests

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

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

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 a walkover was deliberate to manipulate standings, the team will receive an Automatic Playoff Demotion.
• The team will be relegated to the Playoff tier immediately below their qualification (e.g., from Gold to Silver).
• If already in the lowest tier, the team may be excluded.

11.4 Delays due to force majeure (proven traffic or transport failure) may lead to a match delay of up to 40 minutes.

12. Code of Conduct and Anti-Violence Policy IberCup enforces a Zero Tolerance policy.

12.1 Loss of Security Deposit and Exclusion: Teams will forfeit their entire security deposit and may be expelled for:

• ​​​​​​​Material Damage: Deliberate damage to facilities, accommodation, or transport. Repair costs must also be paid.
• Violence between Participants: Involvement in physical aggression or brawls, on or off the pitch.
• Fan Violence: Pitch invasion, threats, or assaults by supporters/family members against officials, staff, or opponents.

12.2 Match Abandonment: Referees may terminate a match immediately if safety is compromised by fans or teams. The defeat will be awarded to the team causing the disturbance.

13. Logistics and Insurance

13.1 IberCup does not provide group or athlete insurance. Every player MUST 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 should remain with the team on the bench.

13.3 Teams must arrive at matches already dressed in their kit. Pitch changing rooms may be limited.

The Organisation reserves the right to alter groups, schedules, and pitches at any time for logistical reasons.​​​​​​​