1. General Competition Format

The IFR Football Corporate League is a 7-a-side corporate football league.

A total of 9 teams will compete in the regular season, played in a double round-robin format (each team plays every other team twice, home and away).

Each team will therefore play 16 regular season matches.

As there are 9 teams, each matchday will feature 4 matches (8 teams), with 1 team resting (“bye”).

2. Playoffs

At the conclusion of the regular season, the top 4 teams will qualify for the Playoffs.

The Playoffs will be held over a single weekend (date to be announced).

• Format:
  • Semi-Final 1: 1st place vs 4th place
  • Semi-Final 2: 2nd place vs 3rd place
  • Final: Winners of Semi-Final 1 and Semi-Final 2

Playoff Tie-Break Rules

• If a playoff match ends in a draw after regular time, an extra time period of 10 minutes will be played.
• If the score remains tied after extra time, the match will be decided by a penalty shootout:
  • Each team takes 5 penalties.
  • If still level after 5 penalties each, a sudden death format applies until a winner is determined.

3. Christmas Cup

• A special Christmas Cup will be organized during December (date to be announced).
• This will follow a knockout format and may include guest teams invited by the organizers.
• The Christmas Cup is independent of the league standings.

4. Match Regulations

• Match Duration: Two halves of 25 minutes each, with a 10-minute halftime break.
• Kick-off Times: As per the official fixtures (first match 18:30, last match 21:30).
• Teams must be punctual. A team not ready within 10 minutes of scheduled kick-off may forfeit the match (decision at the discretion of the tournament committee).
• Match Ball: Provided by the organizers.
• Team Size: 7 players on the pitch (including goalkeeper).
• Squad Size: Up to 14 players may be named on the Matchday Team Sheet for any given round.

5. Player Registration & Substitutions

• Each team may register up to 25 players for the season.
• Registration changes or replacements must be notified to the League Manager in a timely manner.
• Flying substitutions are permitted throughout the match, but may only be made when the team making the substitution is in possession of the ball.
• Only players listed on the official Matchday Team Sheet are eligible to play.

6. Discipline & Fair Play

• Yellow & Red Cards:
  • Two Yellow Cards in a match = Red Card → Player is suspended for the next match.
  • Straight Red Card → The Tournament Committee will review the case and decide on the suspension, and the team captain will be informed.
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  • Important: A team that receives a Red Card (whether by two yellows or a straight red) must continue the match with one fewer player for the remainder of that game.
• Fair Play Commitment:
  • Teams and players are expected to uphold the highest standards of fair play.
  • The committee reserves the right to suspend or expel teams that repeatedly cause disciplinary issues, unsportsmanlike behavior, or misconduct.
  • Referee decisions are final and binding.

7. League Scoring System

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

Tie-Breaker Rules

If two or more teams finish the regular season with the same number of points, positions will be determined by:

1. Goal Difference (Goals Scored – Goals Conceded)
2. Goals Scored (highest total)
3. Head-to-Head Record (points, then goal difference between tied teams)
4. Fewest Red Cards (fair play consideration)
5. Coin Toss / Playoff Match (if required for qualification spots)

8. Match Officials

• All matches will be officiated by qualified referees appointed by the organizers.
• Referee decisions are final and cannot be appealed during or after the match.

9. Responsibilities of Team Captains

• Captains must submit the Matchday Team Sheet before the start of every round.
• Captains are the main point of contact between their team and the Tournament Committee.
• Captains must ensure their teams respect the rules, referees, opponents, and facilities.

10. Facilities & Equipment

• Matches will be played at the official designated venue Gharghur Football Ground.
• Teams are expected to wear matching kits (shirt, shorts, socks). Bibs may be provided if required.
• Shin guards are mandatory.

11. Committee Authority

• The Tournament Committee reserves the right to:
  • Amend fixtures if necessary (e.g., weather or venue issues).
  • Make final decisions on disciplinary cases.
  • Enforce suspensions or replace teams if required.