Champions Challenge Cup 2025 – Rules and Regulations

1. Match Duration & Format

• Each match shall last 7 minutes per half with a 1-minute halftime break.
• Each team must field 4 players with up to 3 substitutes.
• Substitutions are unlimited, but only allowed during stoppages with referee consent.
• Group-stage format: 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss.
• Knockout games tied at full-time proceed to penalty shootouts (3 kicks per team).

2. Attendance & Punctuality

• All teams must arrive at least 30 minutes before kickoff.
• Any team not present 10 minutes before match time automatically forfeits (walkover).
• Teams that arrive late twice risk disqualification.

3. Discipline & Conduct

• Each team must pay a ₦3,000 Caution Fee before the tournament begins.
• Only team captains are permitted to speak to the referee during matches.
• Verbal abuse, physical altercations, or aggressive behavior toward referees, players, or fans will attract strict disciplinary action.
• Yellow Card: ₦500 fine (deducted from caution fund).
• Red Card: ₦1,000 fine + 1-match suspension.
• Violence or assault = automatic expulsion from the competition.

4. Dress Code & Equipment

• Teams must appear in matching jerseys if they have or we’ll provide bibs.
• Shin guards are recommended but not mandatory.

5. Player Registration

• All teams must submit a list of 7 players prior to the start of the tournament.
• No player can feature for more than one team per season.
• Replacements are only allowed if verified and approved by the Organizers.
• Teams caught fielding unregistered players will forfeit the match and risk disqualification.

6. Refereeing

• Referees’ decisions are final and binding.
• Arguing with, confronting, or disrespecting referees attracts an automatic yellow card.
• Referees have full authority to pause, restart, or cancel matches for safety or disciplinary reasons.

7. Captains & Managers Committee (CMC)

The Captains & Managers Committee (CMC) is the tournament’s internal decision body, consisting of:

• All 20 Captains
• All 20 Team Managers
• Operations Lead (Chairperson)
• Referee Coordinator (Adviser)

Committee Responsibilities:

1. MVP Voting:
   • The CMC and fans will vote for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) after the tournament match.
   • The Media & Stats Team will shortlist the top 3–5 players for public and committee voting.
2. Disciplinary Decisions:
   • Handles cases of misconduct, protests, or appeals.
   • Votes on player suspensions or reinstatements.
   • Decisions are final, subject to organizer confirmation.
3. Fair Play & Conduct:
   • Monitors team discipline, welfare, and adherence to rules.

8. Transfers

• The Transfer Window opens after the group stage (Week 3).
• Transfers must be approved by the Operations Committee.
• A 20 percent transfer fee is charged by the organizers.

9. Match Rules & Fair Play

• Kick-ins and throw-ins are allowed.
• No offside rule applies.
• Handball by the last man inside the area, holding the post during play = penalty kick.
• Three yellow cards leads to 1 match suspension. Straight red is 1 match ban, Three red cards in one tournament = permanent expulsion. Two yellow in 1 match is red card and 1 match suspension 
• All players, officials, and fans must respect the spirit of the game.

9A. Anti–Match Fixing & Integrity

Purpose
The Champions Challenge Cup is built on fair competition. Any attempt to influence a match improperly is strictly prohibited.

Definitions
Match fixing includes: agreeing to lose or draw; deliberately under-performing; soliciting or accepting benefits to influence play; coordinating scores, penalties, or events; or instructing teammates to do same.

Prohibited Conduct

1. Players, coaches, captains, managers, referees, or officials must not offer, request, accept, or discuss any benefit to alter a match outcome or event.
2. No betting on any CCC match by players, team staff, officials, or referees.
3. No private communications with opponents or third parties aimed at altering effort, tactics, or score.

Duty to Compete
All teams must play to win, with normal effort and intensity, for the full duration.

Reporting
Any person may confidentially report suspected fixing to the Disciplinary Desk (email/WhatsApp). Whistleblowers are protected and will not be penalized for good-faith reports.

Review Process

1. Organizers gather video, audio, and witness statements.
2. The Captains & Managers Committee (CMC) convenes with the Referee Panel to review evidence.
3. Decisions are by majority; in clear cases, the Organizers may issue interim measures before the vote.

Interim Measures
Pending review, the Organizers may suspend players, freeze results, or postpone fixtures to protect integrity.

Sanctions
Any proven violation may result in one or more of the following:

• Result voided and points deduction (minimum 3 points)
• Fines (team and/or player)
• Player or team suspension or tournament disqualification
• Competition bans for future seasons
• Forfeiture of awards or statistics from the affected match(es)

Team Responsibility
Captains and managers are responsible for the conduct of their teams and guests. Failure to cooperate with an investigation is itself a violation.

Right of Response & Appeal
Teams or players named will have 24 hours to submit a written response and evidence. A single appeal may be filed within 24 hours of the decision if new, material evidence emerges.

10. Gate Fee Policy

• Only players and one (1) manager per team playing on matchday will be granted free entry into the venue.
• All other individuals — including team supporters, family members, friends, and substitutes not scheduled for that day — must pay the gate fee as regular spectators.
• The gate fee is mandatory for all non-playing individuals, regardless of team affiliation.
• Entry without a wristband is prohibited.

11. Fan Conduct & Crowd Management

• Fans are warmly welcome to support their teams but must respect all tournament rules.
• No fighting, pitch invasion, or abuse of referees, players, or officials.
• Fans must comply with security and crowd marshals’ instructions at all times.
• Disorderly spectators may be removed, fined, or banned from subsequent matches.
• Respect for community leaders, dignitaries, and Olori Odo is compulsory.

12. Match Abandonment

• If a team walks out or refuses to play, a 3–0 walkover will be awarded.
• Matches abandoned due to crowd disruption or violence will be reviewed by the CMC and Organizers, and sanctions will apply.

13. Points & Qualification

Tiebreakers:

1. Goal Difference
2. Goals Scored
3. Head-to-Head
4. Fair Play Record (fewest cards)

14. Event Authority

• The tournament is governed jointly by the Champions Challenge Cup Organizing Committee (CCCOC) and the Captains & Managers Committee (CMC).
• The CCCOC handles logistics, scheduling, and finances.
• The CMC oversees player discipline, MVP voting, and fair play matters.
• Both bodies reserve the right to amend or enforce rules as needed.

15. Media & Photography

• All matches, interviews, and events will be recorded and photographed by the official Media & Stats Team.
• By registering, all players and managers consent to being featured in promotional content, media posts, and highlight reels.

16. Prizes & Awards

• Prizes will be awarded during the Closing Ceremony (Dec 6, 2025).
• Awards include:
  • 1st Place (₦350,000)
  • 2nd Place (₦250,000)
  • Player of the Tournament (MVP) – decided by fans & CMC

17. Final Notes

• Teams must keep the venue clean and orderly.
• Any damage to property or field equipment will incur repair fines.
• The organizers’ decision remains final and binding in all matters.