Regulations

Fédération Internationale de Football Association
President:
Secretary General:
Address:

Telephone:Internet:

Gianni Infantino
Fatma SamouraFIFA-Strasse 20
P.O. Box8044 Zurich
Switzerland+41 (0)43 222 7777
FIFA.com

REGULATIONSFIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™
20 November – 18 December 2022

Organisers

ORGANISERS
Fédération Internationale de Football Association
President:
Secretary General:
Address:

Telephone:Internet:

Gianni Infantino
Fatma SamouraFIFA-Strasse 20
P.O. Box 8044
Zurich
Switzerland+41 (0)43 222 7777
FIFA.com

Organising Committee for FIFA Competitions
Chairman:
Address:

Aleksander Čeferin
FIFA-Strasse 20
P.O. Box8044 Zurich
Switzerland

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC
Chairman:
Address:

Hassan Al-Thawadi
Al Bidda Tower
Corniche St.
P.O. Box
72022 Doha
Qatar

3

4 Table of contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I General provisions1 FIFA World Cup™
2 Organising Committee for FIFA Competitions
3 Other Organising Bodies
4 Participating Member Associations – responsibilities
5 Withdrawal, unplayed matches, abandoned matches
and replacement

6
6
7
8
8
11

II Disciplinary procedures6 Disciplinary matters
7 Disputes
8 Protests
9 Yellow and red cards

13
13
13
14
15

III Competition format
10 Number of teams
11 Group and knockout stages
12 Equal points and qualification for knockout stage
13Extra time and kicks from the penalty mark

17
17
18
21
22

IV Competition preparation
14 Final Draw, Team Seminar and Team Workshop
15 Venues and kick-off times
16 Friendly matches 
17 Team arrivals

23
23
23
23
25

V Stadiums and training sites
18 Stadium pitches 
19 Stadium roof
20 Stadium clocks and giant screen
21 Training sites 

26
26
27
27
28

VI Players’ and officials’ lists
22 Eligibility of players
23 Release list
24 Final list
25 Release of players
26 Accreditation

30
30
30
31
33
33

VII Kit and team equipment
27 Kit and colours approval

35
35

Table of contents

28 Numbers and names
29 Match colours designation 
30 Other equipment

37
38
39

VIII Match organisation
31 Start list
32 Technical area
33 Match protocol
34 Familiarisation sessions and pre-match warm-up

40
40
41
43
44

IX Refereeing
35 Laws of the Game
36 Referees

45
45
46

X Financial provisions37 Costs borne by FIFA
38 Costs borne by Other Organising Bodies
39 Costs borne by the Participating Member Associations
40 Ticketing

48
48
49
49
50

XI Medical
41 Team medical doctor
42 Sudden cardiac arrest and concussion
43 Doping Control

52
52
52
53

XII Commercial rights and media matters
44 Media and Marketing Regulations

54
54

XIII Awards
45 Trophy, awards and medals

56
56

XIV Closing provisions
46 Special circumstances
47 Matters not provided for48 Languages
49 Copyright
50 No waiver
51 Enforcement

59
59
59
59
59
59
60

Annexe A: Approved FIFA event names
annexe B: Fair Play contest regulations

61
62

NB: Terms referring to natural persons are applicable to both genders.

56 I General provisions
I GENERAL PROVISIONS
These Regulations for the FIFA World Cup 2022™ (“Regulations”) have been
modified to reflect the amendments approved by the Bureau of the FIFA
Council on 11 August 2022. All updates are set out in the boxes below andeither supplement or, if expressly indicated, replace the earlier editions ofthese regulations. FIFA may modify or supplement the Regulations at any
time, including by way of issuing a modified version of these Regulations
or by issuing a FIFA circular letter or other document intended to modify or
supplement them.

1FIFA World Cup™

1.
The FIFA World Cup™ is a FIFA competition embodied in the FIFA Statutes.
2.
The FIFA World Cup™ takes place every four years. As a general rule, every
association affiliated to FIFA may participate in the FIFA World Cup™.
3.
The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ (“FIFA World Cup 2022™”) consists of apreliminary competition and a final competition.
The final competition is scheduled to be played from 21 November to
18 December 2022.
Replace with:
The final competition is scheduled to be played from 20 November to 18
December 2022.
Any rights associated with the FIFA World Cup 2022™ that are not grantedby these Regulations and/or further regulations, guidelines and decisions as
set forth in these Regulations and/or specific agreements to a Participating
Member Association in the preliminary or final competition, or to aconfederation, belong to FIFA.
4.
These Regulations regulate the rights, duties and responsibilities of all member
associations taking part in the final competition of the FIFA World Cup 2022™
(“Regulations”). The Regulations and all directives, decisions, guidelines andI General provisions

circulars issued by FIFA are binding for all parties participating and involved in
the preparation, organisation and hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022™.
5.
The FIFA Statutes and all FIFA regulations in force shall apply. Any referencein these Regulations to the FIFA Statutes and regulations refers to the FIFA
Statutes and regulations valid at the time of application.
6.
Other rules and/or decisions that are binding on FIFA (e.g. due to FIFA being asignatory to the World Anti-Doping Code) may apply to the subject matter ofthese Regulations. Any such rules and/or decisions implemented by FIFA shalltake precedence over these Regulations in the event of any conflict and must
be complied with by each Participating Member Association.

2

Organising Committee for FIFA Competitions

1.
The Organising Committee for FIFA Competitions (the “FIFA Organising
Committee”), appointed by the FIFA Council, is responsible for organising
the FIFA World Cup 2022™ in accordance with the FIFA Statutes and the FIFA
Governance Regulations.
2.
The FIFA Organising Committee may, if necessary, appoint a bureau and/or a
sub-committee to deal with emergencies. Any decision taken by the bureau
or sub-committee shall come into effect immediately but shall be subject toconfirmation by the plenary committee at its next meeting.
3.
The FIFA Organising Committee shall deal with any aspect of the FIFA World
Cup 2022™ that is not the responsibility of any other body under the terms ofthese Regulations, the FIFA Statutes or the FIFA Governance Regulations.
4.
The decisions taken by the FIFA Organising Committee and/or its
bureau/sub-committee are final and binding and not subject to appeal.

78 I General provisions

3

Other Organising Bodies

1.
FIFA appointed the Qatar Football Association (“QFA”), together with its Local
Organising Committee (“LOC”), to be responsible for hosting and staging thefinal competition of the FIFA World Cup 2022™.
2.
FIFA and the LOC subsequently formed a joint venture entity, FIFA World Cup
Qatar 2022 LLC (“Q22”), in order to deliver various operational projects relating
to the FIFA World Cup 2022™.
3.
The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (“SC”) is also responsible forcertain infrastructure and other operational matters relating to the FIFA World
Cup 2022™.
4.
The QFA, LOC, Q22 and SC (collectively, “Other Organising Bodies”) may
communicate with the Participating Member Associations from time totime on matters relating to the FIFA World Cup 2022™. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, FIFA remains the ultimate authority on all operational andcompetition matters relating to the FIFA World Cup 2022™. If any instructions
given by the Other Organising Bodies are inconsistent or conflict with
instructions given by FIFA (including, for the avoidance of doubt, by the FIFA
Organising Committee), then FIFA’s instructions shall always take precedence
and must be complied with.
5.
The Other Organising Bodies shall ensure that any decision made by FIFA
(including the FIFA Organising Committee or FIFA’s judicial bodies) comes into
force immediately.

4

Participating Member Associations – responsibilities

1.
The member associations that qualify for the final competition (the“Participating Member Associations”) shall comply with and ensure that every
player, coach, manager, official, media officer, representative, guest andI General provisions

any other person carrying out duties on behalf of a Participating Member
Association (“Delegation Members”), complies with these Regulations, theLaws of the Game, the FIFA Statutes and FIFA’s other regulations, in particular
the FIFA Media and Marketing Regulations, the FIFA Disciplinary Code, theFIFA Anti-Doping Regulations, the FIFA Code of Ethics and the FIFA Equipment
Regulations, as well as with any other FIFA circular letters, regulations,guidelines, directives and/or decisions, throughout the final competition, andfor the entire duration of their stay in the host country.
In addition, the players and team officials shall:(a) respect the spirit of fair play and non-violence and the authority of thematch officials;(b) behave accordingly; and(c) refrain from doping as defined by the FIFA Anti-Doping Regulations.
2.
On entering the final competition, the Participating Member Associations
automatically undertake to:(a) observe these Regulations and ensure that each of their Delegation
Members also observes these Regulations and the principles of fair play;(b) observe and comply with the FIFA Statutes, regulations, directives, circularletters, guidelines and decisions as well as all applicable laws;(c) accept and obey all instructions and decisions taken by the bodies andofficials of FIFA under the terms of these Regulations;(d) participate with the best possible team in all matches of the final
competition in which their team is scheduled to take part;(e) accept all of the arrangements relating to the final competition made byFIFA; and(f) ensure the provision of adequate insurance to cover their Delegation
Members and any other persons carrying out duties on their behalf against
all risks, including but not limited to injury, accident, disease and travel
arrangements in consideration of the relevant FIFA rules or regulations.

910 I General provisions

3.
In addition, each Participating Member Association shall be responsible for:(a) the conduct of its Delegation Members;(b) paying for incidental costs and expenses incurred by its Delegation
Members and any other persons carrying out duties on its behalf during
the course of their stay in the host country;(c) paying for any costs of extending the stay, before or after the final
competition, of any Delegation Member or any other persons carrying out
duties on its behalf;(d) applying for visas and submitting required documents in good time inaccordance with the respective procedure; and(e) attending all media conferences and other media activities organised
by FIFA in accordance with the FIFA Media and Marketing Regulations,guidelines and circular letters.
4.
All Participating Member Associations shall confirm their participation in
the final competition by submitting the entry form and any other required
documentation as communicated by FIFA via the corresponding circular(s),duly signed by the deadline(s) set by FIFA. If a Participating Member
Association fails to adhere to the time limits and/or fails to meet the formal
requirements for submitting the necessary documents, the FIFA Organising
Committee shall pass a decision.
5.
All Participating Member Associations shall indemnify, defend and hold FIFA,
the Other Organising Bodies and all of their respective officers, directors,
employees, representatives, agents, and all other auxiliary persons free andharmless against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties,
claims, actions, fines and expenses (including reasonable legal expenses)
of whatsoever kind or nature resulting from, arising out of, or attributable to,any non-compliance with these Regulations by the Participating Member
Associations, their Delegation Members, their affiliates and any third parties
contracted to the Participating Member Associations.

I General provisions

5

Withdrawal, unplayed matches, abandoned matches
and replacement

1.
All Participating Member Associations undertake to play all of their matches
until eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2022™.
2.
Any Participating Member Association that withdraws from the FIFA World
Cup 2022™ no later than 30 days before the start of the final competition
shall be fined at least CHF 250,000 by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee. Any
Participating Member Association that withdraws from the FIFA World Cup
2022™ within 30 days of the start of the final competition or during the final
competition shall be fined at least CHF 500,000 by the FIFA Disciplinary
Committee.
Participating Member Associations that withdraw from the FIFA World Cup
2022™ at any time may be required to reimburse the team preparation moneythat they received from FIFA.
3.
Depending on the circumstances of the withdrawal, the FIFA Disciplinary
Committee may impose additional disciplinary measures, including theexpulsion of the Participating Member Association concerned from
subsequent FIFA competitions. The FIFA Organising Committee may decideto replace the withdrawn Participating Member Association in question withanother member association.
4.
Any match which is not played or which is abandoned – except in cases offorce majeure recognised by FIFA – may lead to the imposition of disciplinary
measures against the relevant Participating Member Association by the FIFA
Disciplinary Committee in accordance with the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
5.
Any Participating Member Association that withdraws or whose behaviour isliable for a match not being played or being abandoned may be ordered byFIFA to reimburse FIFA, Q22 or any other Participating Member Association
for any expenses incurred as a result of its behaviour. In such cases, theassociation concerned may also be ordered by FIFA to pay compensation

11

12 I General provisions

for any damages incurred by FIFA, any Other Organising Body or any otherParticipating Member Association. The association in question shall also forfeit
any claim to financial remuneration from FIFA.
6.
If a Participating Member Association withdraws or a match cannot be playedor is abandoned as a result of force majeure, FIFA shall decide on the matter at
its sole discretion and take whatever action is deemed necessary.
7.
Further to the above provision, in the case of a match being abandoned
as a result of force majeure after it has already commenced, the following
principles shall apply:(a) The match shall recommence at the minute at which play was interrupted
rather than being replayed in full, and with the same scoreline. The
match shall recommence where play was stopped when the match wasinterrupted (e.g. with a free kick, throw-in, goal kick, corner kick, kick fromthe penalty mark, etc.). If the match was abandoned while the ball was stillin play, it shall restart with a dropped ball from the position of the ball whenplay was stopped.
(b) The match shall recommence with the same players on the pitch andsubstitutes available as when the match was abandoned.
(c) No additional substitutes may be added to the list of players on the startlist.
(d) The teams can make only the number of substitutions to which they werestill entitled when the match was abandoned.
(e) Players sent off during the abandoned match cannot be replaced.
(f) Any disciplinary measures imposed before the match was abandoned will
be dealt with in accordance with the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
(g) The kick-off time, date, location and any other matter shall be decided byFIFA.

II Disciplinary procedures

II

6

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

Disciplinary matters1.
Disciplinary infringements are dealt with in compliance with the FIFA
Disciplinary Code in force as well as with all relevant circulars and directives,with which the Participating Member Associations and Delegation Members
undertake to comply.
2.
FIFA may introduce new disciplinary rules and measures for the durationof the FIFA World Cup 2022™. Such rules shall be communicated to theParticipating Member Associations one month before the first match of the
final competition at the latest.
3.
Any violations of these Regulations or any other FIFA regulations, circulars,guidelines, directives and/or decisions that do not come under the jurisdictionof another FIFA body shall be dealt with by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee inaccordance with the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

7

Disputes

1.
All disputes in connection with the FIFA World Cup 2022™ shall be promptly
settled by negotiation (with the exception of those falling under art. 6 above).
2.
In compliance with the FIFA Statutes, Participating Member Associations andtheir Delegation Members may not take disputes to an ordinary court of law
but to the exclusive jurisdiction of FIFA.
3.
The Participating Member Associations and Delegation Members
acknowledge and accept that, once all internal channels have been exhausted
at FIFA, their sole recourse shall be to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)in Lausanne, Switzerland, unless excluded or for final and binding decisions
not subject to appeal. Any such arbitration proceedings shall be governed by
the CAS Code of Sports-related Arbitration.

13

14 II Disciplinary procedures

8

Protests

1.
For the purpose of these Regulations, protests are objections of any kind
relating to events or matters that have a direct effect on matches, including
but not limited to the state of and markings on the pitch, accessory match
equipment, eligibility of players, stadium installations and footballs.
2.
Unless otherwise stipulated in this article, protests shall be submitted inwriting to the FIFA Match Director within two hours of the match in question
and followed up immediately with a full written report, including a copy ofthe original protest, to be sent in writing to the FIFA headquarters in the hostcountry within 24 hours of the end of the match in question, otherwise they
will be disregarded.
3.
Protests regarding the eligibility of players nominated for matches shall be
submitted in writing to the FIFA headquarters in the host country no later than
five days before the first match of the final competition and shall be dealt withby the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.
4.
Protests regarding the state of the pitch, its surroundings, markings oraccessory items (e.g. goals, flag posts or footballs) shall be made in writing to
the referee before the start of the match by the head of delegation of the teamlodging the protest. If the pitch’s playing surface becomes unplayable during
a match, the captain of the protesting team shall immediately lodge a protest
with the referee in the presence of the captain of the opposing team. The
protest shall be confirmed in writing to the FIFA Match Director by the head of
the team delegation no later than two hours after the match.
5.
Protests against any incidents that occur during the course of a match shallbe made to the referee by the team captain immediately after the disputed
incident and before play has resumed, in the presence of the captain of the
opposing team. The protest shall be confirmed in writing to the FIFA Match
Director by the head of the team delegation no later than two hours after thematch.

II Disciplinary procedures

6.
No protests may be made about the referee’s decisions regarding facts
connected with play. Such decisions are final and not subject to appeal, unlessotherwise stipulated in the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
7.
If an unfounded or irresponsible protest is lodged, the FIFA Disciplinary
Committee may impose disciplinary measures against the Participating
Member Association.
8.
If any of the formal conditions of a protest as set out in these Regulations are
not met, such protest shall be disregarded by the competent body. Once thefinal match of the FIFA World Cup 2022™ has ended, any protests describedin this shall be disregarded. Notwithstanding the above, the FIFA Disciplinary
Committee remains competent to prosecute any disciplinary infringement
ex officio as established in the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
9.
FIFA shall pass decisions on any protests lodged, subject to the exceptions
stipulated in these Regulations, the FIFA Statutes or any other FIFA regulations.

9

Yellow and red cards

1.
The referee has the authority to take disciplinary action from entering the fieldof play for the pre-match inspection until leaving the field of play after thematch ends (including kicks from the penalty mark). If, before entering the fieldof play at the start of the match, a player or team official commits a sendingoff offence, the referee has the authority to prevent the player or team official
taking part in the match (see Laws of the Game, Law 12.3); the referee willreport any other misconduct.
2.
Single yellow cards and pending suspensions as a consequence of cautions
in different matches in the preliminary competition are not carried over to thefinal competition. Pending match suspensions imposed as a result of a red
card in matches in the preliminary competition are carried over to the final
competition.

15

16 II Disciplinary procedures

3.
Single yellow cards in the final competition will be cancelled after thequarter-finals.
4.
If a player or team official receives two cautions during two different matches,
he will automatically be suspended from his team’s subsequent match.
5.
If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card,
he will automatically be suspended from his team’s subsequent match. In
addition, further sanctions may be imposed in the case of a direct red card.
6.
Any suspension that cannot be served during the FIFA World Cup 2022™ will
be carried over to the representative team’s next official match.

III Competition format

III COMPETITION FORMAT

10

Number of teams

1.
The FIFA Executive Committee (subsequently replaced by the FIFA Council)
fixed the number of teams taking part in the final competition of the FIFA
World Cup 2022™ at 32, namely the host member association’s representative
team, Qatar, and the 31 other teams that qualify from the preliminarycompetition.
2.
The FIFA Organising Committee forms groups for the final competition byseeding and drawing lots whilst taking sporting and geographical factors into
consideration, as far as possible. The Final Draw is due to take place in Qatar in
2022: further details shall be communicated by circular letter.
3.
The decisions of the FIFA Organising Committee on the group formation andthe duration of the final competition are final. In the event of any withdrawals,
the FIFA Organising Committee may change the groups.
4.
On 30 May 2015, the FIFA Executive Committee decided to allocate thefollowing number of slots to the confederations for the FIFA World Cup 2022™:
Confederation

Number of slots

AFC			CAF			
Concacaf			
CONMEBOL			
OFC			
UEFA			Host (Qatar)			

4.5
5
3.5
4.5
0.5
13
1

17

18 III Competition format

11Group and knockout stages

1.
The final competition will be played in a group stage, followed by the round of16, quarter-finals and semi-finals, the play-off for third place and the final.
2.
The 32 teams taking part in the final competition will be divided into eightgroups of four teams.
3.
The FIFA Organising Committee will divide the teams into groups by seeding
and drawing lots in public at the Final Draw, which will take place in Qatar in
2022, whilst taking sporting and geographical factors into consideration as
far as possible. The national team of the host country, Qatar, will be seeded asteam A1.
The teams in the eight groups will be designated as follows:
Group A		Group B		Group C		Group D

A1
A2
A3
A4

B1
B2
B3
B4

C1
C2
C3
C4

D1
D2
D3
D4

Group E		Group F		Group GGroup H

E1
E2
E3
E4

F1
F2
F3
F4

G1
G2
G3
G4

H1
H2
H3
H4

III Competition format

4.
The group matches will be played following the schedule below. Each teamplays each of the other teams in the same group once, according to a league
system (three points for a win, one for a draw, none for a defeat).
MATCHDAY 1

MATCHDAY 2

MATCHDAY 3

A1 v. A2A3 v. A4

A1 v. A3A4 v. A2

A4 v. A1A2 v. A3

B1 v. B2B3 v. B4

B1 v. B3B4 v. B2

B4 v. B1B2 v. B3

C1 v. C2
C3 v. C4

C1 v. C3
C4 v. C2

C4 v. C1C2 v. C3

D1 v. D2
D3 v. D4

D1 v. D3
D4 v. D2

D4 v. D1D2 v. D3

E1 v. E2
E3 v. E4

E1 v. E3
E4 v. E2

E4 v. E1E2 v. E3

F1 v. F2F3 v. F4F1 v. F3F4 v. F2F4 v. F1F2 v. F3G1 v. G2G3 v. G4G1 v. G3G4 v. G2

G4 v. G1G2 v. G3

H1 v. H2H3 v. H4

H1 v. H3H4 v. H2

H4 v. H1H2 v. H3

5.
The last two matches in each group shall have simultaneous kick-off times on
the same day.
6.
The two teams finishing first and second in each group qualify for the roundof 16.

19

20 III Competition format

7.
The 16 teams that qualify from the group stage will contest the round of 16 as
follows:
Winner A v. Runner-up B
Winner B v. Runner-up A
Winner C v. Runner-up D
Winner D v. Runner-up C
Winner E v. Runner-up F
Winner F v. Runner-up E
Winner G v. Runner-up H
Winner H v. Runner-up G

=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=

Winner 1 (M49)
Winner 2 (M51)
Winner 3 (M50)
Winner 4 (M52)
Winner 5 (M53)
Winner 6 (M55)
Winner 7 (M54)
Winner 8 (M56)

Note: the above configuration does not necessarily represent thechronological order in which the matches will be played.
8.
The eight teams that qualify from the round of 16 will contest the quarter-finals
as follows:
A (M57):B (M58):C (M59):D (M60):Winner 1 (M49)
Winner 5 (M53)
Winner 2 (M51)
Winner 6 (M55)

v. Winner 3 (M50)
v. Winner 7 (M54)
v. Winner 4 (M52)
v. Winner 8 (M56)

Note: the above configuration does not necessarily represent thechronological order in which the matches will be played.
9.
The four winners of the quarter-finals will contest the semi-finals as follows:
Semi-final 1 (M61): Winner A (M57)
Semi-final 2 (M62): Winner C (M59)v.
v.

Winner B (M58)
Winner D (M60)

Note: the above configuration does not necessarily represent thechronological order in which the matches will be played.
10.
The two winners of the semi-finals will contest the final.
11.
The runners-up of the semi-finals will contest the play off for third place.

III Competition format

12Equal points and qualification for knockout stage

If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points after thecompletion of the group stage, the following criteria, in the order below, shallbe applied to determine the ranking:• Step 1:(a) greatest number of points obtained in all group matches;(b) superior goal difference in all group matches;(c) greatest number of goals scored in all group matches.
• Step 2:
If two or more teams in the same group are equal on the basis of the above
three criteria, their rankings will be determined as follows:(d) greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between theteams concerned;(e) superior goal difference resulting from the group matches between theteams concerned;(f) greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams
concerned;(g) highest team conduct score relating to the number of yellow and red cards
obtained:- yellow card:						minus 1 point- indirect red card (as a result of two yellow cards):		
minus 3 points- direct red card:					minus 4 points- yellow card and direct red card:			minus 5 points
Only one of the above deductions shall be applied to a player in a single
match. The team with the highest number of points shall be ranked highest.
(h) drawing of lots by FIFA.
With respect to the second step, all affected teams will be ranked by applying
the criteria (d) to (g) in order. If one team qualifies for a higher or lower ranking
pursuant to one criterion but it is not possible to rank all teams on the basis of
the same criterion, the remaining two or three teams will be ranked pursuant
to the next criterion, and so on. In any case, the second step of the ranking
does not restart for the two or three teams remaining after application of acriterion.

21

22 III Competition format

13

Extra time and kicks from the penalty mark1.
In the knockout stages, if a match is level at the end of normal playing time,
extra time shall be played. Extra time shall consist of two 15-minute periods,
with an interval not exceeding five minutes before the first period of extra time
begins and a short drinks break (interval) not exceeding one minute at halftime. The players shall remain on the pitch during both of these intervals.
2.
If the score is still level at the end of extra time, kicks from the penalty markshall be taken to determine the winner, in accordance with the procedure
specified in the Laws of the Game.

IV Competition preparation

IV COMPETITION PREPARATION

14

Final Draw, Team Seminar and Team Workshop

The Final Draw for the final competition, together with the Team Seminar, shall,in principle, take place approximately six months prior to the start of the final
competition. In addition, FIFA may organise a Team Workshop as a separate
event prior to commencement of the final competition. Detailed information
concerning the Final Draw, Team Seminar and Team Workshop shall be
communicated by circular letter.

15

Venues and kick-off times

1.
The venues, dates and kick-off times of the matches shall be determined byFIFA.
2.
The dates and venues of the matches shall be set, allowing each team aminimum rest period of 48 hours between matches, except for the period
between the semi-finals and the play-off for third place.
3.
In principle, the last matchday matches of the group stage of the same groupshall kick off simultaneously, unless there is a case of force majeure.
4.
FIFA shall confirm the match kick-off times and stadiums after the Final Draw.

16

Friendly matches

1.
Each team taking part in the final competition is entitled to play friendly
matches and/or other preparation matches from the date of its arrival in thehost country until five days prior to its first match of the FIFA World Cup 2022™
in accordance with the following rules and the FIFA Regulations Governing
International Matches:23

24 IV Competition preparation(a) Prior approval must be given by the host member association and FIFA,and the relevant confederations must be informed. In principle:(i) matches in stadiums selected for use during the final competition will
generally be prohibited; and(ii) requests to play matches at official team training sites (i.e. team basecamp training sites and, potentially, venue-specific training sites) will beconsidered taking into account the prevailing conditions, such as thequality of the field of play, the weather and operational considerations.
In particular, FIFA may withhold its approval for matches intended to be heldat the above sites as from one month prior to the opening match of the final
competition in order to ensure that the field of play is of the highest quality.
(b) Each team must comply with the FIFA Media and Marketing Regulations,
the FIFA Equipment Regulations and any other applicable FIFA regulations
or guidelines.
(c) Teams drawn into the same group of the final competition shall not playfriendly matches against each other.
2.
The rights emanating from an approved friendly and/or other preparation
match in the host country including, among others, all kinds of financial
rights, audiovisual and radio recording, reproduction and broadcasting rights,
multimedia rights, marketing and promotional rights and ticketing rights, may
be commercialised by the teams participating in such friendly and/or otherpreparation matches subject to the following conditions (and provided noassociation is made with the FIFA World Cup 2022™, e.g. “Road to the FIFA
World Cup 2022™” or “Preparation match for the FIFA World Cup 2022™”
or other prohibited messaging pursuant to the FIFA Media and Marketing
Regulations):(a) In the event of such match taking place in a stadium selected for use
during the final competition, no commercialisation is permitted as fromone month prior to the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2022™.
(b) In the event of such match taking place at a team base camp training site(and, potentially, a venue-specific training site), commercialisation is only
permitted if the friendly match takes place earlier than five days prior to theIV Competition preparation

opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2022™; as from five days prior to the
opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2022™, only non-commercialised
preparation matches may take place at a team base camp training site (orvenue-specific training site).
(c) If such match does not take place at an official competition site,commercialisation is permitted until five days prior to the team’s first matchof the FIFA World Cup 2022™.
(d) FIFA reserves the right to film any friendly matches in which theParticipating Member Association plays in the host country after the Final
Draw for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and before the start of the final
competition. For this purpose, FIFA filming crews and FIFA photographers
will be accredited for the friendly match as per the applicable proceduresin place. Any footage captured may be provided to FIFA’s Media Rights
Licensees as source material or as part of fully produced features and may
be used in any competition-related programming.
3.
FIFA may provide further information on friendly matches by means of acircular letter.

17

Team arrivals

1.
Each team participating in the final competition shall arrive in the host countryof its first group match at least five days before the match.
2.
Only official team accommodation in Qatar (team base camps and, potentially,venue-specific team hotels) designated as such by FIFA shall be used for theteams’ accommodation from five days before the team’s first match and up to
one day after its last match (elimination).

25

26 V Stadiums and training sites
V STADIUMS AND TRAINING SITES

18

Stadium pitches

1.
Matches shall be played on natural grass or, provided special dispensation
is granted by FIFA, on artificial surfaces. For natural grass pitches, FIFA’s
guidelines and requirements shall be followed. In order to ensure that the fieldof play is of the highest quality, it shall not be used for a non-football event asof two months before the first match held in the stadium in connection with
the FIFA World Cup 2022™. In order to ensure that the field of play is of thehighest quality, it shall also not be used for any kind of event as of one month
before the first match held in the stadium in connection with the FIFA World
Cup 2022™. Any exemption to these deadlines is subject to FIFA’s explicit
prior approval in writing. Where artificial surfaces are used, the surface mustmeet the requirements of the FIFA Quality Programme for Football Turf or theInternational Artificial Turf Standard. In principle, the training sites shall havethe same type of turf as the stadium in the same Host City.
2.
Unless otherwise approved by FIFA, the pitch shall have the following
dimensions: length 105m, width 68m.
3.
The pitch watering schedule and the height of the grass will be communicatedby the FIFA Match Director at the Match Coordination Meeting. The FIFA
Match Director, in consultation with the pitch management expert, shall define
the grass height and watering schedule.
4.
Each stadium shall have sufficient space behind the goals to allow the players
to warm up during the matches. A maximum of six players per team shallwarm up at the same time (with a maximum of two team officials). Only the
goalkeepers may warm up with a ball.
5.
If there is insufficient space behind the goals, both teams shall warm up in thedesignated area beside the team bench behind assistant referee no. 1. In thiscase, only a maximum of three players and one official per team may warm up
at the same time and the goalkeepers may not use any balls.

V Stadiums and training sites

6.
The field of play, accessory equipment and all facilities for each match shallbe in optimum condition and comply with the Laws of the Game and all otherrelevant regulations. All goals shall be equipped with white goal posts andwhite goal nets with dark support posts and padding. Each stadium shall havespare goals, nets and corner flags located in close proximity to the field of playfor contingency purposes.

19

Stadium roof1.
If a stadium has a retractable roof, FIFA shall decide before the match whether
the roof shall be open or closed during the match. This decision must be
announced by the FIFA Match Director at the Match Coordination Meeting.
2.
If the match starts with the roof open and there is a serious deterioration in theweather conditions impacting the match, in consultation with the FIFA Match
Director, the referee has the authority to order its closure during the match. In
such an event, the roof is to remain closed until the end of the match. The roof
may only be opened or closed if there is no one on the pitch.

20

Stadium clocks and giant screen

1.
Clocks in the stadium showing the length of time played may run during thematch, provided that they are stopped at the end of normal playing time ineach half, i.e. after 45 and 90 minutes respectively. This stipulation shall also
apply if extra time is played (i.e. after 15 minutes of each half).
2.
Panels or electronic display boards, numbered on both sides for clarity, shallbe used by the fourth official to indicate the substitution of players and thenumber of minutes to be allowed for time lost.
3.
FIFA shall determine the conditions governing all scoreboard and giant screentransmissions.

2728 V Stadiums and training sites

21

Training sites

1.
In principle, all training sites shall be approved by FIFA.
2.
The training sites (team base camp training sites) shall be made available atleast five days before the team’s first match until one day after its last matchin the FIFA World Cup 2022™. In principle, the training sites shall be madeavailable at any time requested by the teams in accordance with their training
schedule.
3.
As from five days before the respective team’s first match in the final
competition, each team shall only use the official training sites allocated toit (i.e. the team base camp training site and the venue-specific training site,where applicable) for any training sessions or preparation matches.
4.
In order to ensure that the field of play is of the highest quality, such official
training sites shall not be used for a football match or other event for a period
commencing one month prior to the opening match of the FIFA World Cup
2022™ without the express written permission of FIFA.
5.
Official training sites for the match officials and teams (team base camptraining sites and, potentially, venue-specific training sites) shall be in excellent
condition and situated near the match officials’ base camp hotel and the teambase camp hotels (and, potentially, venue-specific team hotels). They shallbe made available to FIFA for its exclusive use and shall be free of any and allcommercial activities and identifications, e.g. boards and signage other thanthose of FIFA’s Commercial Affiliates, from at least 14 days prior to the opening
match of the FIFA World Cup 2022™ until three days after it was last requiredby a team (venue-specific training site), or the team completes its use of the
training site (team base camp training site) or the completion of the final
match of the FIFA World Cup 2022™ (match officials’ training site).
6.
Unless otherwise approved by FIFA, all training site pitches shall be 105m x
68m in size.

V Stadiums and training sites

7.
The training sites shall be situated within a reasonable driving distance byteam bus from the team hotel, ideally within 20 minutes’ drive.
8.
The training sites shall have the same surface as the match pitches and bein perfect condition, freshly mowed and fully marked in accordance with theLaws of the Game.
9.
Pitch maintenance personnel and suitable pitch equipment shall be provided
at all official training sites.
10.
Each training site/pitch shall be equipped with a set of floodlights to caterfor training sessions. The floodlights shall provide adequate lighting thatguarantees that the entire surface of the playing area is evenly lit, ensuresclarity of vision for the players and enables media and broadcast activities totake place.
11.
Each training site shall be equipped with at least one dressing room withlockers, showers and toilets.
12.
FIFA World Cup 2022™ training sites shall be tobacco-free and free of vapoursfrom e-cigarettes in accordance with the FIFA Event Policy on Tobacco. FIFA
reserves the right to determine whether outdoor designated smoking areas
shall be established for each training site.

2930 VI Players’ and officials’ lists

VI PLAYERS’ AND OFFICIALS’ LISTS

22

Eligibility of players

1.
Each Participating Member Association shall ensure the following whenselecting its representative team for the FIFA World Cup 2022™:(a) All players shall hold the nationality of their country or territory as
represented by the Participating Member Association and be subject to its
jurisdiction.
(b) All players shall be eligible for selection in accordance with the FIFA
Statutes, the Regulations Governing the Application of the FIFA Statutes
and other applicable FIFA rules and regulations.
2.
Each Participating Member Association is responsible for fielding only eligible
players. Failure to do so shall lead to the consequences stipulated in the FIFA
Disciplinary Code.
3.
Protests regarding the eligibility of players shall be decided by the FIFA
Disciplinary Committee in accordance with art. 8 par. 3 and the FIFA
Disciplinary Code.

23

Release list

1.
Each member association that qualifies for the final competition shall provide
FIFA with a list of no more than 35 players (hereinafter: the release list) whom
it has called up in accordance with the relevant provisions of Annexe 1 of theFIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.
Replace with:
Each member association that qualifies for the final competition shall provide
FIFA with a list of no more than 55 players (hereinafter the release list) whom
it has called up in accordance with the relevant provisions of Annexe 1 of theFIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players and the mandatory
release date as defined in these Regulations.

VI Players’ and officials’ lists

2.
The release list shall contain information such as the player’s full last name(s),all first names, popular name, name on the shirt, place and date of birth,
passport number and expiry date, name and country of the club, height,
weight, number of caps attained and number of international goals scored,
and it shall be sent to FIFA. Further details of the release list, and the deadlineby which the list shall be submitted to FIFA, will be stipulated in the relevant
circular letter.
3.
The release lists shall be published by FIFA.
Replace with:
The release lists will not be published by FIFA.

24

Final list

1.
Each member association shall then be required to provide FIFA with a final listof 23 players (three of whom shall be goalkeepers) and 27 officials (hereinafter:
the final list) by the deadline stipulated in the relevant circular letter. This final
list shall contain only players named on the release list. A signed copy of the
final list shall also be sent by email to FIFA by the same stipulated deadline.
Replace with:
Each member association shall then be required to provide FIFA with a final listof at least 23 players up to a maximum of 26 players (at least three of whomshall be goalkeepers) and up to 27 officials (hereinafter the final list) by thedeadline stipulated in the relevant circular letter. This final list shall contain only
players named on the release list. A signed copy of the final list shall also besent by email to FIFA by the same stipulated deadline.

2.
The final list shall show the player’s full last name(s), all first names, popular
name, name and number on the shirt, position, place and date of birth,
passport number and expiry date, name and country of the club, height,
weight, number of caps attained and number of international goals scored.

3132 VI Players’ and officials’ lists

The players on the final list shall be chosen from the players on the release list.
Only the 23 players on the final list will be permitted to take part in the final
competition.
Replace with:
The final list shall show the player’s full last name(s), all first names, popular
name, name and number on the shirt, position, place and date of birth,
passport number and expiry date, name and country of the club, height,
weight, number of caps attained and number of international goals scored.
The players on the final list shall be chosen from the players on the release list.
Only the 23 to 26 players on the final list will be permitted to take part in the
final competition.

3.
A player listed on the final list may only be replaced in the event of serious
injury or illness up until 24 hours before the start of his team’s first match.
The replacement players do not need to be limited to the release list. The
replacement players shall be nominated by the participating team, who shallinform FIFA accordingly (including all of the specific player information as well
as a copy of his passport). Upon receipt and acceptance of a written detailed
medical assessment in one of the four official languages of FIFA, FIFA Medical,
represented by the FIFA General Medical Officer, will ascertain whether the
injury or illness is sufficiently serious to prevent the player from taking part in
the FIFA World Cup 2022™. The replacement player shall be assigned the shirt
number of the injured player being replaced.
Injured players who are replaced shall return their accreditation to FIFA.
Accordingly, players who have returned their accreditation shall no longer beconsidered members of the Participating Member Association’s final list.
4.
The final list of 23 players and 27 officials shall constitute the official teamdelegation list.
Replace with:
The final list of 23 to 26 players and up to 27 officials shall constitute the official
team delegation list.

VI Players’ and officials’ lists

5.
The final list shall be published by FIFA.
6.
Before the start of the FIFA World Cup 2022™, every player on the final list shallprove his identity, nationality and age by producing his legally valid individual
passport with photograph (stating day, month and year of birth). Any player
who fails to submit his passport shall not be allowed to take part in the FIFA
World Cup 2022™.

25

Release of players

To ensure the timely release of players for the final competition of the FIFA
World Cup 2022™, FIFA will set aside dates as follows:(a) The final matchday at club level for the 23 players nominated on the
final lists for the final competition of the FIFA World Cup 2022™ will be
13 November 2022.
Replace 25 (a) with:
The final matchday at club level for the 23 to 26 players nominated on the
final lists for the final competition of the FIFA World Cup 2022™ will be
13 November 2022.

(b) The mandatory release date for the players on the final list is 14 November
2022. Any special exemptions may only be granted by the FIFA Council.

26

Accreditation

1.
FIFA shall issue each player and team official with an official accreditation
bearing a photograph. Each Participating Member Association will receive
up to 55 accreditations. For the sake of clarity, FIFA will only cover the costsof up to a maximum of 50 Delegation Members as stipulated in the financial
provisions of these Regulations (23 for the players on the final list and 27 forthe officials on the final list).

33

34 VII Kit and team equipment2.
FIFA shall provide a certain number of Supplementary Accreditation Devices(SADs) to each team in order to control and restrict access to the dressing
rooms and the field of play on matchdays. Further details will be given to theteams at a later stage.
3.
FIFA reserves the right to revoke the accreditation of any official or player
due to the misconduct of the individual concerned in accordance with theaccreditation terms and conditions.
4.
The Participating Member Associations shall ensure that all accreditation
data required by FIFA is submitted by the deadline stipulated by FIFA. Further
details will be outlined in a circular letter.
5.
Players shall wear their accreditation when entering the stadiums, training sites
and team hotels. Only players in possession of valid accreditation may play in
the FIFA World Cup 2022™. Players shall wear their accreditation at all times inthe team hotels.
6.
Team officials shall wear their accreditation when entering the stadiums,
training sites and team hotels and at all times in the stadiums, training sites
and team hotels.

VII Kit and team equipment

VII KIT AND TEAM EQUIPMENT

27

Kit and colours approval

1.
The FIFA Equipment Regulations in force apply to all matches of the final
competition, unless specified otherwise in these Regulations. To the extent
that these Regulations are inconsistent with any aspect of the FIFA Equipment
Regulations, the FIFA Equipment Regulations shall take precedence. The
display of political, religious or personal messages or slogans of any naturein any language or form by players and officials on their playing or teamkits, equipment (including kit bags, beverage containers, medical bags,etc.) or body is prohibited. The similar display of commercial messages andslogans of any nature in any language or form by players and officials is notallowed for the duration of their time at any official activity organised by FIFA
(including official matches and training sessions, as well as during official press
conferences and mixed-zone activities).
2.
Each team shall inform FIFA of two different and contrasting colours for eachof its first-choice (official) and alternative (reserve) team playing kit items(shirt, shorts and socks). In addition, each team shall select three contrasting
colours for the goalkeepers. These three goalkeeper kits must be different andcontrasting from each other as well as from the first-choice and alternative
team playing kits. This information shall be submitted online via the teamcolour form by the stipulated deadline. Only these colours, once reviewed
and approved by FIFA as stated in art. 28 par. 3 below, may be worn duringmatches.
3.
The Participating Member Associations shall send to FIFA for approval asample of all items of the full first-choice and alternative team playing kits
(shirt, shorts, socks, all three goalkeeper’s kits, gloves, caps, wristbands andheadbands, etc.) intended for use during the final competition. In addition,
FIFA shall organise a kit-day session prior to the final competition, such date
to be confirmed by circular letter. Representatives of all Participating Member
Associations are obliged to attend. All equipment (kits, gloves, bags, medical
equipment, etc.) that could be on display within the stadium, the training
grounds and the hotels or during transfers to, from or within Qatar must be
approved by FIFA. FIFA shall issue a written decision soon after the kit day

3536 VII Kit and team equipment

regarding the approval of all submitted articles. Should any of the team kit or
any part thereof not be in accordance with the FIFA Equipment Regulations
and the FIFA Media and Marketing Regulations, the Participating Member
Association will be obliged to change it accordingly and re-submit thecorrected items within 30 days of the first written decision. These decisions
are not subject to appeal.
4.
All equipment (kits, gloves, bags, medical equipment, etc.) that could be on
display in the stadiums, the training sites, the hotels or during transfers to, fromor within the host country must be re-checked and approved by FIFA during
the Team Arrival Meeting for the FIFA World Cup 2022™.
5.
From the moment that their teams first arrive in the host country, and at
the latest five days before the opening match until the end of the final
competition, Participating Member Associations may not display (including on
any clothing) any third-party commercial identification or branding in any final
competition stadiums or training sites, or in connection with any official media
activities, other than:(a) on kit used at unofficial training sessions;(b) in the indoor press conference facility at their official training site (or otherpress conference location approved by FIFA), but only when used for
unofficial events/activities; and(c) manufacturer’s identifications on kit, in accordance with the FIFA
Equipment Regulations.
More details may be provided in the FIFA Media & Marketing Regulations.

VII Kit and team equipment

28

Numbers and names

1.
Only the numbers 1 to 23 may be allocated to the players, with number 1 being
reserved exclusively for one of the goalkeepers. These numbers must be
displayed at chest height on the front of the shirts and on the shorts, and theplayers’ names shall be added to the numbers on the back according to theFIFA Equipment Regulations. The numbers shall correspond to the numbers
indicated on the final list.
Replace with:
Only the numbers 1 to 26 may be allocated to the players, with number 1 being
reserved exclusively for one of the goalkeepers. These numbers must be
displayed at chest height on the front of the shirts and on the shorts, and theplayers’ names shall be added to the numbers on the back according to theFIFA Equipment Regulations. The numbers shall correspond to the numbers
indicated on the final list.

2.
The player’s last name or popular name shall be affixed above the number
on the back of the shirt and shall be clearly legible in accordance with theFIFA Equipment Regulations. The name on the shirt must bear a strong
resemblance to the player’s popular name as indicated on FIFA’s official list of
players and in any other official FIFA documentation. In case of doubt, FIFA
shall have the final decision regarding the name that appears on the shirt.
3.
Each team shall supply a set of goalkeeper shirts without names or numbers
for the FIFA World Cup 2022™. These shirts will only be used in those special
circumstances in which an outfield player must take the position of goalkeeper
during a match. This extra set of goalkeeper shirts must be provided in thesame three colours as the regular goalkeeper shirts.

3738 VII Kit and team equipment

29

Match colours designation

1.
Approximately two months before the start of the final competition, FIFA will
inform the teams of the colours that they shall wear for each match of thegroup stage. As far as possible, each team shall wear its first-choice colours
as declared on the team colour form. If the two teams’ colours and the matchofficials’ colour might cause confusion, the following principles shall beapplied by FIFA to allocate the match colours:(a) Order of priority from 1 to 5:
1. Team A playing kit
2. Team B playing kit
3. Team A goalkeeper kit
4. Team B goalkeeper kit
5. Match officials (referees) kit(b) If the above order of priority does not produce a clear colour contrast of
the kits, the allocation shall continue step by step in reverse order (5-1) until
an acceptable colour contrast is confirmed.
(c) If necessary, one or both teams may have to wear a combination of theirfirst-choice and alternative player or goalkeeper kits.
FIFA will endeavour to ensure that each team wears its first-choice teamplaying kit at least once during the group stage.
In principle, FIFA shall also consider the option of dark-kit and light-kit
colour-contrast assignments in the interests of accommodating individuals
with a colour vision deficiency whenever reasonably practicable.
2.
FIFA shall confirm the playing colours to the Participating Member
Associations before the start of each match. The colours shall be reviewed
during the Match Coordination Meeting by the referee assessor and the FIFA
Match Director. The colours assignment decided by FIFA is final.
3.
The first-choice and alternative team playing kits and all goalkeeper kits(including the goalkeeper shirts without names and numbers) shall be taken to
every match.

VIII Match organisation

30

Other equipment

1.
FIFA will supply a sufficient number of players’ sleeve badges with the official
competition logo of the FIFA World Cup 2022™, which shall be affixed on theright-hand sleeve of each shirt. A different FIFA campaign logo may be affixed
on the left-hand sleeve. FIFA will communicate to the Participating Member
Associations the instructions for use of the players’ sleeve badges.
2.
FIFA will provide each participating team with a set of special equipment upon
arrival in the host country (e.g. drinks bottles, drinks coolers, medical bags,
captain’s armbands, etc.). This equipment shall be used at the stadium andofficial training sessions, to the exclusion of any other similar items.
3.
The footballs used in the FIFA World Cup 2022™ shall be selected andexclusively supplied by FIFA. Each team will receive training balls fromFIFA prior to the final competition after the conclusion of the preliminarycompetition and all teams have successfully submitted the required teamentry details. Training balls will also be provided to the participating teams
upon arrival in the host country. Only these balls provided by FIFA may be
used for training and warm-up sessions at the official stadiums and training
sites.
4.
Only warm-up bibs provided by FIFA may be used during official training
sessions and at the stadium in the pre-match warm-up, on the team benches
and for the warm-up of substitute players during the match.
5.
Participating teams are allowed to use their own wearable tracking system,
as long as the system has been tested and certified according to the Laws of
the Game, registered with FIFA by the Participating Member Association foruse in the final competition and otherwise complies with the FIFA Equipment
Regulations, the FIFA Media and Marketing Regulations and any otherapplicable FIFA regulations.

3940 VIII Match organisation

VIII MATCH ORGANISATION

31

Start list

1.
Each team is responsible for arriving at the stadium at the latest 90 minutes
before the kick-off of the respective match and for providing the completed
start list to the FIFA Match Director upon such arrival.
2.
At the Match Coordination Meetings (before each match), the teams will
receive a start list with all 23 players’ full names and shirt numbers together
with the full names of the team officials eligible to be seated on the bench.
Replace with:At the Match Coordination Meetings (before each match), the teams will
receive a start list with the full names and shirt numbers of up to 26 players
together with the full names of the team officials eligible to be seated on thebench.

3.
The start list should be duly completed by selecting the 11 players who will
start the match, indicating the captain, selecting the team officials to beseated on the bench (maximum of 11) and signed by the head coach. Bothteams must submit their completed start list to the FIFA Match Director atleast 90 minutes before kick-off. If the start list is not submitted on time for any
reason, the matter will be reported to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.
4.
The numbers on the players’ shirts shall correspond to the numbers indicatedon the start list. Each team is responsible for ensuring that the start list iscompleted properly and that only the 11 selected players start the match.
5.
If any of the 11 players submitted on the start list are not able to begin thematch due to injury or illness, they may be replaced by any of the eligible
substitutes as long as the FIFA Match Director and the referee are officiallyinformed thereof prior to kick-off. Within 24 hours, the team concerned shallalso provide FIFA with a medical report issued by the team doctor responsible(in one of the four official languages of FIFA).

VIII Match organisation

Further to the above, any injured or ill player who is removed from the start
list will no longer be eligible to take part in the match, and thus cannot be
selected as a substitute player at any time during the match. Such a change
to the start list will not reduce the number of official substitutions that may bemade by a team during the match in accordance with the Laws of the Game.
Although no longer eligible to play as a substitute, the injured or ill player
who was removed from the start list before kick-off may be seated on thesubstitutes’ bench.
6.
Only the players who were identified on the official start list submitted to
the FIFA Match Director, or were confirmed as a warm-up injury/illness
replacement player, may start the match. In the case of any discrepanciesof players on the pitch at the beginning of the match, the matter will be
submitted to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee for a decision.

32

Technical area

1.
The technical area is the area which the coach, other team officials andsubstitutes are allowed to occupy during the match. It includes the dugout(if applicable), the team bench and a marked zone adjacent to the pitch.
2.
No more than 23 people (12 substitute players and 11 team officials – oneof these officials shall be the team doctor) shall be allowed to sit on thesubstitutes’ bench. A suspended player or official will not be allowed to sit on
the substitutes’ bench or be allowed in the technical area.
Replace with:
No more than 26 people (up to 15 substitute players and up to 11 team officials– one of these officials shall be the team doctor) shall be allowed to sit on thesubstitutes’ bench. A suspended player or official will not be allowed to sit on
the substitutes’ bench or be allowed in the technical area.

41

42 VIII Match organisation

3.
Additional technical seats in the stand shall be allocated for accredited officials
providing technical support to the team during the match (kit manager,
assistant physiotherapist, etc.). Staff occupying such seats shall have access tothe dressing rooms, with a valid SAD.
Replace with:Up to 15 additional technical seats (including one seat for the team liaison
officer and one seat for the team security liaison officer) in the stand shallbe allocated for accredited officials providing technical support to the teamduring the match (kit manager, assistant physiotherapist, etc.). Staff occupying
such seats shall have access to the dressing rooms with a valid SAD.

4.
During the match, substitutes are allowed to leave the technical area towarm up. At the Match Coordination Meeting, the FIFA Match Director shalldetermine exactly where they may warm up.
5.
A maximum of six players per team shall warm up at the same time (with amaximum of two officials). Only the goalkeeper may warm up with a ball. If
there is not sufficient space behind the goals, both teams shall warm up in thedesignated area behind the first assistant referee. In this case, only a maximumof three players and one official per team may warm up at the same time andwithout any balls.
6.
Smoking, vaping and the use of any tobacco-related product are only allowedin the designated areas (if made available) and are not allowed in the technicalarea, in the vicinity of the field of play or within the competition areas, such as
the dressing rooms.
7.
Small, hand-held electronic equipment (e.g. microphones, headphones,
earpieces, mobile phones/smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, etc.)
are permitted in the technical area only if used for coaching/tactics or player
welfare in accordance with the Laws of the Game.

IX Refereeing

8.
Additional special equipment items (e.g. antennae) for the use of wearable
technology at final-competition matches may only be positioned in a
dedicated area of a final-competition stadium defined by FIFA, but not in thetechnical area of such stadium.

33

Match protocol

1.
The countdown to kick-off provided to both teams at the Match Coordination
Meeting in advance of the match shall be strictly complied with by bothteams.
The FIFA flag and the flags of the host country and both competing
Participating Member Associations shall be flown in the stadium at every
match, unless FIFA states otherwise.
2.
Unless FIFA states otherwise, the national anthems of the two teams will
be played before each match. The Participating Member Associations shallconfirm their national anthem to FIFA (maximum duration of 90 seconds) by
the date stipulated in the relevant circular letter.
3.
The display of political, religious or personal messages or slogans of any
nature in any language or form by players and officials is prohibited. The
similar display of commercial messages and slogans of any nature in any
language or form by players and officials is not allowed for the duration of theirtime at any official activity organised by FIFA (including official matches andtraining sessions, as well as during official press conferences and mixed-zone
activities).

43

44 IX Refereeing

34

Familiarisation sessions and pre-match warm-up

1.
In order to preserve the quality of the pitch for the matches, no official training
sessions will be allowed on the pitches before any match. In principle, allParticipating Member Associations’ official training sessions will be conductedat the team base camp training sites and/or, if applicable, venue-specifictraining sites.
2.
Teams that are due to play a match in a stadium in which they have notpreviously played will be entitled to a familiarisation session in that stadium on
the day before the match. The players and officials will be permitted to walkaround the field of play (to inspect the pitch only, and wearing training shoes)
and stadium to familiarise themselves with the set-up.
3.
Familiarisation times will be communicated by FIFA.
4.
The teams will be entitled to warm up on the pitch before each match,weather and pitch conditions permitting. In principle, such warm-up will be
30 minutes long and will take place from 50 minutes prior to kick-off until
20 minutes prior to kick-off. If the pitch is not in good condition or if warm-up
sessions would negatively affect the state of the pitch for the match, or if thepitch is to be used for ceremonies relating to the FIFA World Cup 2022™, FIFA
may shorten or cancel the warm-up session timings and/or specify restricted
areas of use.

IX Refereeing

IX REFEREEING

35

Laws of the Game1.
All matches shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game in force
at the time of the FIFA World Cup 2022™ and as laid down by The International
Football Association Board (“The IFAB”) (“Laws of the Game”). In the case ofany discrepancy in the interpretation of the translations of the Laws of theGame, the English version shall be authoritative.
2.
One additional substitute may be used at the FIFA World Cup 2022™ when amatch goes into extra time (regardless of whether or not the team has alreadyused the full number of permitted substitutes before extra time).
3.
Players are entitled to an interval at half-time, not exceeding 15 minutes; ashort drinks break (which should not exceed one minute) is permitted at theinterval of half-time in extra time.
4.
Extreme weather conditions may warrant cooling breaks to be implemented
during the course of a match in accordance with the protocols establishedby FIFA Medical. Such breaks will be considered on a match-by-match basis.
Responsibility for implementing and controlling cooling breaks resides with thereferee.
5.
Goal-line technology may be used for the purpose of verifying whether a goalhas been scored to support the referee’s decision. The participating teams
shall consent, without reservation, to the use of goal-line technology in theFIFA World Cup 2022™, and unconditionally and irrevocably waive any and allrights and interests they may have in connection with or as a result of the useof goal-line technology in matches of the FIFA World Cup 2022™.
6.
Video assistant referees (VARs) may be used for reviewing match-changing
decisions/incidents, as per the protocol established by The IFAB.

45

46 X Financial provisions

7.
Each match shall last 90 minutes, comprising two periods of 45 minutes, witha half-time interval not exceeding 15 minutes.
8.
If, in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations, extra time is to beplayed as the result of a draw at the end of normal playing time, it shall always
consist of two periods of 15 minutes each, with an interval of five minutes
at the end of normal playing time and a short drinks break (interval) not
exceeding one minute at half-time.
9.
If the score is still level after extra time, kicks from the penalty mark shall betaken to determine the winner in accordance with the procedure described in
the Laws of the Game.

36

Referees

1.
The referees, assistant referees, fourth officials and VARs (if appointed)(hereinafter referred to collectively as “match officials”) for the FIFA World Cup
2022™ shall be appointed for each match by the FIFA Referees Committee.
They shall be selected from the FIFA International Refereeing List in force andshall not come from a member association that is represented by a teamplaying in the group or match in question. A reserve assistant referee shall also
be appointed for each match of the final competition. The decisions of theFIFA Referees Committee are final and not subject to appeal.
2.
If the referee is prevented from carrying out his duties, such referee shall be
replaced by the fourth official. If one of the assistant referees is prevented fromcarrying out his duties, such assistant referee shall be replaced by the fourth
official or by the reserve assistant referee if and when designated. The FIFA
Referees Committee shall be informed immediately.

X Financial provisions

3.
After each match, the referee shall complete the official match report online
form whilst still at the stadium. The referee shall note all occurrences ofsignificance, such as misconduct of players leading to caution or expulsion,
unsporting behaviour by supporters and/or by officials or any other person
acting on behalf of a Participating Member Association at the match and anyother incident happening before, during and after the match in as much detailas possible.

47

48 X Financial provisions
X FINANCIAL PROVISIONS

37

Costs borne by FIFA

FIFA shall bear the costs of:(a) a contribution towards the preparation costs incurred by the Participating
Member Associations in accordance with a set tariff to be fixed in due
course by FIFA;(b) business-class return flights for up to 50 Delegation Members from eachParticipating Member Association between a city to be designated byFIFA and the first point of arrival in the host country. For each delegation’s
international air travel to the FIFA World Cup 2022™, FIFA may request
the Participating Member Association concerned to use either (i) the
airline notified to the Participating Member Associations as being FIFA’s
designated air carrier or (ii) an appropriate network alliance partner ofsuch designated air carrier (if the designated air carrier does not service
the international airport(s) of the Participating Member Association). If,
contrary to any such request by FIFA, a Participating Member Associationelects not to use FIFA’s designated air carrier or an appropriate network
alliance partner of such designated air carrier, or if it elects to charter aprivate aircraft for the air travel of its delegation, FIFA’s obligation will belimited to the amount FIFA would have incurred had the Participating
Member Association used FIFA’s designated commercial air carrier for its
delegation’s air travel;(c) a contribution towards the costs of board and lodging for up to 50 people
from each Participating Member Association in accordance with a set
tariff to be fixed in due course, starting five nights prior to each team’s firstmatch and up to one night following the date of the team’s last match(elimination). FIFA shall determine these rates based on an average of theprevailing FIFA World Cup 2022™ sales rates in the official team hotels;(d) domestic ground transport as provided for the exclusive use of eachParticipating Member Association. The details will be defined by FIFA at alater stage and provided in a circular letter;(e) prize money for the Participating Member Associations, the amounts ofwhich shall be determined by FIFA;X Financial provisions(f) the costs incurred by match officials, referee assessors and FIFA MatchCommissioners and other members of the FIFA delegation;(g) doping control expenses; and(h) the costs of insurance taken out by FIFA to cover its own risks.

38

Costs borne by Other Organising Bodies

Other Organising Bodies shall bear the costs of domestic ground transport
services for up to 50 Delegation Members, including their equipment (up toa maximum weight to be communicated by FIFA), from each Participating
Member Association.
A dedicated fleet of vehicles, including one equipment van, will be provided
for the exclusive use of each participating team during a period starting fivedays prior to each team’s first match and up to two days following the date ofits last match (elimination). One luggage truck will also be provided between
the airport and the official team hotel (up to a maximum size to be defined byFIFA in the relevant circular letter).

39

Costs borne by the Participating Member Associations

1.
Each Participating Member Association shall be responsible for and bear thecosts of:(a) adequate insurance to cover its Delegation Members and any otherpersons carrying out duties on its behalf against all risks, including but
not limited to injury, accident, disease and travel in consideration of theapplicable FIFA rules or regulations (cf. in particular Annexe 1, art. 2 par. 3 of
the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players);(b) board and lodging during the FIFA World Cup 2022™, including rentalof meeting rooms and audiovisual technical equipment in excess of thecontribution paid by FIFA specified above;49

50 XI Medical(c) all incidental hotel costs;(d) any other costs associated with additional members in excess of the
50 Delegation Members;(e) costs of any additional menu items other than those agreed between FIFAand the team hotels;(f) costs of any additional transportation not covered by FIFA;(g) costs of any service or equipment ordered via a rate card.
2.
Any expenses other than those stipulated in these Regulations and explicitly
outlined to be borne by FIFA or the Other Organising Bodies shall be borne by
the relevant Participating Member Association.
3.
The financial terms and conditions for Participating Member Associations will
be regulated in a circular letter.

40

Ticketing1.
Each Participating Member Association is entitled to receive complimentary
tickets and access to an allocation of purchasable tickets for the final
competition. The total number of complimentary tickets for each Participating
Member Association will be communicated by FIFA prior to the first match of
the final competition by means of a circular letter or by the Ticket Allocation
Agreement.
2.
FIFA is responsible for the entire ticketing operation of the final competition.
FIFA will issue ticketing documents to each of the Participating Member
Associations. All Participating Member Associations shall comply with theseticketing documents and ensure that their members, Delegation Members andother affiliates also comply with such documents.

XI Medical

3.
FIFA will, at a later date, issue a Ticket Allocation Agreement for the final
competition to each of the Participating Member Associations. All Participating
Member Associations must sign and comply with this Ticket Allocation
Agreement prior to being granted access to tickets and ensure that theirDelegation Members and other affiliates also comply with this agreement.

51

52 XII Commercial rights and media matters
XI MEDICAL

41

Team medical doctor

Each Participating Member Association shall include at least one medical
doctor (two are recommended) in its delegation. It is a mandatory
requirement that the medical doctor or any other medical staff member of
each Participating Member Association complete and successfully pass the“Concussion” and “Sudden Cardiac Arrest” modules of the FIFA Diploma in
Football Medicine (www.fifamedicalnetwork.com).

42

Sudden cardiac arrest and concussion

1.
In order to discover heart issues or risk factors which might lead to a sudden
cardiac arrest during matches of the final competition, and to protect players’
health, each Participating Member Association shall ensure and confirm toFIFA that its players undergo a pre-competition medical assessment prior to
the start of the final competition. FIFA will provide all Participating Member
Associations with an assessment form.
2.
A player who experiences suspected concussion during a match must
undergo an examination by the team doctor in accordance with the protocols
documented in the FIFA Football Emergency Medicine Manual. The referee
may temporarily suspend play for up to three minutes whenever an incidentof suspected concussion occurs. The referee may only allow the player tocontinue playing with the authorisation of the team doctor, who shall haveevaluated the player and excluded any suspicion of a concussive injury.
The team doctor will have the final decision based on a clinical examinationand subject to an express prohibition against returning a player to play if
concussion is suspected.
FIFA recommends that medical teams follow a graduated return-to-play
protocol set forth in SCAT5 for any player who has suffered concussion. SCAT5
recognises that the time frame for return to play may vary, dependent on
factors such as the player’s age, gender, their symptoms and medical history,
and that doctors must use their clinical judgment in making decisions withrespect to return to play. The player’s welfare must be their sole concern. FIFAXII Commercial rights and media mattersrequires that before any player who suffers a concussive episode can return toplay in the FIFA World Cup 2022™, the team doctor certify that (a) such player
has passed each of the steps set out in SCAT5, and (b) such player is fit forcompetition by submitting a documented report to the FIFA General Medical
Officer.

43

Doping Control

1.
Doping is strictly prohibited. The FIFA Anti-Doping Regulations, the FIFA
Disciplinary Code and all other relevant FIFA regulations, circular letters anddirectives shall apply to the FIFA World Cup 2022™.
2.
Every player may be subject to in-competition testing at the matches in which
he competes and to out-of-competition testing at any time and in any place.

53

54 XIII Awards
XII COMMERCIAL RIGHTS AND MEDIA MATTERS

44

Media and Marketing Regulations

1.
FIFA is the original owner of all of the rights emanating from the FIFA World
Cup 2022™ and any other related events under its respective jurisdiction,
without any restrictions as to content, time, place and law. These rights
include, among others, every kind of financial rights, audiovisual and radio
recording rights, reproduction and broadcasting rights, multimedia rights,
marketing and promotional rights and incorporeal rights, such as emblems
and rights arising under copyright law, whether currently existing or created in
the future, subject to any provision as set forth in specific regulations.
2.
Each Participating Member Association is required to support and ensurethat its players, coaches, officials and other employees support thecommercial programme established by FIFA to exploit the marketing rights
to the final competition, including the special marketing programmes run
by FIFA and its Commercial Affiliates (e.g. ball kids, player escorts, matchball carriers, flag bearers, man of the match awards and stadium tours). In
this regard, each association must ensure that its players, coaches, officials
and other employees do not use or otherwise exploit, directly or indirectly,
any commercial rights to the final competition without FIFA’s express prioragreement, which may be granted or withheld at its sole discretion.
3.
Media matters and obligations for the FIFA World Cup 2022™ will be outlinedin the FIFA Media and Marketing Regulations and corresponding documents(circular letters, team handbook, media guidelines, etc.) relating to TV andmedia activities. Participating Member Associations and their Delegation
Members shall comply with the stipulations contained within these
documents with respect to media matters.
The following obligations apply to Participating Member Associations:(a) Each Participating Member Association shall assist, and ensure that each
Delegation Member assists, to the best possible extent, any official FIFA
media activity during the final competition period, in accordance with thefollowing terms and conditions.

XIII Awards(b) Each Participating Member Association is required to include a team
media officer in its delegation to act as a link between the team, the media
officers of FIFA, the local organisers and the accredited media.
(c) Participating Member Associations shall organise dedicated media
facilities in their team base camps (i.e. in the hotel or the combined training
sites) to meet the needs of the media, including the FIFA TV team crews.
(d) Coaches and/or other team representatives are obliged to attend official
media activities organised by FIFA as outlined in the FIFA Media andMarketing Regulations, including but not limited to:
•
•
•
•
•

compulsory media activities upon arrival in Qatar;compulsory media activities during preparations on-site;
compulsory media activities around training sessions on matchday-1;
compulsory media activities on matchdays ; andcompulsory media activities on non-matchdays.

The above obligations are not exhaustive.
4.
Journalists, photographers, television and radio commentators, and accredited
film and television crews are not permitted to enter the pitch at any time
before, during or after the match unless authorised by FIFA. Only a limited
number of photographers and the television personnel required to operate thebroadcasting equipment, all of whom shall have been issued with dedicatedaccreditation, may be admitted to the area between the boundaries of the
field of play and the spectators.
5.
The FIFA Media and Marketing Regulations for the FIFA World Cup 2022™
specify these commercial and intellectual property rights as well as media
matters and obligations relating to the final competition. All FIFA members
must comply with these FIFA Media and Marketing Regulations for theFIFA World Cup 2022™ at all times. To the extent that these Regulations areinconsistent with any aspect of the FIFA Media and Marketing Regulations
for the final competition, the FIFA Media and Marketing Regulations shall takeprecedence.

55

56 XIII Awards
XIII AWARDS

45

Trophy, awards and medals

1.
The winner of the FIFA World Cup 2022™ will be presented with the FIFA World
Cup Trophy (“Trophy”), which remains the property of FIFA. The winning teamwill be provided with the Trophy during an on-pitch ceremony immediately
following the final whistle, and will return it to FIFA in its dressing room
immediately after the ceremonies of the final match and prior to its departurefrom the stadium. At this time, the winning team shall be provided with theFIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy (“Winner’s Trophy”).
2.
FIFA is responsible for engraving the Trophy with the name of the winningteam.
3.
The winning Participating Member Association shall take all reasonable
steps, at its own expense, to ensure the security and safety of the Trophy andWinner’s Trophy while they are in its possession.
4.
The Winner’s Trophy may remain in the temporary custody of the winning
Participating Member Association but remains at all times the property of FIFAand must be returned immediately to FIFA if so requested by FIFA in writing.
5.
FIFA will issue, at a later date, Trophy Regulations. The winning Participating
Member Association shall ensure its full compliance with these Trophy
Regulations.
6.
A souvenir plaque will be presented to each Participating Member Association.
7.
A diploma will be presented to the teams ranked first, second and third in the
final competition.

XIV Closing provisions

8.
Medals will be presented to each of the top three teams in the final
competition, i.e. gold medals to the winners, silver medals to the runners-up
and bronze medals to the team ranked third.
9.
One medal will be presented to each of the match officials who officiate at theplay-off for third place and the final.
10.
A fair play contest will be held during the final competition, for which FIFA has
drawn up special regulations (cf. Annexe B). The FIFA Technical Study Groupshall determine the ranking at the end of the final competition.
11.
At the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 2022™, the following special awards
will be presented:(a) Fair Play trophy
The FIFA Fair Play trophy, a fair play medal for each player and team official,a diploma and a voucher for USD 50,000 worth of football equipment (tobe used for youth football development) will be presented to the teamfinishing first in the fair play contest. The applicable rules are in the fair playcontest regulations.
(b) Golden, Silver and Bronze Boots
The Golden Boot will be awarded to the player who scores the most goals
in the final competition. If two or more players score the same number ofgoals, the number of assists (as determined by the members of the FIFA
Technical Study Group) shall be decisive. If two or more players are stillequal after taking into account the number of assists, the total minutes
played in the tournament will be taken into account, with the player playing
fewer minutes ranked first. A Silver Boot and a Bronze Boot will also beawarded for the second and third-highest goalscorers respectively.

57

58 XIV Closing provisions(c) Golden, Silver and Bronze Balls
The Golden Ball will be awarded to the best player of the final competition.
Further details will be given to the teams by means of a circular letter. A
Silver Ball and a Bronze Ball will be awarded to the second- and third-bestplayers respectively.
(d) Golden Glove
The Golden Glove will be awarded to the best goalkeeper in the final
competition, as selected by the FIFA Technical Study Group.
(e) Young Player
The Young Player Award will be presented to the best young player (bornon or after 1 January 2001) in the final competition, as selected by the FIFA
Technical Study Group.
12.
There are no official awards other than those listed above, unless otherwise
decided by FIFA.

Annexe A: Approved FIFA event names

XIV CLOSING PROVISIONS

46

Special circumstances

The FIFA Organising Committee may, in conjunction with the Other Organising
Bodies, issue any instructions necessitated by special circumstances that may
arise in Qatar related to the FIFA World Cup 2022™. These instructions shallform an integral part of these Regulations.

47

Matters not provided forAny matters not provided for in these Regulations and any cases of force
majeure shall be decided by FIFA. All decisions shall be final and binding andnot subject to appeal.

48

Languages

In the case of any discrepancy in the interpretation of the English, French,
Spanish or German texts of these Regulations, the English text shall beauthoritative.

49

Copyright

The copyright of the match schedule drawn up in accordance with theprovisions of these Regulations is the property of FIFA.

50

No waiverAny waiver by FIFA of any breach of these Regulations (including of any
document referred to in these Regulations) will not operate as, or beconstrued to be, a waiver of any other breach of such provision or of any
breach of any other provision or a waiver of any right arising out of theseRegulations or any other document. Any such waiver shall only be valid if

59

60 Annexe B: Fair Play contest regulations

given in writing. Failure by FIFA to insist upon strict adherence to any provisionof these Regulations, or any document referred to in these Regulations, on
one or more occasions will not be considered to be a waiver of, or deprive FIFAof the right to subsequently insist upon, strict adherence to that provision or
any other provision of these Regulations, or any document referred to in theseRegulations.

51

Enforcement

1.
These Regulations were approved by the Bureau of the FIFA Council on 11
August 2022 and came into force immediately.
2.
The previous version of these Regulations shall apply mutatis mutandis to any
matters that arose before these Regulations came into force.

Zurich, 11 August 2022

For FIFA

President		Secretary General
Gianni Infantino		Fatma Samoura

Annexe B: Fair Play contest regulations

ANNEXE A: APPROVED FIFA EVENT NAMESFIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™
FIFA World Cup 2022™
FIFA World Cup™
Qatar 2022™
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™-related terms:
Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™
Team Workshop for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™
FIFA World Cup Host City
FIFA World Cup Trophy**T he original solid-gold FIFA World Cup Trophy, which is only displayed duringcertain official FIFA ceremonies and is presented to the winning team during
the finals award ceremony.
FIFA World Cup 2022 Winner’s Trophy**T he trophy which will be given to the winners of the FIFA World Cup Qatar
2022™ as a permanent reminder of their outstanding achievement, in
exchange for the return of the original solid-gold FIFA World Cup Trophy.

61

62 Annexe B: Fair Play contest regulations
ANNEXE B: FAIR PLAY CONTEST REGULATIONS
I. General provisions
1.
As part of its campaign to promote fair play, FIFA regularly holds a fair playcontest during its championships, based on an appraisal of the teams’
conduct by a FIFA delegate such as the FIFA Match Commissioner, a memberof the Technical Study Group or a member of a standing committee.
2.
The objective of fair play activities is to foster a sporting spirit among players,
team officials and spectators, thereby heightening the fans’ enjoyment of thegame.
3.
At the final whistle of each game, the delegate shall complete the appropriate
fair play form after consulting the referee and the referee assessor.
4.
Every match in the final competition shall be taken into account.
5.
FIFA shall compile and publish the classification at the end of the final
competition. Its decision is final.
6.
FIFA will award the team that wins the fair play contest a trophy, a medal
for each player and official, and a diploma, all of which the team can keep
permanently. The team shall also receive a voucher valued at USD 30,000,
which shall be exchanged for a supply of football equipment to be used
exclusively for youth development.

Annexe B: Fair Play contest regulations

II. Assessment criteria
1.
The assessment form contains six criteria by which the teams’ fair play
performance shall be judged, stressing the positive aspects rather thannegative. As a general rule, maximum points shall only be awarded if the teamconcerned displays a positive attitude.
2.
Red and yellow cards shall be deducted from a maximum of 10 points:– first yellow card:– second yellow/indirect red card:– direct red card:– yellow card & direct red card:

minus 1 point
minus 3 points
minus 4 points
minus 5 points

Red and yellow cards are the only criteria entailing minus points.
3.
Positive play
Minimum 1 point
Maximum 10 points
The aim of this criterion is to reward attacking and attractive play, and shalltake into account such aspects as:a) Positive aspects– attacking rather than defensive tactics;– speeding up the game;– constantly attempting to score even if the desired result(e.g. qualification) has already been achieved.
b) Negative aspects– tactics that rely on rough play;– play-acting;– time-wasting etc.
c) As a general rule, positive play is correlated with the number of scoring
chances created and the number of goals scored.

6364 Annexe B: Fair Play contest regulations

4.
Respect towards the opponent
Minimum 1 point
Maximum 5 points
Players are expected to respect the Laws of the Game, the competition
regulations and opponents, etc.
When assessing the players’ behaviour towards the opponents, duplicationof the judgment for red and yellow cards should be avoided. However, thedelegate may take into account the seriousness of the offences punished bycards as well as those overlooked by the referee.
Assessment shall be based on positive attitudes (e.g. helping an injured
opponent) rather than on infringements. Behaviour that is basically faultless
but does not outwardly show any particularly positive attitude or gesture
towards opponents shall be given a mark of 4 rather than 5.
5.
Respect towards the referee/match officials
Minimum 1 point
Maximum 5 points
Players are expected to respect the match officials and the decisions they take.
A positive attitude towards the referee, including acceptance of decisions
without protest, shall be rewarded. Behaviour that is basically faultless but
does not outwardly show any particularly positive attitude or gesture towards
the match officials shall be given a mark of 4 rather than 5.

Annexe B: Fair Play contest regulations

6.
Behaviour of the team officials
Minimum 1 point
Maximum 5 points
Coaches and other team officials are expected to encourage the sporting,technical, tactical and ethical standards of their team and to direct the players
to behave in accordance with the principles of fair play.
Both positive and negative factors in the behaviour of the team officials shallbe included in the assessment, such as for instance whether they calm down
angry players or how they accept the referee’s decisions. Inciting or provoking
players shall be rated negatively.
Cooperation with the media shall also be a factor in the assessment. Behaviour
that is faultless but does not outwardly show any particularly positive attitude
or gesture shall be given a mark of 4 rather than 5.
7.
Behaviour of the crowd
Minimum 1 point
Maximum 5 points
The crowd is considered to be an integral part of a football match. Fans cancontribute to the positive atmosphere of a match by encouraging their teamby cheering and singing, etc. in the spirit of fair play.
Spectators are, however, expected to respect the opponents and the referee.
They should appreciate the opponents’ performance regardless of the result
and in no way intimidate or frighten opponents, the referee or the opponents’supporters.
The maximum number of points (5) may only be awarded if all theserequirements have been satisfied, especially as regards creating a positive
atmosphere.
This criterion is applicable only if a substantial number of fans of the teamconcerned are present. If the number of fans is negligible, “n.a.” (not applicable)
shall be entered under this item.

65

66 Annexe B: Fair Play contest regulations

III. Final assessment
1.
The final assessment of a team is obtained as follows:a)	the points awarded are added together, e.g. for team A:
8 + 7 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 4 = 31b)	this total is divided by the maximum number of points possible (40):31 ÷ 40 = 0.775c) this figure is multiplied by 1,000: 0.775 x 1,000 = 775
If, however, the number of fans supporting a certain team is negligible and the“behaviour of the crowd” criterion consequently disregarded (“n.a.” – cf. art. II
par. 7 of the fair play contest regulations), the maximum number of points
obtainable will be 35.
Thus the final assessment would be attained as follows:a) the points awarded are added together, e.g. for team B:
7 + 8 + 2 + 5 + 2 = 24b)	this total is divided by the maximum number of points possible (35):24 ÷ 35 = 0.686c) this figure is multiplied by 1,000: 0.686 x 1,000 = 686
The overall assessment of a team during the final competition shall becalculated by adding the points attained at each match and dividing thisfigure by the number of matches played.

Annexe B: Fair Play contest regulations

2.
Teams that are eliminated after the group stage of the final competition shallbe excluded from the fair play contest.
In addition to making the assessment, members of FIFA may give a shortoral account of the teams’ fair play performance to explain the positive andnegative factors, which form the basis of their assessment. The account may
also point out any outstanding gestures of fair play from a player, official,referee or any other person. However, no additional points shall be awarded
for this reason.

67

Fédération Internationale de Football Association