Sacred Hearts Championship

1. General guidelines

1.1Squad size

Each team may register a maximum of 10 players: 7 on the field and 3 substitutes.

1.2Eligibility

Players must have an established connection to the community they are representing and must meet the tournament’s age and registration requirements. Players must be registered under the team they represent.

1.3Membership and community affiliation

Players should have an established connection to the community they are representing. Registration may be subject to reasonable confirmation by the organising committee where required.

1.4Guest player rule

Each squad may include up to two (2) guest players from outside the registered community, provided the guest player has a connection to the same faith, a similar faith, a sister parish or community, or another closely associated Christian community, and is approved by the team’s designated representative. The final determination of guest-player eligibility rests with the organising committee.

1.5ID verification

Players should bring valid identification in any available form, including physical or digital identification. The identification presented on tournament day must correspond with the player details submitted during registration. The organising committee may request additional confirmation where information does not match.

1.6Multiple teams per community

A single community may enter up to 3 teams. Each team is registered and treated as a fully independent team in the draw and standings. Teams from the same community will be placed in separate groups, ensuring they cannot meet before the knockout stage. Each community holds one Sacred Hearts Council seat regardless of how many teams it enters.

1.7Team participation fee

The team participation fee is AED 1,000 per team and is non-refundable. Payment confirms registration and includes tournament jerseys for all squad members.

1.8Registration

Participation is by invitation and community nomination. Team places are confirmed by the organising committee following nomination and completion of the required registration process. The registration deadline is 18 October 2026.

1.9Kit selection

Each team selects its jersey and kit colour combination by 8 November 2026. Teams must wear their allocated tournament jersey for all matches. No alternative kits or personal jerseys are permitted.

1.10Team roster submission

Final squad lists must be submitted by 8 November 2026, confirmed upon payment. No changes to the registered squad will be permitted after this date. No last-minute player additions will be allowed on the day of the event.

1.11Payment deadline

Full payment is due from all teams by 18 November 2026.

1.12Group draw

The draw for group-stage allocation will be conducted live and transparently, with team captains or representatives in attendance. The draw process and resulting group allocations will be communicated directly to participating teams and community representatives through the official tournament communication channels.

1.13Mandatory reporting

All teams must report to the venue at least 45 minutes before their first scheduled match to allow for player verification, team confirmation and pre-match formalities.

1.14Jewellery and personal belongings

Players may wear earrings during matches. Other jewellery may be restricted where the referee considers it unsafe. The organisers accept no responsibility for lost items, valuables, injuries or loss of personal property during the event.

1.15Authority

All decisions made by the organising committee and match referees are final and binding.

2. Tournament format

2.1Tournament structure

The tournament follows a league-cum-knockout format. 24 participating teams are divided into 6 groups of 4. Each team plays 3 group-stage matches (full round-robin within its group) across 3 pitches running simultaneously.

2.2Qualification to the knockout stage

The top 2 teams from each group (12 teams) plus the 4 best-ranked third-placed teams across all groups advance to the Round of 16. This gives 16 teams a place in the knockout stage.

Best third-placed teams are ranked by total points, then goal difference, then goals scored, then fewest cards received, then coin toss.

2.3Knockout stage

The knockout stage proceeds on a single-elimination basis:

2.4Match format

Duration: two halves of 7 minutes each, with a 2-minute half-time break.

Minimum players: a team must have at least 7 players present to start a match.

Substitutions: rolling substitutions are permitted with prior notification to the referee.

Offside: the offside rule does not apply in this tournament.

Goalkeeper change: a team may change its goalkeeper once per match with referee approval. A goalkeeper may also be changed once during a penalty shootout, again with referee approval only.

Footwear: metal studs and barefoot play are strictly prohibited.

3. Match results and points

3.1Group stage results

Group-stage matches may end in a draw. No penalty shootout is required for a drawn group-stage match.

3.2Points system

3.3Group standings tiebreakers

When teams are level on points, the following criteria apply in order:

3.4Walkover rule

If a team is not present at kick-off time, a 5-minute grace period is allowed. Beyond this, the match is forfeited and the opposing team is awarded a 3-0 victory.

4. Discipline and code of conduct

4.1Card regulations

Cards are reset on entering the knockout stage.

4.2Substance use and violence

Any abuse, fighting, or use of alcohol, drugs or intoxicants inside the venue will result in the immediate disqualification of the player or team.

4.3Misconduct

Disrespecting referees, opponents, spectators or the organising committee may result in immediate suspension and/or a tournament ban at the committee’s discretion.

4.4Community standard

This tournament brings together invited Christian communities participating in the event. All participants are expected to conduct themselves with dignity and respect. The organising committee reserves the right to remove any individual whose conduct falls below this standard.

5. Protests, walkovers and authority

5.1Nature of protest

A protest may be lodged if a team is dissatisfied with a specific referee decision or related issue during a match.

5.2No interruption

No protest may interrupt or delay an ongoing match. Protests during play will not be entertained.

5.3Procedure

Protests must be submitted in writing, signed by the team captain, and delivered to the organising committee before the match begins or within 30 minutes of its conclusion.

5.4Team representation

Only one designated representative (team captain or team manager) may approach the organising committee regarding a protest or dispute. Multiple players or team members are not permitted to take part in the discussion.

5.5Outcome

If a protest is upheld, the opposing team forfeits and a 3-0 scoreline is awarded to the protesting team.

5.6Final authority

The organising committee’s decision is final and binding in all matters, including disputes, protests, eligibility and disciplinary action.

6. Prize fund

7. Key dates