Article

October 12, 2026

OFFICIAL RULES & REGULATIONS

1. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

The United Football Championship (UFC) shall promote competitive football, player development, sportsmanship, unity, peace and community engagement. The League shall provide a properly organised and professionally managed platform for clubs, players, coaches and officials.

2. GOVERNANCE

  1. The League shall be administered by the UFC Organising Committee.
  2. All participating clubs shall comply with these Rules, Competition Regulations and applicable football laws.
  3. The Organising Committee shall have authority over competition administration, fixtures, registration, discipline and league matters.
  4. All clubs shall respect decisions made by authorised League officials, subject to the established appeal procedures.

3. CLUB PARTICIPATION

  1. Only clubs duly admitted and registered by the League may participate.
  2. Every club shall provide accurate registration information for its players and officials.
  3. Clubs are responsible for the conduct of their players, coaches, officials and accredited representatives.
  4. A club may be sanctioned for fielding an ineligible or improperly registered player.

4. PLAYER REGISTRATION AND ELIGIBILITY

  1. Every player must be properly registered before participating in a League match.
  2. A player shall not represent two clubs in the same competition contrary to applicable regulations.
  3. Clubs shall provide authentic player documentation when requested.
  4. The League may verify registration information at any time.
  5. Any deliberate falsification of documents may result in disciplinary action.

5. MATCH ORGANISATION

  1. Matches shall be played according to the approved League fixture.
  2. Clubs must arrive at the venue within the prescribed time.
  3. Teams shall wear approved and distinguishable kits.
  4. The home team shall be responsible for reasonable match-day arrangements assigned to it by the League.
  5. Matches may be postponed, abandoned or rescheduled by the League for legitimate sporting, safety or organisational reasons.
  6. Clubs must comply with official match-day protocols.

6. OFFICIATING

  1. Matches shall be officiated by referees appointed or approved by the League.
  2. Referees shall perform their duties impartially and independently.
  3. No club official, player, coach or supporter may threaten, intimidate, bribe or improperly influence a match official.
  4. Complaints concerning officiating shall be submitted through the official League complaint procedure.
  5. Clubs and officials shall respect refereeing decisions during matches and shall not engage in confrontation or abuse.

7. DISCIPLINE AND SPORTSMANSHIP

All participants shall:

  • Respect opponents, teammates and officials.
  • Refrain from violence, threats, intimidation and abusive conduct.
  • Avoid discriminatory, insulting or provocative language.
  • Accept legitimate sporting decisions.
  • Promote fair play and respect for the Laws of the Game.

Serious misconduct may result in warnings, fines, suspension, deduction of points, forfeiture of matches, expulsion or other appropriate sanctions.

8. CODE OF ETHICS

Every League participant shall uphold:

  • Integrity: No participant shall engage in bribery, match manipulation, corruption, fraud or deliberate deception.
  • Respect: Everyone shall be treated with dignity regardless of club, status, background or ability.
  • Fair Play: Victory must be pursued through legitimate sporting competition rather than improper means.
  • Accountability: Clubs and individuals shall accept responsibility for their conduct.
  • Professionalism: All stakeholders shall conduct themselves in a manner that protects the reputation of the League.
  • Unity and Peace: Football shall be used as a platform for friendship, community development, unity and peaceful coexistence.

9. MATCH FIXING AND BETTING

  1. No player, coach, official or club representative shall manipulate or attempt to manipulate the outcome of a match.
  2. Participants shall not offer, request or accept improper financial or other benefits intended to influence a match.
  3. Participants shall comply with applicable rules concerning betting and integrity.
  4. Suspected match manipulation or corruption shall be reported immediately to the League.

10. VIOLENCE AND SECURITY

  1. Violence, physical assault, fighting and threats are prohibited.
  2. Clubs shall take reasonable measures to control the conduct of their players, officials and supporters.
  3. Objects must not be thrown onto the pitch or at players, officials or spectators.
  4. Any participant whose conduct creates a serious security risk may be removed or sanctioned.
  5. The League may suspend or relocate a match where safety cannot reasonably be guaranteed.

11. SAFEGUARDING

  1. The welfare and safety of players, particularly minors, shall be prioritised.
  2. Abuse, exploitation, harassment and inappropriate conduct are prohibited.
  3. Clubs shall comply with applicable safeguarding requirements.
  4. Any safeguarding concern shall be reported through the appropriate League or competent authority channels.

12. CLUB OFFICIALS AND COACHES

  1. Coaches and officials shall set a positive example for players.
  2. They shall not incite players or supporters against opponents or match officials.
  3. They shall communicate respectfully with League officials.
  4. Technical areas and designated match-day areas must be respected.

13. MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION

  1. Clubs shall ensure that public statements concerning the League are responsible and factual.
  2. No participant shall use media platforms to threaten, insult or deliberately defame another participant.
  3. Official League information shall be communicated through authorised channels.
  4. Clubs shall support responsible promotion of League activities.

14. SUPPORTERS AND SPECTATORS

Supporters are expected to:

  • Support their clubs positively.
  • Respect opposing teams and supporters.
  • Respect match officials.
  • Avoid violence, abusive chants and discriminatory behaviour.
  • Follow stadium and venue regulations.

Clubs may be held responsible for serious misconduct by their supporters where applicable under League regulations.

15. PROTESTS AND COMPLAINTS

  1. Any club wishing to lodge a complaint shall do so through the prescribed League procedure.
  2. Complaints must be submitted within the applicable time limit.
  3. Complaints shall contain sufficient facts and supporting evidence.
  4. No club shall resort to threats, violence or public disorder as a means of resolving a dispute.

16. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE

The League shall provide a fair process for disciplinary matters. Depending on the seriousness of an offence, sanctions may include:

  • Written warning;
  • Fine;
  • Match suspension;
  • Player or official suspension;
  • Match forfeiture;
  • Points deduction;
  • Venue restriction;
  • Expulsion from the competition; or
  • Other appropriate disciplinary measures.

The person or club concerned shall be given an opportunity to respond where required by the applicable disciplinary procedure.

17. APPEALS

  1. Clubs and individuals may appeal disciplinary decisions where an appeal is permitted under the League regulations.
  2. Appeals must be submitted within the prescribed period.
  3. An appeal shall not automatically suspend a sanction unless the applicable regulations provide otherwise.

18. CONFLICT OF INTEREST

League officials shall disclose any actual conflict of interest that could affect their responsibilities. No official shall use their position to obtain an improper personal or financial advantage.

19. SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

All clubs and stakeholders shall respect the rights of official League sponsors and partners. League commercial arrangements shall be handled through authorised channels.

20. UNITY, PEACE AND COMMUNITY

The UFC shall actively promote football as a tool for unity, friendship, peace and community development. Rivalry shall remain within the boundaries of healthy sporting competition. Clubs, players, officials and supporters are expected to contribute to a safe and peaceful football environment.

21. FINAL PROVISION

Participation in the United Football Championship constitutes acceptance of these Rules and the League's applicable regulations. The Organising Committee may issue additional regulations, directives or amendments where necessary for the proper administration, integrity, safety and development of the competition.

UNITED FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP Unity • Peace • Fair Play • Football