Article

October 12, 2026

SANCTIONS AND MATCH-DAY REGULATIONS

  1. GENERAL SANCTIONS AND PAYMENT OF FINES
  2. All fines imposed under the United Football Championship (UFC) regulations shall be paid before the sanctioned club is permitted to play its next scheduled match.
  3. Failure to pay an outstanding fine before the next match shall result in additional disciplinary measures, which may include further fines, suspension, points deduction, forfeiture of the match, or other sanctions determined by the League.
  4. Clubs are responsible for ensuring that all players, coaches, officials and representatives comply with the League's disciplinary regulations.
  5. YELLOW AND RED CARDS
  6. A Yellow Card shall attract a fine of ₦500.
  7. A Red Card shall attract a fine of ₦1,500.
  8. The applicable card sanction shall be recorded against the player concerned and shall be paid in accordance with the League's payment requirements.
  9. Additional disciplinary sanctions may apply where the offence is serious or where the Laws of the Game provide for further action.
  10. UNAUTHORISED ENTRY INTO THE FIELD OF PLAY Coach: Any coach who enters the field of play during active play without the permission of the referee shall receive a straight Red Card and shall be subject to the applicable disciplinary sanction. Off-Field Player: Any player who is not participating in the match and enters the field of play during active play without the referee's permission shall receive a Red Card and may be subject to additional disciplinary action. Club Supporter/Fan: Any supporter or fan identified as belonging to a participating club who enters the field of play during active play shall attract a ₦5,000 fine to the club concerned. Club Management: Any member of a club's management who enters the field of play during active play without authorization shall attract a ₦50,000 fine to the club.
  11. DISRUPTION OR ABANDONMENT OF A MATCH Any club management member or CEO who deliberately disrupts an ongoing match, causes an interruption or contributes to the abandonment of a match shall be sanctioned as follows: • 3 points shall be deducted from the club's league points. • The 3 points shall be awarded to the opposing team, subject to the League's official determination of the match. • ₦50,000 fine shall be imposed on the club. • The fine must be paid before the club's next scheduled match. • Failure to pay the fine within the prescribed period shall result in further sanctions by the League. Where necessary, the League may refer the matter to its Disciplinary Committee for additional action.
  12. UNREGISTERED OR INELIGIBLE PLAYERS
  13. No club shall field a player who has not been properly registered and approved by the League.
  14. A club found to have fielded an unregistered or otherwise ineligible player shall suffer a 3-point deduction.
  15. The 3 points shall be awarded to the opposing team, subject to the League's official determination of the match.
  16. Additional disciplinary action may be imposed where deliberate falsification or deception is established.
  17. VIOLENCE AGAINST PLAYERS Any player who deliberately hits, punches, kicks or physically assaults another player shall: • Receive a straight Red Card; • Pay a ₦5,000 fine; and • Be subject to any additional suspension or disciplinary action considered appropriate by the League.
  18. ABUSE OR ASSAULT OF MATCH OFFICIALS Any player, coach, official, management member or other club representative who abuses, threatens or physically assaults a referee shall be subject to severe disciplinary action. Where a referee is physically assaulted or hit: • 3 points shall be deducted from the offending club; • The 3 points shall be awarded to the opposing team; • The offending club shall pay a ₦5,000 fine; and • Additional suspension or disciplinary sanctions may be imposed depending on the severity of the offence. Verbal abuse, threats or intimidation of match officials may also attract disciplinary action.
  19. PLAYER EQUIPMENT AND DRESS CODE
  20. Every player must report for a match properly dressed in the club's approved playing kit.
  21. Players must wear their full required football gear, including appropriate jersey, shorts, socks, shin guards and football boots.
  22. A player who is improperly dressed or does not have the required equipment shall not be permitted to participate until the requirements have been met.
  23. All clubs must have playing uniforms that are clearly distinct in colour from those of their opponents.
  24. Where there is a colour clash, the club designated by the League or match officials shall change to an alternative approved kit.
  25. REFEREES AND LAWS OF THE GAME
  26. All matches shall be officiated in accordance with the IFAB Laws of the Game.
  27. Referees shall be expected to apply the Laws of the Game fairly, consistently and impartially.
  28. Players, coaches, club officials and spectators shall respect the authority of the referee during the match.
  29. Any complaint concerning officiating shall be made through the League's established complaint or protest procedure and not through confrontation during the match.
  30. ARRIVAL AND KICK-OFF REQUIREMENTS
  31. Every participating team must be present at the match venue at least one (1) hour before the scheduled kick-off time.
  32. Teams are expected to complete registration, warm-up and all match-day formalities before the scheduled kick-off.
  33. A five-minute grace period shall apply after the scheduled kick-off time.
  34. If, after the five-minute grace period, a team has not arrived and is unable to fulfil the fixture, the opposing team that is present and ready to play shall be awarded a walkover and three (3) points.
  35. The League may require appropriate evidence or match reports to confirm the circumstances surrounding a team's absence or lateness.
  36. FAILURE TO HONOUR A FIXTURE Any team that fails to honour its scheduled League fixture without an approved and legitimate reason shall: • Forfeit the match; • Have 3 points awarded to the opposing team • Pay a ₦50,000 fine. Failure to pay the fine before the club's next scheduled match shall result in further disciplinary sanctions.
  37. REPEATED OFFENCES Repeated violations of these regulations may attract progressively stronger sanctions. Depending on the nature and frequency of the offence, the League may impose: • Additional fines; • Player or official suspension; • Points deductions; • Match forfeiture; • Suspension from League activities; • Expulsion from the competition; or • Referral to the appropriate Disciplinary Committee.
  38. FAIR PLAY AND RESPONSIBILITY All clubs, players, coaches, officials, management members and supporters are expected to uphold the principles of fair play, discipline, respect, unity and peace. The purpose of these sanctions is not only to punish misconduct but also to maintain a safe, competitive, transparent and enjoyable football environment for everyone involved in the United Football Championship.