Circular 1957 OFT Los Angeles 2028 information on the preliminary competition

TO THE MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS OF FIFA Circular no. 1957

Zurich, 4 February 2026

Olympic Football Tournaments Los Angeles 2028 – information on the preliminary competition

Dear Sir or Madam,

We are pleased to inform you that the Games of the XXXIV Olympiad Los Angeles 2028 will take place from 14 to 30 July 2028 and the dates for the Olympic Football Tournaments will be announced in due course. In line with the decision taken by the IOC Executive Board on 9 April 2025, the number of teams has been updated, and both the Men’s (12 teams) and Women’s (16 teams) Olympic Football Tournaments will form part of these Games, with the following slots approved by the FIFA Council at its meeting on 17 December 2025:

Women’s Men’s tournament tournament AFC 2.5* 2 CAF 2 2 Concacaf 3 1 CONMEBOL 2.5* 2 OFC 1 1 UEFA 4 3 Host (USA) 1 1 Total 16 12

* For the women’s tournament, t he third-placed team from the AFC preliminary competition will play off against the third-placed team from the CONMEBOL preliminary competition.

A preliminary competition, whose regulations are enclosed to this letter, will be held in each confederation to determine the participants at the final tournaments.

We would therefore like to take this opportunity to invite Member Associations to enter the Men’s and Women’s Olympic Football Tournaments by completing and returning the attached entry form by 18:00 CET on Monday, 23 February 2026 at the latest. Entry is free of charge.

Please note that if a preliminary competition has already taken place or is still in progress, the entry form should still be completed and submitted.

Fédération Internationale de Football Association www.FIFA.com In addition, please take note of the following information:

• It is only possible for a Member Association to enter its men’s and/or women’s team into a preliminary competition for the Olympic Football Tournaments Los Angeles 2028 if its National Olympic Committee is officially recognised.

• To be eligible for participation in the Olympic Games, all players competing in the Men’s and Women’s Olympic Football Tournaments must comply with Rule 40 (the “Eligibility Code”) as well as with the bye -law to Rule 40 of the Olympic Charter, as outlined in the attached document.

• All players participating in the preliminary and final competitions of the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Los Angeles 2028 shall have been born on or after 1 January 2005, with the exception of a maximum of three players who do not meet this age limit and who may also be included in the official list of players for the final competition.

• There are no age restrictions for the players participating in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Los Angeles 2028.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Kathy Morrison, Olympic Tournaments Event Manager, at olympicfootballtournaments@fifa.org.

Yours faithfully,

FÉDÉRATION INTERNATIONALE DE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

Mattias Grafström Secretary General

Encl.: - OFT Los Angeles 2028 preliminary competition entry form
- Rule 40 and bye-law to Rule 40 of the Olympic Charter
- Regulations for the Preliminary Competition of the OFT Los Angeles 2028

cc: - FIFA Council
- Confederations
- Olympic Football Committee
- IOC
- LA28

2 Olympic Football Tournaments Los Angeles 2028 Preliminary competition e ntry Form

Member Association

herewith undertakes to participate in the preliminary competition for the

Men’s Olympic F ootball Tournament

Women’s Olympic Football Tournament

Name and job title Place and date

PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM TO FIFA BY 18:00 CET on 2 3 Februar y 2 026 (Olympicfootballtournaments@fifa.org) II PARTICIPATION IN THE OLYMPIC GAMES

40 Participation in the Olympic Games*

1 To participate in the Olympic Games, a competitor, team official or other team personnel must respect and comply with the Olympic Charter, the World Anti - Doping Code and the Olympic Movement Code on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions, including the conditions of participation established by the IOC, as well as with the rules of the relevant IF as approved by the IOC, and the competitor, team official or other team personnel must be entered by his NOC.

2 All competitors, team officials or other team personnel in the Olympic Games shall enjoy freedom of expression in keeping with the Olympic values and the Fundamental Principles of Olympism, and in accordance with the Guidelines determined by the IOC Executive Board.

Bye - law to Rule 40

1 Each IF establishes its sport’s rules for participation in the Olympic Games, including qualification criteria, in accordance with the Olympic Charter. Such criteria must be submitted to the IOC Executive Board for approval.

2 The application of the qualification criteria lies with the IFs, their affiliated national federations and the NOCs in the fields of their respective responsibilities.

3 Competitors, team officials and other team personnel who participate in the Olympic Games may allow their person, name, picture or sports performances to be used for advertising purposes during the Olympic Games in accordance with the principles determined by the IOC Executive Board.

4 The entry or participation of a competitor in the Olympic Games shall not be conditional on any financial consideration.

In force as of 30 January 2025 of the Olympic Charter Regulations for the Preliminary Competition of the Olympic Football Tournaments GAMES OF THE XXXIV OLYMPIAD LOS ANGELES 2028

DECEMBER 2025 Fédération Internationale de Football Association President: Gianni Infantino Secretary General: Mattias Grafström Website: FIFA.com  3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. GENERAL PROVISIONS 7 Article 1: Olympic Football Tournaments Los Angeles 2028 8 Article 2: FIFA organising body 8 Article 3: Confederations9 Article 4: Host associations for the preliminary competition 10 Article 5: Eligibility of associations 10 Article 6: Participating Member Associations – responsibilities 11 Article 7: Withdrawal, unplayed matches, abandoned matches and replacement  13

II. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES 15 Article 8: Disciplinary matters 16 Article 9: Dispute resolution  16 Article 10: Protests16 Article 11: Yellow and red cards 18

III. Table of contents

PRELIMINARY COMPETITION 19 Article 12: Tournament entries 20 Article 13: Preliminary draw(s) and format of play and group formation 20

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IV. COMPETITION PREPARATION 24 Article 14: Venues, dates and kick-off times  25

V. STADIUMS27 Article 15: Stadium infrastructure and equipment 28

VI. PLAYERS’ AND OFFICIALS’ LISTS 30 Article 16: Eligibility of players 31 Article 17: Player list 31 Article 18: Team Safeguarding/Welfare Officer 33

VII. KIT AND TEAM EQUIPMENT 34 Article 19: Equipment35 Article 20: Numbers and names 35 Article 21: Footballs36  5

VIII. MATCH ORGANISATION 37 Article 22: Operational guidelines 38 Article 23: Flags and anthems  38

IX. REFEREEING39 Article 24: Laws of the Game 40 Article 25: Referees41 Article 26: Football technologies 42

X. FINANCIAL PROVISIONS 43 Article 27: Financial arrangements 44

XI. MEDICAL46 Article 28: Team medical doctor 47 Article 29: Sudden cardiac arrest and concussion 47 Table of contents

Article 30: Doping control 48

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XII. MEDIA49 Article 31: Media matters 50

XIII. FINAL COMPETITIONS 52 Article 32: Number of teams and tournament entries 53 Article 33: FIFA marks 54 Article 34: Rights of the IOC 55

XIV. CLOSING PROVISIONS 56 Article 35: Liability57 Article 36: Special circumstances 57 Article 37: Matters not provided for  57 Article 38: Languages57 Article 39: Copyright57 Article 40: No waiver 58 Article 41: Amendment58 Article 42: Enforcement58

NB: Terms referring to natural persons are applicable to all genders. Any term in the singular applies to the plural and vice versa.
 I. General provisions 8

Article 1: OLYMPIC FOOTBALL TOURNAMENTS LOS ANGELES 2028
1.1 The Olympic Football Tournaments Los Angeles 2028 (“Tournaments”) are competitions embodied in the FIFA Statutes.

1.2 The Olympic Football Tournaments take place every four years, as part of the Games of the Olympiad. The associations affiliated to FIFA are invited to participate with their men’s U-23 and women’s A representative teams.

1.3 The Tournaments consist of a preliminary and a final competition.

1.4 The Games of the XXXIV Olympiad Los Angeles 2028 shall feature a men’s and a women’s football tournament, which are scheduled to be played in July 2028.

1.5 Any rights associated with the preliminary competition that are not granted by 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 competition or to a confederation shall remain with FIFA.

1.6 These Regulations govern the rights, duties and responsibilities of all associations taking part in the preliminary competition of the Olympic Football Tournaments Los Angeles 2028 (“Regulations”). The Regulations and all directives, decisions, guidelines and circulars issued by FIFA are binding for all parties participating and involved in the preparation, organisation and hosting of the preliminary competition.

1.7 For those existing tournaments that will serve as preliminary competitions within the confederation, the respective confederation regulations will apply as established in article 3.

1.8 The FIFA Statutes and all FIFA regulations in force shall apply. Any reference in these Regulations to the FIFA Statutes and regulations refers to the FIFA Statutes and regulations valid at the time of application.

1.9 Other rules and/or decisions that are binding on FIFA (e.g. the World Anti-Doping Code, the Olympic Charter) may apply to the subject matter of these Regulations. Any such rules and/or decisions implemented by FIFA shall take precedence over these Regulations in the event of any conflict and must be complied with by each Participating Member Association.

Article 2: FIFA ORGANISING BODY
2.1 The FIFA Council or the standing committee appointed by the FIFA Council is responsible for organising the Olympic Football Tournaments in accordance with the FIFA Statutes and the FIFA Governance Regulations.  9

2.2 The FIFA Council or the Bureau of the Council may, if necessary, appoint a sub‑committee to deal with unforeseen matters that require an immediate decision. Any decision taken by the Bureau of the Council or the sub‑committee shall come into effect immediately but shall be subject to confirmation by the FIFA Council.

2.3 The FIFA Council or the standing committee shall deal with any aspect of the Tournaments that is not the responsibility of any other body under the terms of these Regulations, the FIFA Statutes or the FIFA Governance Regulations or the FIFA Equipment Regulations.

2.4 The decisions taken by the FIFA Council or the standing committee and/or its sub-committee in relation to the Tournaments may be appealed, pursuant to the FIFA Statutes.

Article 3: CONFEDERATIONS
3.1 The preliminary competition shall be organised by FIFA in collaboration with the confederations. The confederations shall establish a competition format, which shall require approval from FIFA. FIFA shall communicate the respective timelines for such process in due course.

3.2 Subject to FIFA’s approval, the confederations are authorised to issue and implement rules and operational guidelines.

3.3 Stadiums to be selected for the preliminary competition shall be inspected and approved by the confederations.

3.4 The confederations, in collaboration with the Participating Member Associations, shall inform FIFA of the proposed match schedule, venues and kick-off times. Final decisions shall require approval from FIFA.

3.5 Match operations shall be coordinated by each host association in collaboration with the confederations.

3.6 The confederations shall propose to FIFA the appointment of FIFA Match Commissioners and any other relevant officials. The final appointments shall be confirmed by FIFA after running integrity and compliance checks.

3.7 The confederations shall provide FIFA, whenever possible, with a link to all live General provisions

broadcast match feeds. The confederations may propose to FIFA that their existing tournaments serve as the preliminary competition. In this case, the respective confederations shall be solely responsible for the organisation and delivery of such tournaments. The confederations shall issue the respective regulations and submit them to FIFA for reference purposes (e.g. art. 16 pars 4 and 5 regarding player eligibility shall apply).
I. 10

3.8 In the event that a confederation’s tournament is not held or completed in a manner that determines the relevant number of winning Member Association(s) (due to cancellation, postponement, abandonment or otherwise), the confederation in question shall propose to FIFA, for FIFA’s prior written approval, a Member Association or (Member Associations) based within the territorial region of the confederation as its Participating Member Association(s). The confederation shall base its proposal strictly on the sporting merits of the Member Association(s) and shall provide a written report to FIFA explaining the reasons for proposing the Member Association(s) when seeking FIFA’s approval. In the event that FIFA does not approve the confederation’s proposed Member Association(s), the confederation shall propose one or more alternative Member Associations for FIFA’s approval. The decisions taken by the FIFA Council or the relevant committee and/or its sub-committee in relation to the Tournaments may be appealed, pursuant to the FIFA Statutes.

3.9 In the event that any of the preliminary competitions are not held or completed in a manner that makes it possible to determine which Member Association(s) would qualify for the final competition (due to cancellation, postponement, abandonment or otherwise), the relevant confederation shall propose, to FIFA’s approval, one or more Member Association(s) based in the confederation’s territorial region as its qualified Member Association(s) for the final competition. The confederation shall base its proposal strictly on the sporting merits of the Member Association(s) and shall provide a written report to FIFA explaining the reasons for proposing the qualification of the Member Association(s) for the final competition. In the event that FIFA does not approve the confederation’s proposed Member Association(s), the confederation shall propose one or more alternative Member Association(s) for FIFA’s approval.

3.10 Any issue between two or more Member Associations that cannot be resolved before or during a match must be addressed to the confederation, who will then propose a resolution to FIFA.

Article 4: HOST ASSOCIATIONS FOR THE PRELIMINARY COMPETITION For the duration of the preliminary competition, the respective host associations shall be responsible for the safety and security of the visiting teams and FIFA delegations in accordance with the provisions of the FIFA Stadium Safety and Security Regulations.

Article 5: ELIGIBILITY OF ASSOCIATIONS
5.1 The associations affiliated to FIFA may participate in the Tournaments provided there is a National Olympic Committee (NOC) in their respective country that is already recognised or about to be recognised by the IOC.  11

5.2 One U-23 men’s and one women’s team from the host association will automatically qualify for the Tournaments’ final competitions, subject to confirmation from the respective NOC.

Article 6: PARTICIPATING MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS – RESPONSIBILITIES
6.1 On entering the preliminary competition, the Participating Member Associations automatically undertake to and shall be responsible for:

a) Observing and complying with these Regulations and ensuring that each of their Delegation Members also observes and complies with these Regulations and the principles of fair play.

b) The conduct of all accreditation-bearing players, coaches, managers, officials, media officers, representatives and guests of its delegation (“Delegation Members”), and of any person carrying out duties on its behalf throughout the preliminary competition, ensuring 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 those related to injury, accident, disease and travel in consideration of the relevant FIFA rules and regulations, and paying for incidental costs and expenses incurred by their Delegation Members during the course of their stay in the host countries.

c) Applying for any required visas, as soon as the dates of the match have been confirmed, from the consulate or embassy of the host country in accordance with the respective procedures in force in the respective country. The assistance of the host association is also to be sought.

d) Attending media conferences and other official media activities organised by FIFA, the confederation and/or by the host association in accordance with the applicable FIFA regulations and instructions issued by FIFA circular letters, guidelines, directives and/or decisions.

e) Ensuring that every member of its delegation complies with the FIFA Statutes, the applicable FIFA regulations, directives, guidelines, circular letters and decisions taken by FIFA bodies, in particular the Council, the standing committee, the Referees Committee, the Disciplinary Committee, the Ethics General provisions

Committee and the Appeal Committee.

f) Complying with and implementing, where applicable, the measures mandated and bearing the resulting costs for the Delegation Members and any other persons carrying out duties on its behalf.

I. 12

6.2 All Participating Member Associations shall confirm their participation in the preliminary competition by submitting the 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, FIFA shall examine the case and take a decision.

6.3 All Delegation Members shall undertake to comply fully with the Laws of the Game, the FIFA Statutes, these Regulations and any other applicable FIFA regulations, in particular the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the FIFA Stadium Safety and Security Regulations, the FIFA Anti-Doping Regulations, the FIFA Code of Ethics and the FIFA Equipment Regulations. They shall also undertake to comply fully with all circulars, directives and decisions of FIFA bodies, in particular of the Council, the Referees Committee, the Ethics Committee, the Disciplinary Committee, the Appeal Committee and any other relevant committee, unless these Regulations stipulate otherwise, as well as with all further FIFA guidelines that are relevant to the preliminary competition.

6.4 All Participating Member Associations shall indemnify, defend and hold FIFA and all of their respective officers, directors, employees, representatives, agents, and all other auxiliary persons free and harmless 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.

6.5 Unless otherwise mentioned in these Regulations, each Participating Member Association hosting a match in the preliminary competition shall be responsible, among other matters, for:

a) Guaranteeing, planning and implementing law and order as well as safety and security in the stadiums and other relevant locations in conjunction with the relevant authorities. The FIFA Stadium Safety and Security Regulations shall apply.

b) Obtaining adequate insurance cover for all risks relating to match organisation, including but not limited to public liability insurance. FIFA shall be expressly identified as a named insured party in all such insurance policies.

c) Providing a stadium in the country concerned for all of the home match dates on the basis of the provisions of article 15 and securing an alternative stadium in the host country that complies with all the applicable requirements in the event that issues are identified with the first stadium. In exceptional situations where the visiting team cannot enter the host country due to cases of force majeure, the host association shall secure an alternative venue, previously approved by the confederation and subject to final approval by FIFA.  13

d) Ensuring that all matches of the preliminary competition are played in the country of the host association, except in cases of force majeure and/or if a stadium located in a country that is different from that of the host association needs to be used. Such requests are subject to FIFA approval upon recommendation of the relevant confederation.

e) Sending FIFA an official link to the full footage of the match within 24 hours of its completion in collaboration with its confederation, where applicable.

Article 7: WITHDRAWAL, UNPLAYED MATCHES, ABANDONED MATCHES AND REPLACEMENT
7.1 All Participating Member Associations undertake to play all of their scheduled matches of the preliminary competition.

7.2 Any Participating Member Association that withdraws between the submission of the entry form and the start of the preliminary competition will be sanctioned with a fine of at least CHF 20,000. Any Participating Member Association that withdraws after the start of the preliminary competition will be sanctioned with a fine of at least CHF 40,000.

7.3 Depending on the circumstances of the withdrawal, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee may impose additional disciplinary measures, including the expulsion of the Participating Member Association concerned, from subsequent FIFA competitions. The FIFA organising body may decide to replace the withdrawn Participating Member Association in question with another Member Association.

7.4 Any match which is not played or which is abandoned – except in cases of force 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. In such cases, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee may also order that the match be replayed.

7.5 Any Participating Member Association that withdraws or whose behaviour is liable for a match not being played or being abandoned may be ordered by FIFA to reimburse FIFA, Los Angeles 2028, the host association or any other Participating Member Association for any expenses incurred as a result of its behaviour. In such cases, the association concerned may also be ordered by FIFA to pay General provisions

compensation for any damages incurred by FIFA, Los Angeles 2028 and the host association or any other Participating Member Association. The association in question shall also forfeit any claim to financial remuneration from FIFA.

I. 14

7.6 If a Participating Member Association withdraws or a match cannot be played or 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. If a match is not played or is abandoned as a result of force majeure, the confederation and the Participating Member Associations concerned shall agree on a resolution to be presented to and approved by FIFA.

7.7 Further to the above provision, in the case of a match being abandoned as a result of force majeure after it has already kicked off, 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.

b) The match shall recommence with the same players on the field of play and substitutes available as when the match was abandoned.

c) No additional substitutes may be added to the list of players on the start list.

d) The teams can make only the number of substitutions to which they were still 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 remain valid for the remainder of the match and may be dealt with in accordance with the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

g) The match shall recommence where play was stopped when the match was interrupted (e.g. with a free kick, throw-in, goal kick, corner kick, kick from the penalty mark, etc.). If the match was abandoned while the ball was still in play, it shall restart with a dropped ball from the position of the ball when play was stopped.

h) The kick-off time, date (which shall always first be foreseen for the following day) and location shall be decided by FIFA in consultation with both the host and visiting associations, the FIFA Match Commissioner and the confederation, where applicable.

i) Any matters requiring a further decision shall be handled by FIFA.

For the preliminary competition, if a match still cannot be played on the third day after the match was abandoned, the expenses incurred by the visiting association shall be split between the two associations. FIFA shall take any other decisions relating to such replay as are deemed necessary.  II. Disciplinary procedures 16

Article 8: DISCIPLINARY MATTERS
8.1 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.

8.2 FIFA may introduce new disciplinary rules and measures for the duration of the Tournaments. Such rules shall be communicated to the Participating Member Associations before the first match of the preliminary competition at the latest.

8.3 In addition, the players and team officials agree in particular to respect the spirit of fair play, non-violence and the authority of the match officials; behave accordingly; and refrain from doping as defined by the FIFA Anti-Doping Regulations as well as to accept all other relevant FIFA regulations, circulars and directives.

8.4 Any violations of these Regulations or any other FIFA regulations, circulars, guidelines, directives and/or decisions that do not come under the jurisdiction of another FIFA body shall be dealt with by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee in accordance with the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

Article 9: DISPUTE RESOLUTION
9.1 All disputes in connection with the preliminary competition shall be promptly resolved by the Participating Member Associations concerned in coordination with the confederation concerned. If a dispute is not resolved, the confederation shall present a solution to FIFA for approval. As provided for in the FIFA Statutes, recourse to ordinary courts of law is prohibited unless specifically provided for in the FIFA regulations. Recourse to ordinary courts of law for all types of provisional measures is also prohibited.

9.2 The Participating Member Associations 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 if the decision is declared final, binding and not subject to appeal. Any such arbitration proceedings shall be governed by the CAS Code of Sports-related Arbitration.

Article 10: PROTESTS
10.1 For the purpose of these Regulations, protests are objections of any kind related to events or matters that have a direct effect on matches, including but not limited to the state of and markings on the field of play, accessory match equipment, eligibility of players, stadium installations and footballs.  17

10.2 Unless otherwise stipulated in this article, protests shall be submitted in writing to the FIFA Match Commissioner within two hours of the match in question and followed up immediately with a full written report, including a copy of the original protest, to be sent by email to disciplinary@fifa.org and qualifiers@fifa.org within 24 hours of the end of the match, otherwise they will be disregarded.

10.3 Protests regarding the eligibility of players selected for matches in the preliminary competition shall be submitted in writing to the FIFA Match Commissioner within one hour of the match in question and followed up immediately with a full written report, including a copy of the original protest, to be submitted to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee in accordance with the applicable provisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and by email to qualifiers@fifa.org and shall be dealt with by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, otherwise they will be disregarded.

10.4 Protests regarding the state of the field of play, its surroundings, markings or accessory 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 team lodging the protest. If the 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 Commissioner by the head of the team delegation no later than two hours after the match.

10.5 Protests against any incidents that occur during the course of a match shall be 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 Commissioner by the head of the team delegation no later than two hours after the match.

10.6 No protests may be made about the referee’s decisions regarding facts connected with play. Such decisions are final and not subject to appeal, unless otherwise stipulated in the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The same applies to any potential issue concerning the use of goal-line technology and the video assistant referee (VAR) system.

10.7 If an unfounded or irresponsible protest is lodged, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee may impose a fine. Disciplinary procedures

10.8 If any of the formal conditions of a protest as set out in these Regulations (and in the FIFA Disciplinary Code, where applicable) are not met, such protest shall be disregarded by the competent body. Notwithstanding the above, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee remains competent to prosecute any disciplinary infringement ex officio, as established in the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

10.9 FIFA shall pass decisions on any protests lodged, subject to the exceptions stipulated in these Regulations, the FIFA Statutes or any other FIFA regulations. II. 18

Article 11: YELLOW AND RED CARDS
11.1 The referee has the authority to take disciplinary action from the moment of entering the field of play for the pre-match inspection until leaving the field of play after the match ends (including penalties (penalty shoot-out)). If, before entering the field of play at the start of the match, a player or team official commits a sending-off offence, the referee has the authority to prevent the player or team official taking part in the match (see Laws of the Game, Law 12.4). The referee will report any other misconduct.

11.2 Single yellow cards and pending suspensions as a consequence of cautions in different matches in the preliminary competition organised by the confederations will not be carried over to the final competition. Pending match suspensions imposed as a result of a direct or indirect red card in matches in the preliminary competition organised by the confederations will be carried over to the final competition.

11.3 For teams that do not qualify for the Tournaments, any suspension that cannot be served during the preliminary competition will be carried over to the representative team’s next official match according to the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

11.4 If a player or team official receives two cautions during two different matches, they will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match.

11.5 If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match. In addition, further sanctions may be imposed by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.

11.6 Any match suspension resulting from a player or team official being sent off (as a result of a direct or an indirect red card) that cannot be served during the preliminary competition (due to the team’s elimination or last match in the competition) will be carried over in accordance with the relevant provisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

11.7 Any match suspension imposed in terms of matches in relation to a direct or an indirect red card received in a continental competition of a confederation that takes place between matches of the preliminary competition, or between the end of the preliminary competition and the start of the final competition, will not be carried over to the final competition.  III. Preliminary competition 20

Article 12: TOURNAMENT ENTRIES
12.1 The eligible associations shall confirm their participation by sending the official entry form, duly completed, and specifying whether the entry concerns their men’s and/or women’s team, to FIFA by the deadlines set by FIFA.

12.2 On entering the preliminary competition, the Participating Member Associations and their Delegation Members automatically undertake to:

a) accept that all administrative, disciplinary and refereeing matters related to the competition shall be dealt with by FIFA in compliance with the relevant FIFA regulations and in collaboration with the confederation(s);

b) participate with the best possible team in all matches of the competition in which their team is scheduled to take part; and

c) for the women’s preliminary competition, field only one senior national team during the international match window, and only the senior national team in the competition.

12.3 Subject to any other decision by the FIFA Council, the associations shall complete and submit the official FIFA entry form for the preliminary competition in accordance with the deadline stipulated in the relevant FIFA communication. Only the entry forms that are duly registered with FIFA by the stipulated deadline shall be valid and taken into consideration.

12.4 If any Member Association is excluded from the competition due to a FIFA suspension that is still in force at the time of entry, FIFA shall decide on the matter at its sole discretion and take whatever action is deemed necessary in accordance with FIFA regulations relating to suspensions, replacement and reinstatement.

Article 13: PRELIMINARY DRAW(S) AND FORMAT OF PLAY AND GROUP FORMATION The confederations will be responsible for the preliminary draw(s) and match calendar.

The confederations shall inform FIFA of the relevant details in due course.

13.1 The matches in the men’s and women’s preliminary competitions shall be played in accordance with one of the following formats:

a) in groups composed of several teams on a home-and-away basis, with three points for a win, one point for a draw and none for a defeat (league format);

b) in groups in which teams play each other in a single match (not on a home‑and‑away basis) – with three points for a win, one point for a draw and no points for a defeat (league format) – the home venue will be determined by draw or assigned by the confederation in agreement with the Participating Member Associations;  21

c) one home and one away match per team (knockout format);

d) by way of exception and only with the permission of the FIFA organising body, in the form of a tournament in one of the countries of the Participating Member Associations or on neutral territory, at the recommendation of the confederation; or

e) if play-off matches are needed, by way of exception and only with the permission of the standing committee, play-off matches in the form of a single match (cup system) in the host country of the final competition.

13.2 When matches are played in accordance with format a), b) or c) above, home matches may not be played in another country without the express permission of the confederation and of FIFA.

13.3 In the league format, the ranking in each group is determined as follows:

Step 1:

a) Greatest number of points obtained in all group matches between the teams concerned

b) Superior goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned

c) Greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concerned

Step 2:

If, after having applied criteria a) to c) above, teams still have an equal ranking, criteria a) to c) above are applied to the matches between the remaining teams only in order to determine their final rankings. If no decision can be made through this procedure, criteria d) to f) below shall apply as follows to the two or more teams still equal on points:

d) Superior goal difference in all group matches

e) Greatest number of goals scored in all group matches

f) Highest team conduct score (players and team officials) relating to the number of yellow and red cards obtained: Preliminary competition

– 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. III. 22

With respect to the second step, all affected teams will be ranked by applying the criteria d) to f) 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 a criterion.

g) Drawing of lots by FIFA and/or the confederation

13.4 In the event of a tournament being played in the country of a Participating Member Association or on neutral territory in accordance with the provisions of article 13 paragraph 1 d) above, if two or more teams are equal after the completion of the group stage in accordance with the criteria stated in article 13 paragraph 3 a) to f), the final rankings will be determined by article 13 paragraph 3 g).

13.5 With the approval of the standing committee and should the international match calendar allow, play-offs may be played instead of drawing lots to decide ties within groups. If such play-off ends in a tie, extra time of two periods of 15 minutes each shall be played. If the score is level after extra time, kicks from the penalty mark shall be taken to determine the winner, in accordance with the procedure described in the Laws of the Game. Exceptionally and with the prior approval of FIFA, such play-off match may also be held in one of the countries concerned.

13.6 Should the best second- or third-placed team within a group qualify for the next stage or for the final competition, the criteria to decide such best second- or third-placed team shall depend on the competition format and shall require the approval of FIFA following proposals from the confederations.

13.7 In the knockout format, both teams shall play one home and one away match each, the sequence of which shall be determined by lots drawn by FIFA. The team that scores the most goals over the two games shall qualify for the next round. If both matches end without either team having scored more goals than their opponent, extra time of two periods of 15 minutes shall be played at the end of the second leg. Any extra-time is an integral part of the second-leg match. Thus, if one team does not score more goals than the other during extra time, penalties (penalty shoot-out) shall be taken to determine the winner in accordance with the procedure described in the Laws of the Game.

13.8 In the event of play-off matches being played in one single match in accordance with the provisions of article 13 paragraph 3 e) above, if a match is level at the end of normal playing time, extra time shall be played. Extra time shall consist of two periods of 15 minutes, with an interval of five minutes at the end of normal playing time, but not between the two periods of extra time. The players shall remain on the field of play between full-time and extra time, as well as between the two periods of extra time. If the score is still level at the end of extra time, penalties (penalty shoot-out) shall be taken to determine the winner, in accordance with the procedure described in the Laws of the Game.  23

13.9 The dates of the matches shall be set by the associations concerned in conjunction with the confederation concerned, in compliance with the relevant International Match Calendar, as applicable, and subject to the approval of the confederation and FIFA. FIFA shall be informed in accordance with the deadline stipulated in the relevant FIFA communication. FIFA shall ensure that matches in the same group are played simultaneously when the situation demands this for sporting reasons.

Preliminary competition

III.  IV. Competition preparation  25

Article 14: VENUES, DATES AND KICK-OFF TIMES
14.1 The date for the conclusion of the preliminary competition shall be communicated by FIFA.

14.2 The venues of matches shall be determined by the host association in conjunction with the confederation concerned. Matches may only be played in stadiums that have been inspected and approved by the confederation concerned. The opponents and FIFA shall be notified simultaneously by the host association and the confederation at least three months before the match in question is due to be played. In principle, the venue shall be located no further than 150km from the nearest international airport and not exceed a maximum two-hour drive. The airport should offer landing possibilities for charter flights in the event that the visiting association opts to charter its delegation’s flight directly to this airport. If associations cannot agree on match venues, the confederation concerned shall mediate and submit a recommendation to FIFA. FIFA shall make the final decision.

14.3 The venue of the match shall have sufficient high-standard hotels to accommodate the home team, the visiting team and the FIFA delegation in accordance with article 27 paragraph 3 d).

14.4 The host association and/or the confederations shall inform the visiting team(s) and FIFA of the kick-off time at least 60 days before the match in question is due to be played. If the host association requests a substantial change, the written approval of the visiting team must be obtained at least 30 days before the match. After this deadline, only FIFA may approve a late change of kick-off time based on well-founded and documented reasons and the recommendation issued by the confederation.

14.5 The associations shall arrange for their representative teams to arrive at the venue no later than the evening before the date that the match is due to be played. In exceptional circumstances, FIFA and the confederation concerned may consider an alternative venue, which shall be in the same host country. The confederation and the host association shall be informed of the travel itinerary at least one week in advance and the visiting association shall have made provisions for obtaining visas, if applicable, in accordance with article 6 paragraph 1 c). Competition preparation

14.6 On the day before the match and weather permitting, the visiting team is entitled to have one training session of 60 minutes on the pitch where the match is due to take place. Prior to the visiting team’s arrival in the host country, the exact time and duration of the training session shall be mutually agreed and subsequently confirmed in writing by the host association. In the event of severe adverse weather conditions, the FIFA Match Commissioner may cancel the training session. In this case, the visiting team shall be allowed to inspect the pitch while wearing training shoes. Should both teams wish to train at the same time, the visiting team shall be given priority. IV. 26

14.7 If the host association considers the pitch unfit for play, they shall immediately inform FIFA and the confederation concerned as well as the visiting association and the match officials before their departure for the match in question. If the host association fails to inform these parties accordingly, it shall be obliged to pay all of the expenses incurred for the travel, board and lodging of the parties involved.

14.8 If there is any doubt regarding the condition of the pitch after the visiting association has already left to play the match, the referee shall decide whether the pitch is playable or not. If the referee declares the pitch unplayable, the procedure to be followed is described in article 7 paragraph 7.

14.9 The matches may be played in daylight, subject to approval by the confederation, or under floodlights. Matches played at night may be played only in stadiums where the floodlighting installations meet the minimum lighting requirements laid down by FIFA, i.e. that the whole pitch shall be evenly lit, with a recommended lighting level of at least 1,200 lux. An emergency power generator shall also be available which, in the event of a power failure, guarantees at least two-thirds of the aforementioned intensity of light for the whole pitch. FIFA, at its sole discretion, may grant exceptions to these lighting requirements in specific circumstances where it determines that such exceptions are warranted.
 V.

Stadiums 28

Article 15: STADIUM INFRASTRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT
15.1 Each association organising matches in the preliminary competition shall ensure that the stadiums and facilities in which the matches take place fulfil the requirements described in the Football Stadium Guidelines and comply with the safety and security standards and other FIFA regulations, guidelines and instructions for international matches. The fields of play, accessory equipment and facilities shall be in optimum condition and comply with the Laws of the Game and all other relevant regulations. Each stadium shall have spare goals, nets and corner flags located in close proximity to the field of play for contingency purposes. An emergency generator shall also be available and fully operational at each stadium for contingency purposes.

15.2 The relevant authorities shall carry out periodic safety checks at the stadiums selected for matches in the preliminary competition to ensure the safety of spectators, players and officials. If required, the associations shall provide FIFA with a copy of the relevant safety certificate, which should not be more than one year old.

15.3 Only stadiums that have been inspected and approved by the relevant confederation prior to the start of the preliminary competition may be selected. Should a stadium no longer comply with FIFA standards, FIFA may, in consultation with the confederation concerned, reject the selection of that stadium. Brand-new stadiums, as well as refurbished or renovated stadiums, are to be inspected prior to use. The application for final inspection and subsequent use of the facilities shall be filed with the confederation as stipulated by the latter.

15.4 As a general rule, matches shall only be played in all-seater stadiums. If only stadiums with both seating and standing areas are available, the standing space shall remain vacant. With regard to the spectator areas, the FIFA Stadium Safety and Security Regulations apply to the preliminary competition matches.

15.5 If the host association has a stadium with certified goal-line technology and wishes to use the technology for a preliminary competition match, both competing teams must sign FIFA’s consent form for the technology to be used. The following process shall be respected:

a) The host association shall send the aforementioned consent form to the visiting team for approval to use goal-line technology during the match in question. This is subject to the installation being certified (valid on the day of the match) as described on www.fifa.com/technical/football-technology.

b) The completed consent form shall be sent to FIFA for information.

c) The entire process shall be completed at least seven days before the match is scheduled to take place.  29

15.6 If a stadium has a retractable roof, the FIFA Match Commissioner, in consultation with the referee and the two teams’ officials, shall decide before the match whether the roof shall be open or closed during the match. This decision must be announced at the match coordination meeting, although it may subsequently be modified prior to kick-off in the event of sudden and significant weather condition changes. If the match starts with the roof closed, it shall remain closed for the entire match. If the match starts with the roof open and there is a serious deterioration in the weather conditions, the Match Commissioner and the referee have the authority to order its closure during the match, provided that the safety and security of all spectators, players and other stakeholders remain fully guaranteed by the host association. In such an event, the roof shall remain closed until the end of the match.

15.7 Matches may be played on natural grass or artificial-turf surfaces, or on an integrated combination of artificial and natural materials (hybrid system). Where artificial-turf surfaces are used, the surface must meet the requirements of the FIFA Quality Programme for Football Turf or the International Artificial Turf Standard, unless special dispensation is given by FIFA. In this case, the visiting team is entitled to have two practice sessions before the match, if requested.

15.8 Each stadium shall have sufficient space for warm-ups during the match, ideally beside the team benches. Each team shall warm up either beside the respective bench within the designated area, with a maximum of five players at the same time (with a maximum of one official) without any balls or in the designated area beside the team bench of team B, behind assistant referee no. 1. The final decision shall be assessed on-site by the FIFA Match Commissioner in collaboration with the host association.

15.9 Panels or electronic display boards, numbered on both sides for clarity, shall be used by the fourth official to indicate the substitution of players and the number of minutes to be allowed for time lost.

15.10 The use of giant screens must comply with FIFA’s replay policy.

15.11 Smoking, including smokeless tobacco products and electronic tobacco products, is not allowed in the technical area, in the vicinity of the field of play or within the competition areas, such as the dressing rooms. Stadiums

V.  VI. Players’ and officials’ lists  31

Article 16: ELIGIBILITY OF PLAYERS
16.1 Each Participating Member Association shall ensure the following when selecting its representative team for the preliminary competition:

a) All players shall hold the nationality of their country or territory 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 FIFA rules and regulations.

16.2 The Participating Member Associations are responsible for fielding only eligible players. Failure to do so will lead to the consequences stipulated in the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

16.3 Protests regarding the eligibility of players shall be decided by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee in accordance with the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

Men’s tournament

16.4 The men’s tournament is a U-23 competition. All players participating in the final competition of the men’s tournament shall be born on or after 1 January 2005. However, a maximum of three players who do not meet this age limit may also be included in the official list of players for the final competition.

16.5 All selected players in the confederation’s preliminary competition shall be U-23 players. No overage players shall be permitted to play in the confederation’s preliminary competition.

Women’s tournament

16.6 There are no age restrictions for the players participating in the women’s tournament.

Article 17: PLAYER LIST
17.1 Each association entering the preliminary competition shall send FIFA with as Players’ and officials’ lists

extensive and realistic a provisional list as possible of at least 35 prospective players for the preliminary competition no later than 30 days before its first qualifying match. This list shall show each player’s last name(s), first name(s), current club, date of birth and passport number as well as the coach’s last name(s), first name(s), date of birth and nationality.

17.2 This list is not binding. Further players may be added, showing the same information, at any time but no later than the day before the qualifying match in question.

VI. 32

17.3 The only document considered to be valid proof of a player’s identity and nationality shall be a legally valid international passport that explicitly, and in Latin characters, states the player’s first name(s) and last name(s), as well as their day, month and year of birth. Identity cards or other local official documents shall not be accepted as a valid means of identification. The Participating Member Associations shall present each player’s valid individual passport for the country of the Participating Member Association to the FIFA Match Commissioner on the day before the match. A player without a valid passport shall not be entitled to play.

17.4 A total of up to 23 players shall be named on the start list for each match (11 players and 12 substitutes). The 11 first-named players shall start the match and the remaining 12 are substitutes. The numbers on the players’ shirts must correspond with the numbers indicated on the start list (numbers 1-23 only). All goalkeepers and the captain must be identified as such. Three players must be goalkeepers, with the number 1 shirt reserved for one of them.

17.5 Both teams must return their start list to the FIFA Match Commissioner and the referee at least 90 minutes before kick-off. They also shall provide the referee with four copies of their start list. The opposing team can request one of these copies.

17.6 After the start lists have been submitted, signed by the team administrator and returned to the FIFA Match Commissioner and referee, and if the match has not yet kicked off, the following instructions apply:

a) If any of the first 11 players (starting players) named on the start list are not able to start the match for any reason, they may be replaced by any of the 12 substitutes. The replaced player(s) may no longer take part in the match, and the quota of available substitute players shall be reduced accordingly. During the match, up to five players may still be replaced.

b) If any of the 12 substitutes named on the start list are not able to be fielded for any reason, the player(s) concerned may not be replaced by an additional player on the bench, which means that the quota of available substitutes shall be reduced accordingly. During the match, up to five players may still be replaced. One additional substitute may be used when a match goes into extra time (whether or not the team has already used the full number of permitted substitutes).

17.7 Although no longer eligible to play as a substitute, any player who was removed from the start list for any reason may be seated on the team bench, and if so, would then also be eligible for doping control selection.

17.8 No more than 23 persons (11 officials and up to 12 substitutes) shall be allowed to sit on the team bench. The names of these officials must be indicated on the “Officials on the Substitutes’ Bench” form to be provided to the FIFA Match Commissioner. A suspended player or official will not be allowed to sit on the team bench.  33

Article 18: TEAM SAFEGUARDING/WELFARE OFFICER Each Participating Member Association shall appoint a designated Team Safeguarding/ Welfare Officer to act as a focal point for all matters related to the safeguarding and well-being of the players and team delegation. This role does not have to be exclusive and can be assigned to a team medical doctor or other trained member of the accredited team delegation. It is a mandatory requirement that the designated Team Safeguarding/Welfare Officer complete the FIFA Guardians Safeguarding Essentials: Global Football Community Learners online course (https://safeguardinginfootball.fifa.com/ global-football-community-learners/) and submit the certificate of completion to FIFA. In addition, FIFA recommends that all Delegation Members accompanying the players complete the course. The role of the Team Safeguarding/Welfare Officer is to:

a) act as the first point of contact and lead for all safeguarding matters within the team delegation during the Tournaments;

b) take all reasonable steps to ensure that the players’ and Delegation Members’ mental and physical well-being is prioritised;

c) be aware (and make sure that all Delegation Members are aware) of the Safeguarding and Anti-Discrimination Code of Conduct, with which all accreditation holders, including the players, are required to comply; and

d) know the specific safeguarding measures for the Tournaments and the avenues available for reporting concerns.

Players’ and officials’ lists

VI. VII. Kit and team equipment  35

Article 19: EQUIPMENT
19.1 The Participating Member Associations shall comply with the FIFA Equipment Regulations in force. The display of political, religious or personal messages or slogans in any language or form by players and officials on their playing or team kits, equipment (including kit bags, beverage containers, medical bags, etc.) or body is prohibited. The similar display of commercial messages and slogans in any language or form by players and officials is not allowed for the duration of their time at any official activity organised by FIFA (including in the stadiums for official matches and training sessions, as well as during official press conferences and mixed-zone activities).

19.2 Each team shall inform FIFA of two different and contrasting colours (one predominately dark and one predominately light) for its first-choice and alternative team kit (shirt, shorts and socks). In addition, each team shall select three contrasting colours for the goalkeepers. These three goalkeeper kits must be distinct and contrasting from each other as well as different and contrasting from the first-choice and alternative team kits. This information shall be sent to FIFA on the team colour form. Only these colours may be worn at the matches. Any subsequent changes must be immediately communicated to FIFA.

Article 20: NUMBERS AND NAMES
20.1 Each player shall wear a number between 1 and 23 on the front and back of their team shirt and on their playing shorts. The colour of the numbers must contrast clearly with the main colour of the shirts and shorts (light on dark or vice versa) and be legible from a distance for media, broadcasters and spectators in the stadium and television viewers in accordance with the FIFA Equipment Regulations. It is not compulsory for the name of the player to appear on their shirt during the preliminary competition.

20.2 Each team shall supply a set of goalkeeper shirts without names or numbers. 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 the same three colours as the regular Kit and team equipment

goalkeeper shirts.

20.3 In principle, each team shall wear its first-choice team kit as declared on the team colour form. If the two teams’ colours might cause confusion, the host team shall be entitled to wear its official team kit and the visiting team shall use its alternative team kit or, if necessary, a combination of the first-choice and the alternative team kits. In the event of any discrepancies, the referee and the FIFA Match Commissioner shall take the final decision at the match venue following inspection. VII. 36

Article 21: FOOTBALLS
21.1 The footballs used in the preliminary competition shall conform with the provisions of the Laws of the Game. They shall bear one of the following three official designations: the official ”FIFA Quality Pro”, “FIFA Quality” or “FIFA Basic” logo.

21.2 The footballs used in the preliminary competition shall be supplied by the host association. The visiting team shall be supplied with the same type of footballs in sufficient quantity upon arrival at the latest, for its practice session(s) at the match stadium. VIII. Match organisation 38

Article 22: OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES Subject to FIFA’s approval, the confederations are authorised to issue implementation rules and operational guidelines.

Article 23: FLAGS AND ANTHEMS FIFA and the confederation concerned shall determine the exact ceremonial elements for each preliminary competition match and shall issue the Participating Member Associations with guidelines for their implementation. IX.

Refereeing 40

Article 24: LAWS OF THE GAME
24.1 All matches shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game in force at the time of the preliminary competition and as laid down by The International Football Association Board (”The IFAB”). In the case of any discrepancy in the interpretation of the translations of the Laws of the Game, the English version shall be authoritative.

24.2 During the match, each team:

a) may use a maximum of five substitutes;

b) has a maximum of three substitution opportunities; where both teams make a substitution at the same time, this will count as a used substitution opportunity for each team; and

c) may make substitutions at half-time, which will not count as a substitution opportunity.

24.3 In accordance with Law 3 of the Laws of the Game, teams may make one additional permanent concussion substitution per match. The additional permanent concussion substitution may be made regardless of the number of substitutions already made. The opposing team will then receive an additional regular substitution.

24.4 Where extra time is played:

If a team has not used the maximum number of substitutes and/or substitution opportunities, any unused substitutes and substitution opportunities may be used. In addition, each team:

a) May use an additional substitute (whether or not the team has used its maximum number of substitutes).

b) Has one additional substitution opportunity (whether or not the team has used its maximum number of substitution opportunities). Where both teams make a substitution at the same time, this will count as a used substitution opportunity for each team.

c) May make substitutions:

i. in the period before the start of extra time, which will not count as a substitution opportunity; and

ii. at half-time in extra time, which will not count as a substitution opportunity.

24.5 Players are entitled to a 15-minute interval at half-time; a short drinks break (which should not exceed one minute) is permitted at the interval of half-time in extra time. If a match goes into extra time, a break not exceeding five minutes is permitted before the first period of extra time begins.  41

24.6 Weather conditions may warrant cooling breaks to be implemented during the course of a match in accordance with the protocols established by the FIFA Medical Committee and/or documented in the FIFA Football Emergency Medicine Manual. Such breaks will be considered on a match-by-match basis. Responsibility for implementing and controlling cooling breaks resides with the referee.

24.7 Each match shall last 90 minutes, comprising two periods of 45 minutes.

Article 25: REFEREES
25.1 In the preliminary competition, the referees, assistant referees, fourth officials and video match officials (VMOs) (if appointed) (hereinafter referred to collectively as “match officials”) shall be proposed by the confederations to the FIFA Referees Committee for ratification at least 30 days in advance.

For each match, the referee and the assistant referees shall be selected from the FIFA Refereeing International List in force. The fourth official and the reserve assistant referee (where foreseen) shall be selected from the FIFA Refereeing International List in force or exceptionally from the Member Association top division list in force. Only FIFA-listed video match officials shall be selected for those matches where a VAR is used.

25.2 The decisions of the FIFA Referees Committee are final and not subject to appeal.

25.3 FIFA shall provide the referee and other match officials appointed for preliminary competition matches with an official refereeing match kit (including match official footwear), which they shall wear for all preliminary competition matches for which they are appointed. Any alterations, additions or changes to the official refereeing match kit, other than tailoring its size, are strictly prohibited.

25.4 The host association shall provide the match officials with training facilities. Other provisions, e.g. accommodation, are stipulated in article 27.

25.5 If the referee is prevented from carrying out their duties, such referee shall be replaced by the fourth official. The same shall apply for either of the assistant referees if a reserve assistant referee is not appointed. A minimum of three match officials is needed to referee the match. Refereeing

IX. 42

25.6 After each match, the referee shall validate the official match data and electronically sign the report. The referee and the FIFA Match Commissioner at the stadium, along with FIFA and the confederations concern, immediately receive an electronic copy of the report after the match. On the electronic report form, the referee shall note in as much detail as possible all occurrences of significance, such as misconduct of players leading to caution or expulsion, unsporting behaviour by supporters and/or by team officials or any other person acting on behalf of an association at the match and any other incident happening before, during and after the match. If the FSDC cannot attend the match or if there are any technical issues impacting the official collection, the referee and FIFA Match Commissioner shall revert to the FIFA report form provided.

Article 26: FOOTBALL TECHNOLOGIES
26.1 FIFA and/or the confederation may use football technologies when applicable, such as goal-line technology, a VAR system including semi-automated offside technology and/or electronic performance and tracking systems, as stipulated in the Laws of the Game.

26.2 Video match officials may assist the referee to make a decision using the VAR system in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Laws of the Game in force at the time of the preliminary competition and as laid down by The IFAB.

26.3 VAR technology shall be implemented by the confederation for all knockout matches (first and second legs or in a single match) of the preliminary competition that lead directly to qualification for either play-off match. FIFA may grant exceptions and/or waivers which are determined by circumstances on the ground, within the ability and resources of the host or organising Member Association, particularly as it relates to available infrastructure and technologies.

26.4 Small, hand-held electronic or communication devices are permitted in the technical area if used for coaching/tactical purposes or for player welfare, in accordance with the Laws of the Game.
 X. Financial provisions 44

Article 27: FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS
27.1 All revenue from the exploitation of the commercial rights (advertising, TV and radio broadcasts, film and videos) for the preliminary competition matches belongs to the host association and, with the income from ticket sales, form the gross receipts. The owners of the rights are obliged to provide FIFA, upon request and free of charge, with 15 minutes of action footage per match. FIFA shall use this footage free of charge to promote its campaigns and football worldwide. FIFA may also use the footage for its own electronic data carriers or any such carriers produced on FIFA’s behalf, as well as for its own multimedia database.

27.2 The levies due to the confederations concerned in accordance with the confederations’ statutes and regulations shall be deducted from the gross receipts.

27.3 The following provisions shall apply to the settlement of costs by the Participating Member Associations:

a) The visiting association shall pay for its delegation’s own international travel costs to the venue and/or the nearest international airport, as well as board and lodging, and incidental expenses.

b) The host association shall pay for domestic transport costs for the entire official delegation of the visiting team, depending on flight connections (cf. art. 14 par. 2).

c) The host association shall pay for full-board and accommodation (room and three meals per day) as well as an individual internet connection in a high‑standard hotel (four stars or higher) including domestic transport in the host country for the match officials, the FIFA Match Commissioner, referee assessor and any other FIFA official (e.g. safety and security officer, media officer, etc.).

d) The teams shall not be permitted to stay at the same hotel as each other or at the hotel chosen for the FIFA delegation.

27.4 If the financial outcome of a match is insufficient to cover the expenses mentioned under paragraph 2 above, the host association shall bear the deficit.

27.5 FIFA shall bear the costs of international travel and the daily allowances for the FIFA delegation members and match officials, as determined by FIFA.  45

27.6 During the preliminary competition, the relevant host association is responsible for ticketing. It shall set aside an appropriate number – to be agreed on mutually and in writing – of complimentary and purchasable tickets for the visiting association. At least five representatives from the visiting association shall be seated in the VIP box. The visiting association shall inform the host association no later than five days before the match and in writing of the total number of tickets that will not be used. Unused tickets shall be returned upon arrival at the venue. The host association shall, upon request and free of charge, provide FIFA with ten VIP box tickets and up to 40 category-one tickets for each match. Such tickets shall be provided to FIFA at least 30 days before the match.

27.7 Any disputes arising from financial provisions in connection with the preliminary competition shall be promptly resolved by the associations concerned in coordination with the confederation concerned. The proposed solution shall be presented to FIFA for approval.

Financial provisions

X. XI.

Medical  47

Article 28: TEAM MEDICAL DOCTOR
28.1 Each Participating Member Association shall include at least one medical doctor (two are recommended) in its delegation for each match. The medical doctor shall be listed as an official on the team bench. The medical doctor or any other medical staff member of each Participating Member Association shall complete and successfully pass the “Concussion” and “Sudden Cardiac Arrest” modules of the FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine (www.fifamedicalnetwork.com).

28.2 The team medical doctor shall be responsible for the overall health of their team delegation and any clinical decision-making in this regard, both on and off the field of play. Although the team medical doctors’ primary responsibility is to the players, their medical responsibility extends to all other Delegation Members. As such, all team medical doctors must ensure that they have the appropriate registration and licence in their home country.

Article 29: SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST AND CONCUSSION
29.1 Each Participating Member Association shall ensure and confirm to FIFA that its players have undergone a pre-competition medical assessment (PCMA) in the 12 months prior to the start of the preliminary competition. FIFA recommends that participating teams use the form developed by FIFA Medical Network experts for their PCMAs.

29.2 A non-contact collapse of a player on the field of play should be treated as a sudden cardiac death until proven otherwise. The Participating Member Association’s medical team and the field-of-play medical team may enter the field of play immediately and commence resuscitation, without waiting for a signal from the referee. One member of the field-of-play medical team notifies the fourth official of the collapse and need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

29.3 All players should have undergone baseline concussion screening using a validated tool.

29.4 A player who experiences a suspected concussion during a match must undergo an examination by the team medical doctor in accordance with the FIFA Concussion Protocol. The referee may temporarily suspend play for three minutes whenever an incident of suspected concussion occurs. The referee may only allow the player to continue playing with the authorisation of the team doctor, who shall have evaluated the player and excluded any suspicion of a concussive injury. Medical

The team medical doctor shall have the final decision based on a clinical examination. Under no circumstances should a player with a suspected concussion return to play. XI. 48

29.5 FIFA recommends that teams follow the graduated return-to-play protocol set forth in the FIFA Concussion Protocol for any player who has suffered concussion. The Protocol recognises that the time frame for return to play may vary, depending on factors such as the player’s age, gender, their symptoms and medical history, and that doctors must use their clinical judgement in making decisions with respect to return to play. The player’s welfare must be their sole concern. FIFA requires that before any player who suffers a concussive episode can return to play the team doctor must certify that a) such player has passed each of the steps set out in the FIFA Medical Concussion Protocol, b) such player is fit for competition and c) the team doctor has discussed the management of the case with the FIFA Match Doctor where indicated (subject to consent from the player).

29.6 Weather conditions may warrant cooling breaks to be implemented during the course of a match in accordance with the protocols established by the FIFA Medical Committee and/or documented in the FIFA Emergency Care Medicine Manual. Such breaks would be considered on a match-by-match basis based on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature measured before the match. Responsibility for implementing and controlling cooling breaks resides with the referee.

Article 30: DOPING CONTROL
30.1 Doping is strictly prohibited. The FIFA Anti-Doping Regulations, the FIFA Disciplinary Code and all other relevant FIFA regulations, circular letters and directives shall apply to the preliminary competition.

30.2 Players may be subject to in-competition testing at the matches in which they compete and to out-of-competition testing at any time and in any place. XII.

Media 50

Article 31: MEDIA MATTERS
31.1 Amendments to media provisions may be necessary in accordance with the requirements of the confederation, the guidelines in the FIFA International Match Protocol or the directives issued by the competent local authority.

31.2 Each association shall appoint a dedicated media officer to facilitate cooperation between the associations, FIFA and the media in accordance with these Regulations. The association media officer must ensure that the media facilities and services provided by the association meet the required standards. The association media officer shall coordinate all media arrangements, including pre-match and post-match press conferences and interviews.

31.3 The associations’ media officers shall coordinate media accreditation requests and ensure that all accreditation requests come from bona fide media representatives. Priority shall be given to media representatives from the countries of the two teams playing. Space permitting, access shall be given to international media representatives from any country.

31.4 In close cooperation with the relevant host association, FIFA is entitled to establish the terms and conditions applicable to the accreditation provided to media representatives at all matches.

31.5 Each association shall arrange a pre-match media activity on the day before each match. These activities shall ideally be official press conferences, but for matches with less media interest, they may also be a mixed-zone activity or single interview. In principle, such media activities shall be staged in the stadium in which the match is to be played, unless an alternative location is agreed in advance. As a minimum, each media activity shall be attended by the head coach of the team and, ideally, a player. The host association shall be responsible for providing the necessary technical infrastructure and services at pre-match media activities in the match stadium, including interpreting services.

31.6 The two associations’ media officers shall be responsible for coordinating the activities and informing the media accordingly about all pre-match media activities.

31.7 Both associations shall make their training sessions open to the media for at least 15 minutes on the day before the match. In principle, the official training sessions shall take place in the stadium where the match will take place. Media representatives shall be able to follow the training sessions from the positions that they will occupy during the match.

31.8 An adequate number of covered seats shall be made available for the written press in a separate and secure area that is centrally located in the main or opposite stand, with a clear and unobstructed view of the whole pitch and with sufficient technical installations (e.g. power and internet connection) provided.  51

31.9 A working area with desks, power supply and cabled or Wi-Fi internet connections shall also be provided for media representatives. The internet connections for media representatives shall be dedicated networks and provided free of charge.

31.10 Interviews shall not be permitted during the match on the field of play itself or in its immediate vicinity. Interviews with coaches and players shall be allowed upon their arrival at the stadium, subject to their agreement. Post-match interviews (“flash” interviews) shall be conducted after the match in a designated area located between the pitch and the players’ dressing rooms. Associations shall make their head coach and at least two key players available for interviews.

31.11 Both teams shall make their head coach available for comments after the match in an official post-match press conference at the stadium. After the match, a mixed zone shall be set up between the dressing rooms and the team transport area to give media representatives the opportunity to conduct interviews with players and coaches. All players from both teams who are listed on the official start list are obliged to pass through the mixed zone in order to conduct interviews with the media.

31.12 Media representatives are forbidden from entering the team’s and referee dressing rooms before, during and after the match. However, one of the host broadcaster’s cameras may enter the dressing rooms before the match at a time agreed in advance with the associations in order to film the players’ shirts and equipment. This filming shall be completed well before the arrival of the players.

31.13 No media representatives shall be allowed to enter the field of play before, during or after the match, with the exception of one hand-held camera crew covering the team line-ups at the start of the match and up to two of the host broadcaster’s cameras filming after the end of the match. The same shall apply to the tunnel and dressing-room area, with the exception of cameras for flash interviews, team arrivals and players in the tunnel prior to taking to the pitch (before the match) and at the start of the second half. Media

XII. XIII. Final competitions  53

Article 32: NUMBER OF TEAMS AND TOURNAMENT ENTRIES
32.1 The FIFA Council, in agreement with the IOC, agree to the number of the teams participating in the Olympic Football Tournaments as 12 and 16 for the men’s and women’s events respectively. The FIFA Council has decided on 17 December that the number of places available to each confederation in the final competitions shall be as follows:

Men’s tournament

Confederation Number of slots

AFC 2

CAF 2

Concacaf 1

CONMEBOL 2

OFC 1

UEFA 3

Host country (USA) 1

Total 12

Women’s tournament

Confederation Number of slots

AFC 2.5

CAF 2

Concacaf 3

CONMEBOL 2.5

OFC 1 Final competitions

UEFA 4

Host country (USA) 1

Total 16

XIII. 54

32.2 The entry of the 12 men’s and 16 women’s Olympic teams that qualify for the final competitions shall be communicated to Los Angeles 2028 in writing by their respective NOCs.

32.3 In addition, associations entitled to take part in the final competitions shall confirm their participation to FIFA by completing the official entry form online and sending a signed copy to FIFA by the deadline set by FIFA.

32.4 Further to completing FIFA’s official entry form, each NOC shall be required to complete Los Angeles 2028’s final Sport Entry Forms and Eligibility Conditions forms for the purpose of official registration of the athletes for the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028.

32.5 On entering the final competition(s), the Participating Member Associations shall automatically undertake to:

a) observe these Regulations and to ensure that the players, the officials and all other Football Delegation Members observe the same;

b) accept the decisions taken by FIFA bodies and officials under the terms of these Regulations;

c) accept all the arrangements made by Los Angeles 2028 in agreement with FIFA; and

d) accept any use, recording and broadcast of images of players and officials that may occur in connection with the final competition(s).

Further provisions governing the modalities and specific details relating to the final competitions will be adopted by the FIFA Council at a later stage.

Article 33: FIFA MARKS
33.1 FIFA owns and controls all intellectual property rights relating to its name, marks, logos, emblems, cup design and other such marks relating to the Tournaments on a worldwide basis, including but not limited to: a) the name “FIFA” and b) the FIFA design emblem.

33.2 The use of these marks is subject to FIFA’s prior written approval and further regulations and guidelines issued by FIFA. The Participating Member Associations shall not use FIFA’s marks without obtaining such written approval.  55

33.3 The Participating Member Associations shall refrain from the development, use or registration of any name, logo, trademark, indicia, brand name, symbol, service mark or other mark (whether registered or unregistered) or designation which may be inferred by the public as identifying with FIFA or the Tournaments, including the word “FIFA” (or any other term used in any language to identify the Tournaments), or the development, use or registration of any dates in connection with the name of the host country, venues or Host City (or cities) of the final competitions of the Tournaments, or any similar indicia or derivation of such terms or dates in any language. The Participating Member Associations shall further ensure that their commercial affiliates comply with the provisions of this section, and that such commercial affiliates do not engage in any activity which might give rise to the impression that such commercial affiliates are officially associated with the Tournaments.

33.4 The Participating Member Associations shall not oppose any of the trademark or copyright applications filed by FIFA or its affiliates, nominees or licensees in respect of FIFA’s marks. The Participating Member Associations shall not in any way challenge, or apply for any copyright, trademark or patent protection, or domain name registration (whether in respect of, or in relation to FIFA’s marks or otherwise) which would adversely affect the relevant owner’s proprietary interests in FIFA’s marks, or assist any other person to do so.

Article 34: RIGHTS OF THE IOC All commercial rights in relation to the final competition (marketing and TV rights) are regulated by the IOC.

Final competitions

XIII. XIV. Closing provisions  57

Article 35: LIABILITY With the sole exception of preliminary competition matches hosted and staged by, or under the auspices of, FIFA at a neutral venue as decided by FIFA and not being considered a preliminary competition home match of either of the two Participating Member Associations, the host association of a preliminary competition match shall be exclusively responsible for the organisation of its home matches and shall discharge FIFA from all responsibility and relinquish any claim against FIFA and the members of its delegation for any damages resulting from any claims relating to such match.

Article 36: SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES FIFA shall, in conjunction with the IOC and Los Angeles 2028, issue any instructions necessitated by special circumstances that may arise in the host country. These instructions shall form an integral part of these Regulations.

Article 37: MATTERS NOT PROVIDED FOR Any matters not provided for in these Regulations and any cases of force majeure shall be decided by FIFA in cooperation with the relevant confederation. All decisions shall be final.

Article 38: LANGUAGES In the case of any discrepancy in the interpretation of the English, French or Spanish texts of these Regulations, or any other language versions thereof, the English text shall be authoritative.

Article 39: COPYRIGHT The copyright for these Regulations and for the match schedules drawn up in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations are the property of FIFA. Closing provisions

XIV. 58

Article 40: NO WAIVER Any waiver by FIFA of any breach of these Regulations (including of any document referred to in these Regulations) will not operate as, or be construed 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 these Regulations or any other document. Any such waiver shall only be valid if given in writing. Failure by FIFA to insist upon strict adherence to any provision of 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 FIFA of the right to subsequently insist upon strict adherence to that provision or any other provision of these Regulations, or any document referred to in these Regulations.

Article 41: AMENDMENT FIFA may amend these Regulations through operation of the FIFA Council at any time and at its own discretion and shall publish any such amendment in accordance with the FIFA Council procedure.

Article 42: ENFORCEMENT These Regulations were approved by the FIFA Council at its meeting on 17 December 2025 and came into force immediately.

17 December 2025

For FIFA

President Secretary General

Gianni Infantino Mattias Grafström