Maxim AREA International Cup Rules

A.R.E.A INTERNATIONAL CUP 2026 – IYFT Regulations defined as follow:

• The Tournament Name is MAXIM A.R.E.A INTERNATIONAL CUP 2026 - International Youth Football Tournament (IYFT) for U10; U12; U13; U14 and U15 categories.
• Regulations are regulations in the implementation of AIC 2026 – IYFT which regulate matters relating to competition and binding and serve as instructions for all parties involved in the competition.
• Draw for Groups The Tournament Committee will conduct a draw for all age-groups at a date not less than 7 days before the event. A fixture list will then be published on the official tournament app.

CHAPTER I / GENERAL

Article 1 – Basic Fundamentals & Definitions

MAXIM A.R.E.A INTERNATIONAL CUP 2026 – IYFT is based on:

1. FIFA regulations governing youth football competitions and player development.

To contribute to the progress of youth football development in the form of leveled competitions to International on an ongoing basis. And to provide experience of competing globally.

1. MAXIM A.R.E.A INTERNATIONAL CUP 2026 – IYFT is Football Competition categories U10; U12; U13; U14 and U15 participated by football teams/clubs from: i). Football Academy and ii). Football Clubs/Associations that register their teams and meet the requirements as participants.

CHAPTER II / COMPETITION MANAGEMENT Article 2 – Implementation Basis

All matches will be held by the Organizing Committee of MAXIM A.R.E.A INTERNATIONAL CUP 2026 – IYFT on June 1-2, 2026 at FABD House Field – Brunei Darussalam & Kompleks Sukan Negara Hassanal Bolkiah.

Article 3 – Team Registration Requirements

1. Each participating team comes from various countries where each player has been officially registered at the Secretariat using a PASSPORT as personal identification.
2. Players who can register:
   • U10 / 7 a-side / max 15 players (born 1 January 2016 – 31 December 2017).
   • U12 / 7 a-side / max 15 players (born 1 January 2014 – 31 December 2015).
   • U13 / 7 a-side / max 15 players (born 1 January 2013 – 31 December 2014).
   • U14 / 7 a-side / max 18 players (born 1 January 2012 – 31 December 2013).
   • U15 / 11 a-side / max 22 players (born 1 January 2011 – 31 December 2012).
3. Fill out the registration form and include proof of transfer of registration payment to MAXIM A.R.E.A INTERNATIONAL CUP 2026 – IYFT Committee.

CHAPTER III / COMPETITION FORMAT and RULES

Article 4 - Format of the Games

1. Match duration are as follows: U10, U12, U13, U14 = 20 minutes, U15 = 2x20 minutes.
2. Each team is allowed to use foreign players (outside their country) with a maximum of 3 (three) players. This rule is only applicable to Brunei based teams.
3. Specifically for U15, a maximum of 4 players aged 16 years (born in 2010) are permitted. Only two players of age 16 will be allowed on the field.
4. The competition system is a half competition format, where all participating teams will be divided into groups during the qualifying round.

For the U10, U12, U13 & U14 categories:

• Teams finishing 1st and 2nd and 3rd in each group will qualify for the CUP competition.
• Teams finishing 4th and 5th in each group will qualify for the PLATE competition.

For the U15 categories:

• Teams finishing 1st and 2nd in each group will qualify for the CUP competition.
• Teams finishing 3rd and 4th in each group will qualify for the PLATE competition.

The knockout stage will consist of Semi-Finals and Finals to determine the champions of each competition category.

1. All teams are responsible for their players' insurance.
2. Prizes:
   1. CHAMPION – The Champion Trophy Cup & Plate, Medals & ECertificates.
   2. Runners-Up – Medals and ECertificates.
   3. 3rd & 4th Place – Medals and ECertificates.
   4. The Bowl competition will only have medals.
   5. Top Scorer for the Golden Boots Cup, Best Goalkeeper for the Golden Gloves Cup.

Golden Boot Competition

The Golden Boot Award will be presented to the player with the most goals scored in the tournament for each age group. If players are tied on goals the player whose team finished higher in the tournament will win the award.

Goals will be recorded by referees and crew using player jersey. It is the responsibility of the team to make sure that player jersey numbers are correctly registered in the app and that players are wearing the correct jersey number.

The Golden Boot trophy will be presented to winning player during their age group’s trophy presentation.

Golden Glove Competition

The Golden Glove Award will be presented to the goalkeeper of the team which concedes the fewest goals in the tournament for each age group. If teams are tied on goals conceded then the team which finished higher in the tournament will win the award.

The Golden Glove trophy will be presented to the winning team’s goalkeeper during their age group’s trophy presentation.

Article 5 – Rules of The Games

1. Field and Match Ball.
   1. U10 & U12 The maximum field size is 30-40 meters x 55 - 48 meters. Size 4 ball.
   2. U13 & U14 The maximum field size is 35-45 meters x 60 meters. Size 5 ball.
   3. U15 The field is 60 meters x 100 metersl. Size 5 ball.
2. Unlimited substitutions for all age groups.

The substitute must wait for the player to leave the pitch before entering. When substituting, the team must notify the referee when the ball is out-of-bounds for the substitution to happen. Substituted players shall be allowed to re-enter during the same match (rolling substitutions).

1. WO provisions, strikes, disqualification sanctions.
   1. Any participating teams who arrive late or are not present on the field according to the schedule set by the Organizing Committee for more than a maximum of 5 (five) minutes risks having a walkover given with the consequence of losing 0 – 3.
   2. Teams that disobey the Referee's decision and discontinue the match will be officially declared a strike.
   3. Every team that wins a match with a WO, because its opponent goes on strike, or is subject to a disqualification sanction, then that team officially wins with a score of 3 - 0 and automatically gets a score of 3.
2. Each player will receive a wristband as proof of their verification and is prohibited from removing it during the tournament. If a wristband is lost or damaged, it must be replaced with a new one, and a replacement fee will be charged USD 10.
3. Uniform and Equipment. Each team must have 2 different colors of clothing (uniform), namely a dark color and a light color with clearly visible back numbers. And required to wear shin guards
4. Pitch and Footwear
5. Playing areas are artificial turf pitches. Players may wear plastic-studded soccer shoes (metal-studded soccer boots are not allowed)
6. Scoring System.
   1. Scoring requirements (scores) are used to determine the ranking and calculations to determine the winning score. The winning score system is obtained from:

Result

Points

Win / W-WO: 3

Draw: 1

Loss / L-WO: 0

1. If at the end of the Qualifier Round there are 2 (two) or more participants who get the same score (number), then the order or position is determined as follows:
   • The goal difference is obtained from the number of goals scored (plus goals) minus the goals conceded (minus goals).
   • Head to head, determined by the victory obtained by one of the teams from the previous match between the two teams.
   • The ranking is determined by the number of goals scored more.
   • Determined by fewer goals conceded.
   • If the above is still the same, then the order of position will be determined by a sudden death penalty shoot out

1. Scoring from Kick-Off & Goal Kicks

For all age groups, teams cannot score directly from kick offs or goal kicks. The ball must be touched by another player from the same team before a goal is scored.

1. Penalty Shootout. If in the next round (knockout system) there is a draw, then a penalty shootout will take place, with the following conditions: The number of kickers is 3 (three) players, if the result is still a draw then a sudden death penalty shootout will take place where a winner will be decided when 1 team scores and the other fails to score in the same round. Note: Only players on the pitch at the end of ordinary time may take a penalty.
2. Yellow Card and Red Card.

Yellow card is given to a player who commits a violation and is determined entirely by the referee.

Red card is given to players who commit violations such as:

• Playing very roughly, hitting, spitting at people, engaging in violent conduct or abusive behaviour by committing violations that are considered harsh and rude towards opposing players and are considered violations by the referee.
• Saying or uttering obscene words to the Referee, offending/insulting as well as insulting, harassing or making very rude gestures.
• Receiving 2 (two) Yellow Cards in the same 1 (one) match, which results in the player concerned receiving a red card.
• Any player who receives a red card will miss the next match.

1. Team official Passes:

Only coaches/team staff with an official tournament lanyard and Team Official Pass will be allowed onto the fields. All teams will receive 3 passes only. Please display your Coach Pass clearly at all times when on the field. Individuals without a valid Coach Pass or Player Wristband may not enter the field. No exceptions.

1. Force Majeure. If compelling circumstances occur due to natural disasters, heavy rain or other things when the match has reached the semifinals, resulting in the failure of the semifinals and finals, then the Organizing Committee will only provide 2 (two) options, namely: a penalty shootout or the determined by a draw conducted by the Organizing Committee.

1. Protest Procedures.
   1. All forms of protest against the match were eliminated and Match decisions are final, except eligibility disputes.Protests against a player's eligibility can be made by writing a Protest Letter to the Committee and being required to pay a protest fee of USD 500 (five hundred US Dollars) and attach valid evidence data.

1. Conduct Coaches, team managers and supporters shall not question the referee's decision. The use of foul language and/or aggressive behaviour may result in disciplinary action, including removal from the tournament. All teams are reminded that this is a youth tournament and that positive support is strongly encouraged. Please take a moment to read our stance on Parent Conduct here.

Article 6 – Player Registration

• Players must be registered via the Coaches Dashboard on the Maxim Cup app.
• Players may only register and compete for one team throughout the tournament.
• All players must produce their original passport when registering.
• On the event day, international teams are required to report to the admin tent with their full team no later than 1 hour before the start of their first match for player verification.
• Local academies are required to register on Sunday, 30 May.
• After verification by the admin team, players will receive a wristband which must be worn throughout the tournament. If a player loses or removes the wristband, they must re-register and pay a replacement fee of USD10 for a new wristband. Any player without a wristband will not be allowed onto the field of play.
• All teams are required to have team kits with player numbers on the back of the jerseys.
• A player is NOT permitted to play in two age groups.

CHAPTER IV / Article 7 – CLOSING

1. These regulations were created to be fully implemented by all parties involved in MAXIM A.R.E.A INTERNATIONAL CUP 2026 – IYFT.
2. If there are obvious errors and there are things that have not been regulated or are not sufficiently regulated in this Regulation, they will be determined and adjusted later by the committee of MAXIM A.R.E.A INTERNATIONAL CUP 2026 – IYFT.
3. This regulation was stipulated on 7th May 2026 and is effective from the date of enactment.