Game form
Game form Each team is guaranteed at least four games. It is allowed to register multiple teams in the same age group. A player may only participate in one team per age group.
Girls and boys 7 - 11 (2018-2014):
We follow the rules of the Swedish Football Association, which means that winners cannot be determined in these age groups. Match results must not be recorded and should not affect further participation in the tournament.
Girls and Boys 12 years old (2013):
New for 2025 is that champions can be determined in U12, meaning there will be a competitive class for U12 as well as a non-competitive class called "friendly."
- Girls and boys born in 2018-2015 (6-9 years) - Only one level for everyone.
- Girls and boys born in 2014-2013 (10-11 years) - Club strength: Easy and Difficult.
- Girls and boys born in 2012 (12 years) - Club strength: Competitive and friendly.
- Registered teams can choose which level they want to participate in.
Girls and Boys 13-17 years old (2012-2008):
Competitive Classes Each age group is divided into groups with 4-6 teams in each group, where all teams play against each other. If fields are unavailable, the B-finals may be canceled.
P/F-13 and P/F-14 play 9-a-side.
Note: Limited number of teams in each age group. Gothenburg Cup is sanctioned by the Gothenburg Football Association and follows the Swedish Football Association’s competition regulations, including rules on dispensations.
Game Rules
Gothenburg Cup is played according to FIFA and SFF rules with the following exceptions:
- No limit on the number of substitutes. Substitutions may be made throughout the match.
- In case of a red card, the player is automatically suspended for the next match. In cases of severe misconduct, additional penalties may be imposed by the competition jury.
- If teams are tied on points in group play, goal difference will decide the winner, followed by head-to-head results and finally goal ratio.
- In case of a draw in the playoffs, the match will be decided by a penalty shootout according to FIFA rules. However, in the A-final and B-final, extra time of 2 x 5 minutes will be played first. If still tied, the match will be decided by a penalty shootout according to FIFA rules.
Equipment
Size 4 balls are used for boys 10, 11, and 12 and girls 10, 11, and 12. Shin guards are mandatory for all players. Screw studs may only be used by boys/girls 15 years or older.
Dispensary/overage players
Automatic dispensation is granted for 2 overage players (1 year over the current age group). In the squad, a maximum of 2 overage players can be on the field at the same time.
Other dispensations are handled by the competition management on a case-by-case basis and must be reported through our cup system well in advance of the start of the cup.
Player Registration
All players in competitive classes (U13 and above) participating in the tournament must be registered through our cup system before the start of the cup.
List of participants
All players participating in the tournament must be registered via our cup system before the cup starts.
Protests
Protests must be submitted in writing by the responsible coach to the competition secretariat in Serneke Arena by the responsible coach of the protesting team no later than 60 minutes after the match has ended.
On Sunday, when playoffs are held, any appeal must be phoned in to the competition management within ten minutes after the match has ended. The protest fee must be paid to the competition office after the call and will be refunded if the protest is upheld.
The protest fee (1000 SEK) must be paid at the same time the protest is submitted. The protest fee will be refunded if the protest is upheld.
The competition jury consists of representatives from Gothenburg Cup and the Swedish Referees’ Association. Protest and disciplinary matters are handled by the jury. Their decisions cannot be appealed.
Walkover and Abandoned Matches
A team that fails to show up for a match may lose the match 0-3 after a decision by the competition jury. If a team fails to show up repeatedly, it may be excluded from the tournament. The competition jury may decide to exclude a team after the first offense if special circumstances exist, such as a deliberate walkover that benefits the team itself or disadvantages another team in the group.
If a match is abandoned and cannot be completed, the jury will decide whether the match should be replayed from the start, resumed from the point where it was interrupted, whether the match result should stand, or whether one or both teams will lose the match 0-3.
Age Verification
For age verification, all players on the roster must be present in person and able to provide identification. Photocopies of passports and IDs are accepted. This applies to the competitive classes.
Match Jerseys and Vests
All match kits must be numbered, and the numbers must match those listed on the team sheet.
The numbering must be on the back of the jersey. Two players may not wear the same number during the same match. This does not apply to 3- and 5-a-side teams.
If the match referee decides that one team should change kits due to similarity in color with the opposing team's kit, the "away team" in the match order must change. This means that each team should bring an alternate kit or vests.
