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Campeones Cup

2022 Campeones Cup Competition Guidelines

I. CAMPEONES CUP

  1. Campeones Cup (hereinafter: the Competition) is a Competition between Major League Soccer and Liga BBVA MX.
  2. Major League Soccer and Liga BBVA MX partnership is hereinafter: The Partnership.
  3. The Competition is played every year and shall take place when and where the Organizing Committee determines.
  4. These Regulations for the 2022 Campeones Cup (hereinafter: The Regulations) regulate the rights, duties and responsibilities of all taking part in the Competition.

II. THE CAMPEONES CUP ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

  1. The Campeones Cup Organizing Committee (hereinafter: Campeones Cup Committee) appointed by MLS and Liga MX Executives is responsible for the organization of the Competition. The Campeones Cup Organizing Committee retains the right for all final decisions.
  2. The Campeones Cup Committee shall, amongst other matters, be responsible for:

a. Supervising general preparations, taking other tournaments, geographic and economic factors into consideration;

b. Approving the match schedule and kick-off times for the Competition;

c. Appointing Match Commissioners, technical study groups and referee assessors;

i. For the 2022 edition Liga MX and MLS will mutually agree on two (2) match commissioners, one (1) match commissioner from each league.

ii. Judging infringements concerning the eligibility of players in the Competition;

iii. Settling cases of force majeure;

iv. Dealing with any aspect of the Competition that is not the responsibility of any other body under the terms of these Regulations.

III. HOSTING CLUB

  1. The Campeones Cup Committee has appointed the participating MLS Cup Champion (the “Hosting Club”) as the host of the Competition, under the auspice of Soccer United Marketing (SUM).
  2. The Hosting Club is responsible for hosting the Competition. It may establish relations and conclude contracts with various entities in order to assist in the delivery of the Competition. The Hosting Club remains fully responsible for the delivery of the Competition, notwithstanding any such established relations and/or concluded contracts.
  3. The Hosting Club and any and all established relations and/or concluded contracts shall be subject to the control of Campeones Cup Committee in terms of the delivery of the Competition. All Campeones Cup Committee decisions are final.
  4. The Hosting Club shall ensure that any decision taken by the Campeones Cup Committee relating to its duties and responsibilities is enforced immediately.

IV. PARTICIPATING CLUBS

  1. Each Participating Club shall be responsible throughout the Competition for:

a. The conduct of the members of its delegation (officials and players), and of any person carrying out duties on its behalf throughout the Competition.

b. Health, travel and accident insurance cover for all the members of its delegation throughout the Competition.

c. Incidental expenses incurred by its delegation members during the course of their stay in the host countries and for any costs incurred by additional members of the delegation.

d. Paying for any costs of extending the stay of any member of its delegation throughout the Competition, unless otherwise approved by Campeones Cup Committee.

e. Applying for visas in good time from the diplomatic mission of the host country or countries, as necessary.

f. Attending press conferences and other official media activities organized by Campeones Cup Committee and in accordance with its instructions.

g. Allowing Campeones Cup Committee to use its Club and League Marks for the promotion of the Competition, and allow the event sponsors to use the marks in a collective form only, for the sole purpose of promoting the Competition. Campeones Cup Committee may issue separate guidelines that cover the commercial usage of player images.

  1. Participating Clubs and their players and officials participating in the Competition shall agree to fully respect and comply with:

a. All Competition Matches will be played under the current Laws of the Game as approved by the International Football Association Board (“IFAB”) and published by FIFA;

b. In the case of any discrepancy in the interpretation of the Laws of the Game, the English and Spanish text shall be equally authoritative.

c. The Campeones Cup regulations, rules, codes, protocols, circulars, directives and decisions (including these Regulations);

d. All decisions and directives of the Campeones Cup Committee;

e. All Campeones Cup Committee marketing and media requirements, including but not limited to, the Team Media Day in which individual and group photos and video will be taken of each team upon their arrival at the venue of their first match.

  1. Participating Clubs shall take all necessary actions for their players and officials to be bound by and comply with all the aforementioned statutes, regulations, rules, codes, protocols, circulars, directives, decisions, stipulations and requirements.
  2. Refrain from any illegal, immoral or unethical behavior that damages, or could damage, the integrity and reputation of soccer and must cooperate fully with Campeones Cup Committee at all times in its efforts to prevent, investigate and sanction such behavior.
  3. Any Participating Club that does not abide by the regulations of the Competition will be subject to a financial fine, determined by the Organizing committee, including any participating or winning prize money associated to the event.

V. QUALIFIYING FOR THE CAMPEONES CUP

  1. The reigning Major League Soccer (MLS) MLS Cup champion will represent MLS.
  2. The winner of Liga BBVA MX’s Campeon de Campeones, between the winners of the immediately previous Apertura and Clausura tournaments, will represent Liga MX.
  3. Notwithstanding the above provision, participation in the Competition is both an honor and a responsibility. Therefore, MLS and Liga MX Participating Clubs have the obligation to participate in the Competition, unless the Campeones Cup Committee accepts that failure to appear was due to force majeure.

VI. WITHDRAWALS, UNPLAYED MATCHES AND ABANDONED MATCHES

  1. Participating Clubs undertake to play the match
  2. Should any Participating Club withdraw from official participation, the Campeones Cup Committee shall make the relevant decision.
  3. If a Participating Club withdraws or a match cannot be played or is abandoned as a result of force majeure, the Campeones Cup Committee shall decide on the matter at its sole discretion and take whatever action is deemed necessary.
  4. 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 will apply:
  5. The match shall recommence at the minute at which play was interrupted rather than being replayed in full, and with the same score line;
  6. The match shall recommence with the same players on the pitch, discipline applied (yellow, red cards) and substitutes available as when the match was abandoned;
  7. No additional substitutes may be added to the list of players on the team sheet;
  8. The teams can make only the number of substitutions to which they were still entitled when the match was abandoned;
  9. Players sent off during the abandoned match cannot be replaced;
  10. Any sanctions imposed before the match was abandoned remain valid for the remainder of the match;
  11. the kick-off time, date and location shall be decided by the Campeones Cup Committee.
  12. Any other case not mentioned in this document will be addressed by the Organizing committee

VII. LAWS OF THE GAME

  1. All matches will be played under the current Laws of the Game as approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and published by FIFA.
  2. In the case of any discrepancy in the interpretation of the Laws of the Game, the English and Spanish text shall be authoritative.

VIII. DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE

  1. All disciplinary incidents will be reviewed by a Disciplinary Committee made up of members from MLS and Liga MX disciplinary bodies. They will decide on supplemental discipline for players and/or technical staff.
  2. Cautions and suspensions:

a. Cautions received during the Competition are not carried over to any other Competition

b. Red card (direct or indirect) suspensions will be served in the current Competition

c. Unserved suspensions outstanding at the end of a team’s participation in the Competition will carry over to the next Competition match for the individual player.

  1. In cases of violent conduct and/or referee abuse/assault or other major infractions, all supplemental Discipline will be managed by the Disciplinary Committee of each league as it relates to the actions of their own player or technical staff member.

IX. MEDICAL and DOPING CONTROL

Unless otherwise indicated below, all medical scenarios must be handled in accordance with the policies and procedures outlined in the current MLS Medical Manual.

A. Medical Considerations:

  1. Each Participating Club shall participate in the Competition with all participating players having fulfilled approved entrance physicals/medicals as part of its respective League’s rules and regulations.
  2. The Venue Medical Director (“VMD”) will be responsible for the care and well-being of both Participating Clubs and match officials during the match and will have the final decision on medical emergencies that occur during the match including cardiovascular and head injuries. The VMD will be appointed by the Campeones Cup Committee and must be qualified to evaluate and manage potential head injuries and be familiar with the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) of the venue.
  3. The VMD’s primary responsibilities during the Match include the following:

a. Making final decisions and plan of care, in consultation with Participating Club’s medical staff, on all emergency situations and evaluation of suspected head injury.

b. Serving as an impartial physician in the event a Participating Club does not have a physician on site.

c. Being the primary point of contact for the Campeones Cup Committee in the event of a medical emergency related to the match.

d. Be present at the pre-match coordination meeting and conduct a medical time out that includes the medical staff from both teams as well as the fourth official and emergency response team.

  1. Each Club is required to have a duly licensed medical professional (e.g. physician) as part of its official delegation. Such doctor must be fully integrated and familiar with all medical aspects of the delegation and must remain with the delegation throughout the entire official period of the competition.
  2. The Campeones Cup Committee shall not be held liable for any injury sustained by any participating player or official. Equally, the Competition Committee shall not be held liable for any incident (including death) linked to any injury or health problem(s) of any participating player or official.
  3. As stated in these Regulations, each Participating Club shall be responsible throughout the Competition for providing health, travel and accident insurance coverage for all the members of its delegation throughout the competition. In addition, and in accordance with the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, the club with which any participating player is registered shall be responsible for player’s insurance coverage against illness and accident during the entire period of the player’s release.
  4. Failure to comply with the aforementioned provision shall be sanctioned by the Campeones Cup Committee.
  5. Regarding non-traumatic collapse during a Competition Match, the referee will assume sudden cardiac arrest until proven otherwise. The hand signal is the right-hand fist against the chest. Such a signal will indicate to the Club medical staff and VMD as well as the medical emergency team to immediately institute comprehensive resuscitation that includes the use of an automatic external defibrillator (AED) and CPR. It is the responsibility of the host Participating Club to ensure that the EAP includes a properly functioning AED immediately at hand and that there is an advanced life support (ALS) ambulance with an access and egress plan.
  6. Further to the above, regarding traumatic head injury and possible concussion, full return to play after a previous concussion must include no signs or symptoms of the previous head injury as well as an acceptable Sideline Concussion Assessment Test (SCAT) assessment. All players with suspected concussion must be removed from play and evaluated by medical provider. Players diagnosed with concussion cannot return to play in the same day and must be evaluated and cleared to return to play by the Club’s medical providers and at a minimum be back to baseline level of symptoms, neurological exam and have a Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) performed.

B. Doping Considerations:

  1. Doping is the use of certain substances or methods capable of artificially enhancing the physical and/or mental performance of a player, with a view to improving athletic and/or mental performance. If there is medical need as defined by the player’s doctor, then a Therapeutic Use Exemption (“TUE”) application must be filed fourteen (14) days prior to the applicable Competition Match for chronic conditions and as soon as possible for acute situations. The TUE approval system includes a designated administrative and functional committee that will review applications and certify the exemption as the committee defines.
  2. Doping is strictly prohibited. The FIFA Anti-Doping Regulations, the FIFA Disciplinary Code and all other relevant FIFA as well as Concacaf Regulations, circulars and directives shall apply to the Competition.
  3. Every player may be subject to in-competition testing at the Matches in which he competes and to out-of-competition testing at any time and place. Furthermore, reference is made to the FIFA Anti-Doping Control Regulations and the list of prohibited substances and methods per the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
  4. If, in accordance with the FIFA Anti-Doping Control Regulations, a player tests positive for the use of banned substances, the player shall be immediately declared ineligible from further participation in the Competition and shall be subject to further sanctions from the Competition Committee.

X. PROTESTS

  1. Protests, subject to the following provisions, are objections of any kind connected with matches of the Competition.
  2. Any and all protests shall be submitted in writing to the Match Commissioner no later than 24 hours before the Competition.
  3. No protests may be lodged against the referee’s decisions on points of fact connected with play, such decisions being final.
  4. Once the winning team of the Competition has been proclaimed, any protest or complaint about the sports procedure followed during the Competition shall be disregarded.

XI. COMMERCIAL RIGHTS

  1. Marketing, radio, television promotion and advertising rights for the Competition are fully vested with the Campeones Cup Committee.
  2. Concessions for souvenir sales, official programs and others of a similar nature for the Competition are fully vested with the Campeones Cup Committee.
  3. Rights for the merchandising of the event, both on and off site, for the Competition, are exclusively with the Campeones Cup Committee.
  4. Permission to make technical films/tapes, exclusively reserved for the use of a Participating Clubs concerned, must be obtained from the Campeones Cup Committee.
  5. Any use of the event trademarks and logos must first receive the approval of the Campeones Cup Committee.
  6. The Campeones Cup Committee shall be granted the right by each association to use its marks, logos, player images and emblems for the sole purpose of promoting the Competition.
  7. The Participating Teams shall agree, as a condition of their participation that:

a. The terms the “Campeones Cup”, or commonly used to identify the Competition, and their equivalent, abbreviated or as translated into other languages, may only be used by such teams in a sporting context with no commercial implications. MLS and Liga MX owns the copyright for all these terms.

  1. They shall agree to abide by any advertising provisions issued by the Campeones Cup Committee.
  2. They shall abide by the Commercial Guidelines and/or the Commercial Regulations as issued by the Campeones Cup Committee.
  3. In addition, due to sponsorship agreements with the Campeones Cup Committee, each Participating Club will provide two (2) official match jerseys signed by all the players on the roster.
  4. In addition to the above, each participant in the Competition, including players, coaches, team officials, referees and officials, agree to be filmed, televised, photographed, identified and otherwise recorded during the Competition under conditions and for the purposes now or hereinafter authorized by the Campeones Cup Committee in relation to the promotion of the Competition, the partnership and the sport of football.

COMPETITION

XII. TEAMS

  1. The Campeones Cup Committee determines the Participating Clubs will be:

a. The MLS Cup champion from the previous MLS season in which the Competition will be played

b. The winner of Liga BBVA MX’s Campeon de Campeones (played within the calendar year of the Competition), between the winners of the immediately previous Apertura and Clausura tournaments.

  1. Each team taking part in the Competition must arrive and officially present itself at least 2 days before the Competition.
  2. Each team must attend a Team Arrival Meeting (TAM) upon arrival at the Competition. The schedule and agenda for such Team Arrival Meeting will be communicated in due course.
  3. Each team must attend a Match Coordination Meeting (MCM) on the day before each match. Two (2) members of each Participating Club are required to attend. Such meetings are mandatory and must be attended by both teams’ representatives. The schedule and agenda for each Match Coordination Meeting will be communicated in due course.
  4. The trainings for both Participating Clubs will take place on Matchday minus 1 (-1) at set times by the Campeones Cup Committee at the Competition venue. Trainings will not surpass 90 minutes.
  5. A pregame press conference will take place for each Participating Club on Matchday minus 1 (1-) at the Competition venue. Each Participating Club will ensure that the head coach and two (2) Participating Club players will attend this press conference for no more than thirty (30) minutes at a mutually agreed upon location andtime.
  6. As part of the social responsibility efforts of Campeones Cup and the Partnership, the Participating Clubs are obligated to designate three (3) mutually agreed players to participate in a one (1) hour Community Relations event as determined by the Campeones Cup Committee.

XIII. TEAM ENTRY - ELIGIBILITY OF PLAYERS AND TEAM REGISTRATION

  1. The players and members of the coaching staff that will participate in the match must be registered and confirmed by its respective league, LIGA MX and MLS.
  2. Both Participating Clubs, must submit their official roster of thirty players (30) and nine technical staff members to the Campeones Cup Organizing committee by September 8 as the official deadline. By September 12 at the latest, the final list of twenty-three (23) players and nine (9) members of the Coaching Staff must be submitted to the Campeones Cup Committee
  3. From the twenty-three (23) players on the official roster, only twenty (20) players will appear on the official match roster (11 starting players + 9 substitutes)
  4. Five (5) substitutions in 3 opportunities, will be allowed per Participating Club.
  5. Both Participating Clubs must respect the Competition Regulations from their respective leagues in regard to player eligibility
  6. The Participating Clubs shall be responsible for fielding only eligible players. Failure to do so shall lead to the consequences stipulated in the applicable regulations
  7. The list of players shall be published by the Campeones Cup Committee and will be made public.
  8. Should a Participating Club add a new player to its roster and abides by the roster rules and regulations of its respective league, said player will be eligible to participate in the Competition.

XIV. REFEREEING

  1. The referees, assistant referees, fourth officials and reserve assistant referees (hereinafter referred to collectively as match officials) shall be appointed by Concacaf or mutually agreed by MLS and Liga MX. They shall be selected from the FIFA International Refereeing list in force and shall be neutral.
  2. If the referee is prevented from carrying out his duties, such referee shall be replaced by the fourth official. If one of the assistant referees is prevented from carrying out his duties, such assistan treferee shall be replaced by the reserve assistant referee.
  3. The match officials shall receive the official refereeing kit and equipment from CONCACAF. They shall wear and use only this kit on match days.
  4. The match officials shall be given the opportunity to use training facilities.
  5. After each match, the referee shall complete the report forms and submit them to the Match Commissioner at the venue as directed.
  6. On the report form, the referee shall note, along with all the match results, all incidents before, during, and after the match in as much detail as possible, such as:

a. Misconduct of players and team officials, leading to caution or expulsion.

b. Unsporting behavior of officials and/or any person acting on behalf of the Participating Club at a match.

c. Unsporting behavior of any supporters.

d. Any other incidents

XV. VIDEO ASSISTANT REFEREE

  1. During the Competition, Video Review technology will be used, according to the VAR Protocol established by FIFA and the IFAB. A Video Assistant Referee (“VAR”) and Assistant Video Assistant Referee (“AVAR”) will manage all aspects of Video Review.
  2. Liga MX and MLS will mutually agree on the selection of the VAR and AVAR, taking into consideration Concacaf recommendations for experienced VARs.
  3. Notwithstanding the above, in principle, a Competition Match will not be invalidated because of:

a. Malfunction(s) of the VAR technology (as for goal line technology); b. Wrong decision(s) involving the VAR;

c. Decision(s) not to review an incident; and/or

d. Review(s) of a non-reviewable situation/decision.

  1. The Competition Committee will manage the Video Review procedures consistent with the current MLS and Liga MX protocols for Video Review.

XVI. DURATION, EXTRA TIME, TIE BREAKING PROCEDURES

  1. The Competition shall last ninety (90) minutes, comprising two (2) periods of forty-five (45) minutes with an interval of fifteen (15) minutes in between.
  2. If the match is tied at the end of regulation time it will directly proceed to kicks from the penalty mark to determine a winner.

XVII. FIELD OF PLAY, STADIUMS, TRAINING SITES

  1. The Campeones Cup Committee shall guarantee that the fields of play chosen for the Competition comply with standards of safety and security required by FIFA for international matches.
  2. The fields of play, accessory equipment and all facilities for each match of the Competition shall be in optimum condition and comply with the Laws of the Game and all other relevant regulations.
  3. Weather and pitch conditions permitting, teams that are due to play a match in a stadium in which they have not previously played will be entitled to one 45-minute training session in that stadium on the day before the match. The times for such sessions will be set by Campeones Cup Committee and teams have to respect such times accordingly.
  4. If the pitch is not in good condition or the training session would negatively affect the state of the pitch, Campeones Cup Committee may shorten or cancel the training session and direct the teams only to inspect the pitch wearing training shoes.
  5. The teams will be entitled to warm up on the field of play before the match for a maximum of thirty (30) minutes, weather permitting and other conditions permitting.
  6. Each stadium shall have sufficient space behind the goals to allow the players to warm up during the matches. A maximum of six (6) players shall warm up at the same time (with a maximum of one (1) official). Only the goalkeeper may warm up with a ball. If there is not sufficient space behind the goals, both teams shall warm up in the designated area beside the substitute bench of Team B, behind assistant referee no. 1. In this case, only a maximum of three (3) players per team may warm up at the same time, no balls are permitted.
  7. In principle, each team will be provided with a training site for their exclusive use in each venue according to the match schedule. The training sites shall be made available for the exclusive use of the teams at least 2 days before the Competition
  8. The training sites shall be situated within a maximum 20-minute bus drive from the team hotel.
  9. Each training site shall have corresponding support personnel and suitable training site equipment, including but not limited to cones and movable goals. Each training site shall be equipped with at least one dressing room with lockers, showers and toilets.

XVIII. ACCREDITATION

  1. The Campeones Cup Committee shall issue each official Team Delegation Member with an official accreditation.
  2. Only those players who are in possession of such an accreditation are entitled to play the matches of the Competition. The accreditation should always be available.
  3. The Participating Clubs shall ensure that all accreditation data required by the Campeones Cup Committee is submitted by the deadline

XIX. START LIST

  1. Of the twenty-three (23) players named to the official roster, only twenty (20) will appear on the official match roster (11 starting players and 9 substitutes). Up to a maximum of five (5) of the substitutes may take the place of the selected players at any time during the match.
  2. The numbers on the players’ shirts must correspond to the numbers indicated on the start list. The start list shall be signed by the head coach.
  3. Each team is responsible for arriving at the stadium at the latest ninety (90) minutes before the kick-off of the respective match and for providing the completed start list to the Campeones Cup Match Commissioner upon such arrival.
  4. Each team is responsible for ensuring that the start list is completed properly and submitted on time, and that only the selected players start the match.
  5. If any of the eleven (11) players submitted on the start list are not able to begin the match due to sudden injury or illness, they may be replaced by any of the eligible substitutes as long as the Match Commissioner is officially informed prior to kick-off. This will not count towards the five (5) substitutions allowed per team. Additionally, the empty spot on the substitution bench shall be occupied by one of the players on the twenty-three (23) man roster submitted as part of the official list, that was not considered as part of the Twenty (20) man roster. Teams may request this type of substitution up to ten (10) minutes prior to the start of the match.
  6. Further to the above, any injured or ill player who is removed from the start list will no longer be eligible to take part in the match, and thus cannot be selected as a substitute player at any time during the game. Such a change to the start list will not reduce the number of official substitutions that may be made by a team during the match. In accordance with Law 3 of the Laws of the Game, up to a maximum of five (5) substitutions may still be made.
  7. Although no longer eligible to play as a substitute, the injured or ill player who was removed from the start list may not be seated on the substitutes’ bench, however the player would remain eligible for doping control selection.
  8. Only the players who were identified on the official start list submitted to the Match Commissioner or were confirmed as a warm-up injury/illness replacement player, may start the match. In the case of any discrepancies of players on the pitch at the beginning of a match, the matter will be submitted to the Match Commissioner for a decision.
  9. IFAB Laws of the Game Concussion Substitute Protocol B

a. Above and beyond the 5 “normal” substitutions in 3 opportunities, each team will be permitted to make up to an additional 2 “concussion substitutions” when there is a suspected/possible concussion.

b. These 2 “concussion substitutions” are permitted regardless of how many “normal”

substitutions or opportunities have already been used.

c. A “concussion substitution” may be made:

(a) immediately after a concussion occurs or is suspected;

(b) after an on-field assessment, and/or after an off-field assessment; or

(c) at any other time when a concussion occurs or is suspected (including when a player has previously been assessed and has returned to the field of play).

d. When a “concussion substitute” is used, the opposing team then has the option to use an “additional” substitute and an additional substitution opportunity for any reason which may or may not be used at the same time as the opposing team’s “concussion substitution”.

e. A team’s “additional” substitution can only be used after the team has used all its “normal” substitutes or substitution opportunities.

f. At the “additional” substitution opportunity, only the “additional” substitute may enter the game. If the team has used all its “normal” substitution opportunities but has not used all five (5) of its “normal” substitutes, the team is not permitted to use any remaining “normal” substitutes at the same time as the “additional” substitution opportunity.

g. If each team makes a substitution at the same stoppage, both teams will be charged an opportunity.

h. If a team makes a non-concussion substitution at the same stoppage where a “concussion substitution” is being made, that team will be charged an opportunity.

i. Once a team has used all its “normal” substitution opportunities, it cannot use a “concussion substitution” opportunity to make a “normal” substitution.

XX. SUBSTITUTES’ BENCH

  1. No more than 18 people (9 officials and 9 substitutes) shall be allowed to sit on the substitutes’ bench. The names of these officials must be indicated on the “Officials on the Substitutes’ Bench” form to be provided to the Match Commissioner. A suspended player or official will not be allowed to sit on the substitutes’ bench.

XXI. TEAM EQUIPMENT

  1. The Participating Clubs 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 at any official activity organized by CONCACAF (including in the stadiums for official matches and training sessions, as well as during official media conferences and mixed-zone activities).

XXII. TEAM COLORS

  1. Each team shall inform the Campeones Cup Committee of two different and contrasting colors (one predominately dark and one predominately light) for its official and reserve team kits (shirt, shorts and socks). In addition, each team shall select three contrasting colors for the goalkeepers. These three goalkeeper kits must be distinctly different and contrasting from each other as well as different and contrasting from the official and reserve team kits. This information shall be sent to the Campeones Cup Committee on the team color form. Only these colors may be worn at the matches.

XXIII. TEAM KIT APPROVAL PROCEDURES

  1. Each Participating Club shall provide Campeones Cup Committee with exact samples, including names and numbers, of the following equipment:

a. official and reserve kits (two sets of shirts, shorts, socks);

b. three sets of the goalkeeper’s kit (shirts, shorts, socks);

c. goalkeeper’s gloves and caps;

d. All equipment that will be worn by the substitute players and the technical staff sitting on the bench during the matches.

  1. The approval procedure for all such kits and the applicable deadlines will be communicated via a circular letter or at the Match Commissioner Meeting.

XXIV. PLAYERS’ NAMES AND NUMBERS

  1. Throughout the Competition, each player shall wear the number assigned to him on the final list. Such number shall be displayed on the front and back of his shirt and on his shorts in accordance with the FIFA Equipment Regulations. The colors of the numbers must contrast clearly with the main color of the shirts and shorts (light or dark or vice versa) and be legible from a distance for spectators in the stadium and television viewers in accordance with the FIFA Equipment Regulations.
  2. The player’s last name or popular name (or abbreviation) shall be affixed above the number on the back of the shirt and shall be clearly legible in accordance with the FIFA Equipment Regulations.

XXV. GOALKEEPERS’ SHIRTS WITHOUT NAME AND NUMBER

  1. In addition to all of the above (and as the only exception), 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 colors as the regular goalkeeper shirts.

XXVI. PLAYERS’ CHEST BADGES

  1. Campeones Cup Committee shall supply a sufficient number of players’ chest badges with the official Competition logo which shall be affixed on the front center of the chest in each shirt. In the case the event Captain Armbands are not provided by Organizing committee three (3) days prior to the match, then each team will use their respective League’s Captain Armband.

XXVII. SOCCER BALLS

  1. The Competition Committee will provide each Participating Club with twenty (20) official adidas soccer balls for use in all training sessions, to be delivered at such Participating Club’s hotel. Each Participating Club will be responsible for taking the soccer balls to the Stadium.
  2. The Competition Committee will provide the host Participating Club with a minimum of sixteen (16) official match balls (which can be previously-used match balls) for all Competition Matches. The host Participating Club will be responsible for providing such match balls to the Match Officials. When inflated, each soccer ball must not exceed more than fourteen (14) ounces/psi and no less than twelve (12) ounces/psi. All match balls must be delivered to the locker room of the Match Officials at least ninety (90) minutes prior to kick-off to pass inspection. Replacement balls needed during the Competition Match must be provided if necessary and must be inspected by the Fourth Official prior to it being used in the match. All match balls in the possession of the Match Officials must be returned to the home Participating Club after the match.
  3. Soccer balls should be distributed as depicted in the Section (XVI) schematic and as follows:

a. One (1) in play;

b. One (1) stationed at the Fourth Match Official’s table either on a Ball Stand or on the table;

c. A minimum of thirteen (13) placed on the Ball Stands (as defined in Section XVI);

d. One (1) behind each goal’s AdTrac/LED field boards on the ground and accessible by the Ball Retriever.

XXVIII. BALL STANDS & BALL RETRIEVERS

Ball stands (each, a “Ball Stand”) will be implemented in all Competition Matches. Each Competition Venue requires a minimum of thirteen (13) and maximum of fourteen (14) total Ball Stands in the following locations around theperimeter of the field: five (5) on the sideline opposite the benches; two (2) on both goal lines positioned on either side of the goal; two (2) outside each Club technical area for a total of four (4) on the bench sideline or five (5) if an additional stand is used at the Match Official’s Table. Each Competition Venue has preselected and will be provided with Ball Stand versions suitable to their stadium confines as follows:

Ball Stands will be placed around the field according to Competition guidelines as follows:

One (1) redundancy of each Ball Stand version utilized in each Competition Venue will be stored at the venue and/or used at the 4th Official’s Table and accessible at any time. Ball Stands behind a single goal must be the same version unless two (2) different versions are necessary to accommodate stadium configurations. Ball Stands on either end of the field are not required to be the same version. The Match Commissioner must ensure that Ball Stands and each respective Ball Stand ball is secure from any interference. The host Participating Club will have a minimum off four Ball Retrievers in matching jerseys provided by the Competition Committee (each, a “Ball Retriever”).

a. The host Participating Club is responsible for ensuring uniform distribution of Ball Retrievers around the field so that one end and/or sideline of the field is not disadvantaged, and that the procedure for returning balls to the ball stands is equal for each Participating Club.

b. Players will be responsible for retrieving the ball from the Ball Stand to restart play. The Ball Retriever must replace the ball on the empty Ball Stand, then immediately retrieve the errant ball and return to their positions. At no time should the Ball Retriever or any other individual deliver their ball or a Ball Stand ball directly to a player.

c. Any player who removes a ball from a Ball Stand when his Participating Club is not in possession of the restart and/or for any other inappropriate reason may be cautioned by the Referee for Unsporting Behavior.

XXIX. OTHER EQUIPMENT

  1. Smart devices will be allowed on the benches in accordance with the IFAB and FIFA rules. At no time can video be used to contest a referee’s decision. Any violation of this will result in immediate dismissal and supplemental discipline provided by the respective organization.

  2. The use of any equipment or communication device between players and/or coaching staff is allowed.

  3. Smoking is not permitted in the Competition areas such as the dressing rooms, the tunnel areas, the technical areas, and the pitch perimeter areas.

XXX. CEREMONY, FLAGS AND ANTHEMS

  1. During the Competition, the FIFA, League, and Competition flags, the flag of the host country, and the flags of the competing Participating Clubs shall be flown inside the stadium providing sufficient flag poles are available.

  2. The national anthems of the two Participating Clubs will be played.

  3. The Opening Ceremony Protocol prior to the match will consist of (walking on to the field information, singing of the national anthems, handshakes amongst the Participating Clubs and Referees, official photos and coin toss amongst the Captains).

  4. In the award presentation post-game, a trophy will be given to the Participating Club that has been declared the winner of the match.

XXXI. FINANCIAL REGULATIONS

  1. The Participating Clubs shall be responsible for and bear the costs of the following:

a. Adequate insurance to cover their Team Delegation Members and any other persons carrying out duties on their behalf against all risk, including but not limited to injury, accident, disease, and travel in consideration of the applicable FIFA rules or regulations on the release of players to association teams.

b. Board and lodging of the Competition in excess of the amounts paid by the Campeones Cup Committee, including rental of meeting rooms and audio/visual technical equipment.

c. Cost associated with additional members of the association’s delegation (in excess of 40 people).

  1. The Campeones Cup Committee shall bear the costs of the following:

a. Economy class return air tickets for 40 persons from each Participating Club between the main airport of the participating team and the main airport of the city of the host team where the match is scheduled.

b. All domestic air and ground transportation for official Competition functions, including to and from the airport, for matches, training sessions, and match coordination meetings;

c. Board and lodging for 40 persons from visiting Participating Club.;

d. Prize money for the Participating Clubs, the amounts of which shall be determined by the Campeones Cup Committee;

e. Economy air travel, first class hotel and board, and approved per diem for the match officials.

  1. For the Competition Match, the Competition Committee will provide the following:

a. One (1) catered suite for each Participating Club,

b. One Hundred Fifty (150) complimentary match tickets for each Participating Club,

c. Twenty (20) complimentary match tickets for Liga MX and MLS.

d. The location of such complimentary tickets and suites will be subject to availability.

XXXII. TROPHY, AWARDS AND MEDALS

  1. The Campeones Cup Committee, led by MLS and Liga MX Commissioner and President respectively, will present the winning team with the Campeones Cup Trophy.

  2. Special awards will be presented to:

a. The Most Valuable Player will be awarded to the best player in the Competition on the basis of a vote from media in the stadium press box

XXXIII. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

  1. The Campeones Cup Committee shall, in conjunction with the Hosting Participating Club, issue any instructions necessitated by special circumstances that may arise in the host country. These instructions shall form an integral part of these Regulations.

XXXIV. MATTERS NOT PROVIDED FOR

  1. Any matters not provided for in these Regulations and any cases of force majeure shall be decided by the Campeones Cup Committee. All decisions shall be final and binding and not subject to appeal.

XXXV. LANGUAGES

  1. In the case of any discrepancy in the interpretation of the English, French or Spanish texts of these Regulations, the English and Spanish text shall be authoritative.

XXXVI. COPYRIGHT

  1. The copyright of the match schedule drawn up in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations is the property of Campeones Cup.