Football·International Regulations·AFC
AFC Regulations Governing International Matches (2019 Edition)
- Adopted
- 2019/12/01
The AFC Regulations Governing International Matches, 2019 Edition — determining which matches are international, who must authorise them, and from which body authorisation is obtained.
| Edition | 2019 |
| Structure | 15 articles together with an annexe of report forms; 38 pages |
| Core of the document | The division of matches into three categories — 1, 2 and 3 — and a distinct authorisation procedure for each |
Why this document matters
No match or tournament involving teams from more than one member association may be staged without authorisation. Article 4 lays down the obligations of the member association, and Article 5 restricts the naming of international matches and tournaments — meaning that even the title of a tournament is not unconstrained. For clubs and associations arranging cross-border friendly matches, these regulations are the starting point.
The three categories and the authorisation route for each Articles 6 to 12
- Article 6 — The principle that authorisation is required No international match may be staged without permission.
- Articles 7 to 9 — Definition of the three categories Category 1, 2 and 3 matches are distinguished on the basis of the level of the participating teams.
- Article 10 — Category 1 procedure The most demanding route, for category 1 matches and tournaments.
- Article 11 — Category 2 procedure
- Article 12 — Category 3 procedure The lightest route.
Reporting and enforcement
Article 13 lays down the obligation to report after a match has been staged, and Article 14 sets out the sanctions. The annexe to the document contains the official report forms: the football report form, the futsal and beach soccer report form, and the player list form. Staging a match without authorisation and staging one without reporting are each independent breaches.