***  Duration of the match will depend on the number of teams registered. If each team has to play more than 5 games, the duration of each match can be shortened.

1. GENERAL RULES

The international youth football tournament „Ateitis CUP 2025-2026“ shall follow the international laws of the game provided by FIFA.

2. IMPORTANT MATCH DETAILS

• Team list Each team must submit a list of players to the administration before its first match in the tournament. All players must be able to identify themselves and certify their age with a valid passport or ID card. All team shirts must be numbered and the numbers must correspond to the numbers of the team list. Numbers must be on the back of the shirt. Two players may not use the same number in any given match. If the referee decides that one team should change shirts due to similarity to the opposing team`s shirts, the team appearing last in the program must change or wear vests.
• Players participating in several teams During the youth football tournament Ateitis CUP  it is not allowed for the players to play in more than one team.  It is permitted to use a player from the same club in several teams but not in the same class. This player has to be on the participant list of all teams he will play for. The player also has to be present when identifying the age at each specific time for all teams the player plays for. If this rule is ignored, the player will be disqualified from the tournament and the game of the violating team will be cancelled. The result -/+ will be noted in the tournament chart and this means that the other team has won.
• Substitutions: The number of substitutions is not fixed. Just one substitution is allowed in 5 minutes before the end of the match during 11 vs 11 games. Exception: injury.
• Overaged players In age groups U16, U15, U14, U13, U12 team can ask permission from the organizer to use 1 over-aged player born after the 1<sup>st</sup> August of age groups a previous year. The organizer reserves a right to not allow over-aged players. U11, U10, U9, U8, U7, U6 over-aged players are not allowed in age groups.
• Before the game, All teams must be ready at the field no later than 10 minutes before kick-off. The team manager must make sure that his players are adequately insured. All players must wear shin guards. The teams are responsible for their supporters` conduct.
• Team size for boys in age groups  2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 – 18 players.
• Team size for boys in age groups  2013, 2014 – 16 players.
• Team size for boys in age groups  2015, 2016 – 14 players.
• Team size for boys in age groups  2017, 2018 – 12 players

3. REFEREES

Referees are members of the Lithuanian Football Federation.

4. STADIUMS

Ateitis CUP  matches will be held in various stadiums in Vilnius. The matches of the tournament will be played on artificial turf.

• SPORTIMA indoor stadium (Ąžuolyno str. 5).
• FANAI stadium (Linkmenų str. 8).
• LFF stadium (Liepkalnio str. 13).
• Pilaite stadium (Įsrūties str. 3).

Note: Tournament organizers reserve the right to make changes to time schedules during the tournament!

5. RECOGNITION OF FAIR PLAY

For the recognition of fair play, it is recommended that players shake hands with the opposing players and referee right after the line-up (before the match starts) and after the final whistle.

6. TOURNAMENT SYSTEM / AWARDS

Ateitis CUP  is divided into two phases: subgroup tournaments and playoffs. In the subgroup tournaments, there are teams divided into subgroups of four, five, six, or seven where all teams play against each other once. Three points are awarded for a win and one point for a draw. No points are awarded for a loss.

If some teams get equal scores in subgroups, the final ranking is decided according to:

• match between each other;
• overall goal difference;
• number of goals;
• count of yellow and red cards (valid only for 11 vs 11 formats);
• drawing lots.

The teams that have won first, second and third place will be awarded cups, medals and souvenirs. The best player of the tournament and top scorer will be awarded personal prizes.

 Penalties During the playoff and final match, if the match ends with a draw after the end of match time, the teams have to start shooting penalties immediately. There will be no extra time during the tournament matches. The number of penalties in each age group:

• Boys in age groups  2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 – 5 penalties;
• Boys in age groups  2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 – 3 penalties.

• Red cards In the case of the red card the FIFA rules are followed. A player will not be disqualified for the next match, except for a flagrant foul or unsportsmanlike conduct.

 Protest The decisions of the referee regarding facts related to play are final. No measures will be taken on protests on decisions made by referees. Protests may be handed in for the following cases:

• if some members of the opposing team cannot identify themselves with a passport, or identification card, or player license for the wish of the other team trainer. – PROTESTS BEFORE THE GAME!
• if the match had been interrupted NOT because of some unforeseen reason nor because of weather conditions.

The protest must be submitted in writing by a team representative (a person who has been designated on the registration form as team leader) no later than 30 minutes after the end of the protested match. A general protest against the whole opposing team is not acceptable. Protest against the yellow or red card or against the removal of the player from the field after the referee has shown two cards, is only allowed if a referee made a mistake against the corresponding player. A protest fee of 100 EUR will be paid at that time (by cash). This amount will be refunded if the protest is successful.

• Jury The possible disagreements and protests will be solved by a three-member jury. The jury includes the head referee and two head organizers of the tournament. The jury’s final decision cannot be appealed.

7. MEDICAL AID / INSURANCE / WARRANTY

The organizers of the „Ateitis CUP“  football tournament will not take any responsibility for injuries, which happen during the football tournament. Teams have an obligation to ensure that all trauma situations will be resolved. If possible, the football tournament organizers will assist with their medical skills.

Make sure that all your players are insured both on and off the playing field. Ateitis CUP does not carry any group insurance and is not responsible for protecting participants in case of injury, illness, theft or damage to property. Participants from countries that have no medical insurance agreement with Lithuanians’ must have personal medical insurance.

By participating in the Ateitis CUP  football tournament, the team confirms being aware of all the rules of the tournament.

8. THE PHOTOS AND VIDEOS

 The photos and videos taken during the tournament will be used on the Website www.ateitiscup.lt, Facebook – Ateitis CUP, Instagram #ateitis cup, YouTube channel Ateitis CUP. If you disagree, please contact the organizers.

9. TEAM ENTRY FEE / ACCOMMODATION / TRANSPORTATION

The participation fee should be paid no later than six (6) weeks before the tournament starts. Team entry fees and payments for accommodation are not returnable in case of non-participation. When a team pays an entry fee it automatically accepts all tournament rules.

50% of the fee for accommodation should be paid not later than four (4) weeks before the tournament starts. 100% of the fee for accommodation should be paid not later than a week (1) before the tournament start. Accommodation of teams is possible only in hotels provided by organizers. All teams must pay tournament fees and stay in hotels provided by organizers.

If needed transfer, bus (50 seats) rental with driver is 350 EUR per day. Minibus (20 seats) – 250 EUR per day (day limit 100 km).

10. PAYMENT

All payments should be done on this bank account:

Football School „Ateitis“,

 Company code 125091368,

 IBAN  LT597300010000242852,

SWEDBANK, AB,  SWIFTcode  HABALT22,  Bank code: 73000.

When making a payment, please indicate the team name and age group (for example – FM Ateitis U-12).