2026 THANH NIEN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT - THACO CUP

TOURNAMENT REGULATIONS

1. TECHNICAL REGULATIONS:

   1. Tournament name:

      THANH NIEN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT 2025 - THACO CUP
      • - Organizer: Thanh Nien Newspaper
      • - Coordinating in organizing: Vietnam Football Federation

   2. Participants:

      The tournament features six teams, including four teams of university students from South East Asia countries and two teams of Vietnamese university students.

   3. Player Eligibility:

      Players eligible to participate must meet the following criteria:
      • University students from participating countries.
      • Born on or after January 1^st, 1998.

   4. Registration:

      • 4.1 Number of Participants: Each team may register a maximum of 7 officials and 23 players.
      • 4.2 Required documents:

        - The registration list of players must include: full name, date of birth, position, passport number, place of issue and expiration dates, issuing authority (for all members), height, weight, and jersey number (for players).

        - The team registration form must be submitted to the Organizing Committee by February 15^th, 2025, at:
        Email: giaibongdaTNSV@thanhnien.vn
        Email: thi.tavu@thanhnien.vn

   5. Team Uniforms:

      - Each team must have at least two sets of uniforms in different colors to be used throughout the tournament. Goalkeepers must have at least two jerseys in different colors with same jersey number. Any uniform changes must be reported to the Organizing Committee no later than the pre-match meeting.

      - All player uniforms must display the team name and player number. Theo team name and player number must be displayed in a legible font and contrasting colors. Team’s name on the back of jerseys must not exceed 7.5 cm in height, while jersey numbers must range from 25 cm to 35 cm in height. Shorts must display the same number on the front, right side, with a height of 7 cm. Player jersey numbers must remain consistent throughout the tournament.

      - Competition attire must not feature any text or images advertising brands, products, or services.

      - The right sleeve of the shirt must display the logo of the competition (provided by the organizers).

      - Teams must submit their uniform designs for approval by the organizers prior to the event.

   6. Format and Scoring rules: Mode of Competition/Competition format

      • 6.1 Competition Format:

        The six teams will be divided into two groups, playing one round-robin format to calculate points and rankings. The first and second-place teams from each group will advance to the semifinals. The semifinal winners will compete in the Final match, while the losers will compete for third place.
        • 6.1.1 Scoring and Ranking in Group Matches: -> Mode of calculating points and ranking in the single round robin format
          1. Three (3) points for a win
          2. One (1) point for a draw and
          3. Zero (0) point for a defeat
          Rankings will be determined based on total points.
        • 6.1.2 Tiebreaker Rules:

          If more than two teams are tied on points, the following criteria will be applied to determine the rankings of the teams concerned:
          First, results of the matches between the tied teams will be considered in the following order:

          • - Greater number of points obtained in all matches.
          • - Goal difference.
          • - Greater number of goals
          •   The team with the higher number in each category will be ranked higher.

        • 6.1.3 If there is still a tie after considering the above criteria, the following will be applied (based on all matches of the tournament):
          • - Goal difference in all matches.
          • - Greater number of goals.
          •   Again, the team with the higher number in each category will be ranked higher.
        • 6.1.4 If still tied, rankings will be determined by counting points as below principles:
          • Yellow card: 1 point
          • Red card (two yellow cards in the same match): 3 points
          • Direct red card: 3 points
          • One yellow card and one direct red card in the same match: 4 points
          • Teams with fewer number will be ranked higher.

          In case of tie on points after considering above mentioned criteria, drawing lots will be conducted to determine ranking of teams (In case there are two teams tie on points and both teams are still on field of play, taking kicks from penalty mark will be applied to determine ranking)

   7. Knockout Matches (Semi finals, Third place and Final Match)

      Played in knock – out format as single elimination. If these matches end in a draw after normal playing time, taking kicks from penalty mark will be applied to determine winner.

   8. Match Rules and Other Provisions:

      • 8.1 Matches will adhere to the Laws of the Game as issued by IFAB.
      • 8.2 A maximum of 20 players (11 starters and 9 substitutes) can be registered for each match. Teams may substitute up to 5 players during 3 substitution opportunities.
      • 8.3 Matches will consist of two 40-minute halves, with a 15-minute halftime break.
      • 8.4 The official tournament ball will be an approved FIFA-standard product from Dong Luc.

   9. Disciplinary matters:

      • 9.1 The Organizing Committee will handle disciplinary actions for any violations committed by participants during the Tournament.
      • 9.2 A player receiving two (02) yellow cards in the same match (resulting in an indirect red card) will be sent off and suspended for the next match.
      • 9.3 A player receiving two (02) yellow cards in two (02) separate matches will be suspended for the next match.
      • 9.4 A player receiving a direct red card will be suspended for at least the next match. The Organizing Committee may extend the suspension depending on the severity of the violation.

   10. Tournament Schedule and Venue:

       • Duration: From March 22^nd to March 30^th, 2025
       • Venue: Ton Duc Thang University Stadium (Ho Chi Minh City)

   11. Match Commissioner, Referees and Coordinators:

       Match Commissioner, referees, and coordinators will be appointed by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Vietnam Football Federation.

2. FINANCIAL REGULATIONS:

   1. Prizes:

      • 1.1 Champion: Trophy, medals, and prize money of 6,000 USD
      • 1.2 Runner-up: Medals and prize money of 4,000 USD
      • 1.3 Third Place: Medals and prize money of 2,000 USD
      • 1.4 Fair Play Award of 1,500 USD
      • 1.5 Top Scorer: $500 USD
        In the event of a tie for the highest number of goals, the players will be recognized as top scorers, and the prize money will be divided equally among them.
      • 1.6 Most Valuable Player (MVP): $500 USD
      • 1.7 Best Goalkeeper: $500 USD
      • 1.8 Best Referee Team: $500 USD
      • 1.9 Player of the Match: $100 USD per match

   2. Meals, Accommodation, Transportation, and Allowances for Members of the Organizing Committee, Tournament Staff, and Technical Personnel:

      (Specific financial regulations are outlined in a separate document.)

   3. Regulations on Meals, Accommodation, and Transportation for Teams:

      • 3.1 The Organizing Committee will arrange meals and accommodation for the participating teams:
        • Number of people: A maximum of 30 individuals per team (6 single rooms for officials and 12 double rooms for coaches and players).
        • Meal arrangements: 3 meals per day, with additional light meals provided on match days.
      • 3.2 Duration: From March 22^nd, 2025 to April 1^st, 2025. If unforeseen circumstances (such as flight delays) occur, the Organizing Committee will continue to provide accommodation and meals until the teams’ departure.
      • 3.3 Travel arrangements:
        • International travel will be arranged for the teams (other travel arrangements must be approved by the Organizing Committee).
        • The Organizing Committee will arrange local transportation (pick-up, drop-off, and local transportation within Ho Chi Minh City) for the teams, including 01 45 – seats bus
      • 3.4 Laundry service at the hotel:
        • Officials: 1 set per person per day.
        • Players: 1 set per person per day.

   4. Regulations on Meals, Accommodation, Travel, and Payment for Match Supervisors, Referees, and Coordinators:

      • 4.1 The Organizing Committee will arrange meals and accommodation for match commissioner, referees, and coordinators on duty during the tournament:
        • Number of personnel: 11 people (single rooms for Match Commissioner, coordinators, and international referees; twin rooms for domestic referees).
        • Meal arrangements: 3 meals per day, with additional light meals provided on match days.
      • 4.2 Duration: From March 22^nd, 2025 to April 1^st, 2025. If unforeseen circumstances (e.g., flight delays) arise, the Organizing Committee will continue to provide accommodation and meals until they return home.
      • 4.3 Travel arrangements:
        • The Organizing Committee will reimburse actual travel expenses for economy class tickets (based on invoices).
        • The Organizing Committee will arrange transportation (pick-up, drop-off, and local transportation within Ho Chi Minh City) for Match Comissioners, referees, and coordinators using a 16-seat bus.
      • 4.4 Laundry service at the hotel:
        • 1 set per person per day.
      • 4.5 Allowances: The Organizing Committee will issue specific regulations.

   5. Ticket and Pass Arrangements: -> Match tickets and parking pass allocation:

      • 5.1 Teams and other tasked members: The Organizing Committee will invite them to watch all matches.

3. REGULATIONS ON AMENDMENTS TO THE REGULATIONS:

   Only Thanh Nien Newspaper has the authority to amend and supplement these regulations through specific official announcements.