ENGEN

KNOCKOUT

CHALLENGE

TOURNAMENT RULES

& REGULATIONS

Welcome to the official rules page for the 2025 Engen Knockout Challenge! This competition, now in its 23rd year, it is open to U18 male and U20 female teams from across South Africa. Below you’ll find all the key details and requirements for participation.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

  • U18 (Born 2007 or later) for male teams.
  • U20 (Born 2005 or later) for female teams.
  • Players must be registered with SAFA and possess a valid SAFA playing card for 2025.
  • Each team must submit their roster of 20 players and 4 management members.

REGISTRATION PROCESS

  1. Complete and submit your squad list (20 players & 4 management) to the SAFA Local Football Association within your province or region.
  2. Ensure that all players are registered with a club and have valid documents, including a South African ID or passport and MySafa card for 2025.
  3. No individual registrations are allowed.
  4. A player can only play in ONE Engen Knockout Challenge competition.

TOURNAMENT PHASES

  1. Engen Knockout Challenge Qualifiers
  2. Engen Knockout Challenge
  3. Engen Champ of Champs

MATCH FORMAT & DURATION

  • Boys U18 & Women U20: Matches consist of two 25-minute halves with a 7-minute halftime.
  • Teams can make 5 substitutions in 3 intervals (excluding halftime).
  • In the event of a tie at the end of regular time during knockout rounds, a penalty shootout will take place. (NO EXTRA TIME)

TOURNAMENT FORMAT

  1. Groups of 4 teams per group. The top 2 teams in each group will proceed to the Knockout stages. Knockout Style competition.
  2. Boys U18 and Women U20 divisions.

IMPORTANT TOURNAMENT RULES

  • Match Punctuality: Teams must be at the venue 1 hour before kickoff. Late arrivals will result in a walk-over for the opposing team (A 2-0 victory).
  • Team Sheets: Submit 3 copies of your team sheet before the match, listing all players and officials.
  • Red Card: Players sent off with a red card will be suspended for the next match.
  • Players cautioned twice will be suspended for the next game.
  • The bookings will fall away at the start of the knockout stages. During the knockout stages the above for bookings and sending off will apply again.
  • Protests: Any protests must be filed during the match and in writing within 72 hours.
  • The referee’s decision is final.
  • Disciplinary Actions: Misconduct, including bringing the sponsor or region into disrepute, will lead to a referral to the SAFA Disciplinary Committee.

UNIFORM & EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

  • Teams must bring a second playing kit in case of a color clash.
  • All jerseys must be properly numbered.
  • Substitutes: Up to 9 substitutes are allowed on the bench, with a maximum of 5 substitutions during the match at different opportunities. Half-time does not count as an opportunity.

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES

  • Injuries: Except for head injuries, all player injuries will be treated outside the field of play.
  • FIFA Rules: All matches will follow standard FIFA regulations if not indicated above.
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