Tournament Rules

The 2025 Helsinki Cup youth football tournament will take place between 7 and 12 July 2025. The tournament will be played according to football regulations with the following specifications. The rules of the Helsinki Cup apply only to the Helsinki Cup and do not affect the activities of the Football Association of Finland (FAF). Regulations are being updated.

ORDER OF TEAMS ON EQUAL POINTS AND DETERMINING THE MATCH-WINNER

If two or more teams are equal on points on completion of the group matches, the following criteria are applied in the order given to determine their rankings:

a. In the group matches played among the teams in question:
1. Points obtained

2. Goal difference

3. Goals scored

b. if, after having applied criteria a., teams still have an equal ranking, criteria a. are reapplied exclusively to the matches between the remaining teams to determine their final rankings.  If this procedure does not lead to a decision, the following criteria is applied in the order given to the two or more teams still equal.

c. In all group matches
1. Goal difference

2. Goals scored

d. Lottery

If a match goes into a penalty shoot-out, the players on the field at the end of the match are entitled to take part; the goalkeeper may be replaced if injured. In 11v11 series, there are five (5) initial kickers per team, and in 8v8, three (3) per team. If the winning team cannot be determined during or after the penalty shoot-out, a sudden-death round will take place, one pair of kickers at a time, until one team succeeds and the other fails.

MATCH RULES

• The team size is limited to 18 players per match. There is no limit on the number of substitutions. The non-playing players who exceed the limit of 18 must be clearly distinguishable from the playing team’s substitutes while watching the match (i.e. not be wearing the team kit on the substitutes’ bench).

• Teams must be kitted and ready to play at least 15 minutes before the start of the match.

• A player or coach who is sent off the field will be banned from play for at least the next match in the series in question. After that, the jury will decide on possible further penalties.

• If opposing teams’ kits are indistinguishable from each other, the team mentioned last in the match programme (the away team) must change their kit (vests are permitted as away shirts).
• If the numbers on the away jerseys differ from those on the home jerseys, the team must send a separate list of the away jersey numbers and the corresponding players to helsinkicup@helsinkicup.fi before the first game.

• The goalkeeper’s kit must be clearly distinguishable from the others in the team.

• The competition jury has the right to intervene with inappropriate behaviour from teams, if necessary, to the point of banning them from the series entirely. The jury may also order that teams demand appropriate behaviour from their supporters. Teams or clubs may be requested to cover damages caused in the tournament.

• Teams that withdraw from or forfeit the competition must pay a fine of €200.

SERIES-SPECIFIC RULES

• The normal offside rule applies from the 12-year-olds’ series upwards.
• In the 10- and 11-year-olds’ series, the offside area starts from the penalty area’s boundary.

• B/G7- , B/G8- ja B/G9 kickoff: pass or dribbling.
• B/G7- , B/G8- ja B/G9  throw-in: only dribbling.
• B/G7- , B/G8- ja B/G9 goalkick: pass or dribbling.
• B/G7- , B/G8- ja B/G9 freekick: shoot, pass or dribbling
• B/G7- , B/G8- ja B/G9 corner kick: shoot, pass or dribbling
• B/G7- , B/G8- ja B/G9 kickoff: pass or dribbling.

• The retreat line rule applies in the B/G7 series.

• In the B/G7, B/G8 and B/G9 series, a team may bring one additional player onto the field when the opposing team leads by at least five (5) goals. This entitlement is lost when the lead is reduced to two (2) goals. This rule does not apply to the older series.
  

COMPLAINTS

In the event of any disagreements concerning breaking

Complaints against breaches of tournament rules or the Game’s Laws by another team may be made by teams in the same series. Complaints against issues related to the field of play or its equipment will only be investigated if the referee has been informed of them before the start of the match.

Match-related complaints must be made to a referee of the match before they have left the match site. The complaints must then be presented in writing, with detailed reasoning, to the tournament office within * hours of the end of the match. *The deadline for complaints is two (2) hours for qualifying rounds and one (1) hour for later rounds. A complaint fee of €200 must be paid, which will be returned if the complaint is deemed valid.

In accordance with Law 5 of the Game’s Laws, the referee’s decisions on the match are final. In principle, complaints against the referee’s decisions cannot lead to a rematch. However, the jury may demand a rematch if a referee’s decision breaches the Game’s Laws.

PARTICIPATION RIGHTS

Helsinki Cup series B10–B17 and G10E–G13E and G14-G18:

From Finland, only competing teams from FAF competitions may enter, and all participating players must have a valid hobby or game pass. This does not apply to foreign teams (including teams from Åland Islands).

Exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis for 13-year-olds’ and younger series with the football club’s approval, provided that the team competes extensively enough otherwise.

Helsinki Cup series B7–B9, G7–G9, B10H–B15H, G10G–G13G and G10H–G18H:

From Finland, only teams that compete in competitions arranged by FAF or cities/municipalities/clubs may enter, and players in 10-year-olds’ or older series must have a valid block, hobby or game pass. This does not apply to foreign teams (including teams from Åland Islands).

Exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis with the football club’s approval.

Players aged 7–9 (B/G 7–9) and boys hobby series (B10-15H) players are allowed to represent multiple teams. In other series a player may represent only one team in the same series.

OVER-AGED PLAYERS

In series B10–B17 and G10E–G13E / G14-G18:

Overaged players may only enter with a permit from FAF. In 8v8 series matches there may only be one (1) field player and one (1) goalkeeper. In 11v11 series matches, two (2) such overaged players on the field at any one time. These players may not enter any other series. The overaged players must not change during the tournament, and they must be recorded in the player list before the tournament, like all other players.

In series B10H–B15H, G10G–G13G and G10H–G18H:

In addition to the overaged players entering with permits from FAF, two (2) overaged players born in the previous year may play with the team. In 8v8 series matches there may only be two (2), and in 11v11 series matches, two (2) such overaged players on the field at any one time. These registered players may not enter any other series. The overaged players must not change during the tournament, and they must be registered in the player list before the tournament, like all other players.

In series B7–B9 and G7–G9:

Two (2) overaged players born in the previous year may play with the team. Only one (1) such overaged player may be on the field at any one time. The overaged players must not change during the tournament, and they must be recorded in the player list before the tournament, like all other players.

Foreign teams may include unlimited amount of older players in their player list, as long as they are born in the previous year than the age group. The limitation of the number of older players participating per match applies.

RIGHT TO PLAY

A player is automatically eligible to represent only the club for which they have the right to represent according to their player pass (FAF) during the tournament. Dual-registered players with permission from the Football Association of Finland are an exception and are not counted as players from another club.

In series B10–B17 and G10E-G13E / G14-G18:

A team may include at most two (2) players from a different club. These players may not play in any other teams. If a team plays with borrowed players, the coaches or managers of both teams must inform Helsinki Cup of this by email at helsinkicup@helsinkicup.fi before first game.

In series B7–B9, B10H–B15H, G7–G9, G10G–G13G and G10H–G18H:

A team may include at most four (4) players from a different club. These players may not be on any other teams. If a team plays with borrowed players, the coaches or managers of both teams must inform Helsinki Cup of this by email at helsinkicup@helsinkicup.fi before first game.

Players who play in FAF’s combined teams represent the club in which they hold a game pass at the time. If a combined team that plays in an FAF series registers for the tournament as a combined team, its players are entitled to play in it.

LIST OF PLAYERS

The list must include the players’ names and uniform numbers. No changes may be made to the player list during the tournament, and no players may be added after the first match, so please ensure that all players can be found on the list. (NB. This does not apply to series B7–B9, 10H–15H and G7–G9).

INSURANCE

Helsinki Cup does not insure the players or backroom staff taking part in the tournament. Every player must be covered by valid insurance. Players from outside Finland must possess valid travel insurance or other insurance that covers accidents during matches.

TEAM MANAGERS

The person appointed as team manager is responsible for their team during and outside of matches and for being in contact with the organisers during the tournament. The managers of teams being accommodated in schools must ensure that their teams behave appropriately. The tournament organisers are not liable for any injuries, illnesses or thefts. Alcohol consumption is forbidden in all tournament facilities, including accommodation and fields.

INDENTITY VERIFICATION

The organizers have the right to verify the identity of players through spot checks. The team manager must ensure that players can present their Player Pass or a photo ID within a reasonable time. In the A-finals on Saturday, the identity of all players will be verified with a photo ID.

FORFEIT

If a team does not have at least seven (7) players for an 11v11 match, at least six (6) players for an 8v8 match, or at least four (4) players for a 5v5 match, at the latest five minutes after the appointed start time of the match, and the team cannot provide adequate justification for this course of action, they shall be considered to forfeit the match. The forfeiting team is deemed to withdraw from the tournament, and any matches they have played will be annulled. Teams that withdraw from or forfeit the competition must pay a fine of €200.

PRIZES

Players in the 7 to 12-year-olds’ series receive a diploma. Players in the 13-year-olds’ and older series may also request diplomas, if they so wish, from the Helsinki Cup office. The finalist teams in the A final receive medals, and the winning team receives a trophy. Teams losing in semi-finals receive bronze medals after the match. In the 8v8 leagues 20 medals are given and in the 11v11 leagues 25 medals are given. The B final winner receives a trophy, and the C final winner a prize platter.

All players in the B/G7, B/G8, B/G9 and B10H–B15H series receive participant medals, which are only intended for players. Additional medals can be requested at the cost of €5 each.

REFEREES

The referees are officials approved by FAF and other UEFA member associations. Mini soccer referees are usually used in the B/G7, B/G8 and B/G9 series.

TOURNAMENT JURY

All disagreements and objections relating to the Any disputes and complaints related to the tournament are resolved by a jury consisting of three (3) members. The jury’s decisions cannot be appealed.

AGE GROUPS & SERIES IN HELSINKI CUP

BOYS & GIRLS (Age groups 7-9)

AGE GROUP	DATE OF BIRTH	TACTIC	GAME TIME	BALL	THWOR-IN	RETREAT
B9 & G9	Jan 1st 2016 or after	5 vs 5	2 x 14 min	3	Throw-in	No
B8 & G8	Jan 1st 2017 or after	5 vs 5	2 x 14 min	3	Kick/Dribble	No
B7 & G7	Jan 1st 2018 or after	5 vs 5	2 x 14 min	3	Kick/Dribble	Yes

*NOTE! In this age group, the goalkeeper can take the goal-kick with either a throw or a kick

Teams are divided into three skill levels (elite/general/hobby). Teams will play six games against teams from the same skill level, two per day. Standings won’t be counted. The B9 elite (7 vs 7) category plays from Tuesday to Friday. You can find specific details for each category above.

BOYS (Age groups 10-17)

AGE GROUP	DATE OF BIRTH	TACTIC	GAME TIME	BALL	OFFSIDE
B17	Jan 1st 2008 or after	11 vs 11	2 x 25 min	5	Yes
B15	Jan 1st 2010 or after	11 va 11	2 x 25 min	5	Yes
B14-15H 11v11	Jan 1st 2010 or after	11 vs 11	2 x 25 min	5	Yes
B14-15H 8v8	Jan 1st 2010 or after	8 vs 8	2 x 20 min	5	Yes
B14	Jan 1st 2011 or after	11 vs 11	2 x 20 min	5	Yes
B13 11v11	Jan 1st 2012 or after	11 vs 11	2 x 20 min	4	Yes
B13 8v8	Jan 1st 2012 or after	8 vs 8	2 x 20 min	4	Yes
B13H	Jan 1st 2012 or after	8 vs 8	2 x 20 min	4	Yes
B12	Jan 1st 2013 or after	8 vs 8	2 x 20 min	4	Yes
B12H	Jan 1st 2013 or after	8 vs 8	2 x 20 min	4	Yes
B11	Jan 1st 2014 or after	8 vs 8	2 x 15 min	4	Area*
B11H	Jan 1st 2014 or after	8 vs 8	2 x 15 min	4	Area*
B10	Jan 1st 2015 or after	8 vs 8	2 x 15 min	4	Area*
B10H	Jan 1st 2015 or after	8 vs 8	2 x 15 min	4	Area*

*Offside area starting from the edge of the penalty area.

The teams are initially divided into groups of six (6) or possibly five (5) teams. The preliminary rounds are played in a round-robin format from Monday to Wednesday, and the teams placed first and second in the general groups will continue on to the A finals, teams placed third and fourth will go on to the B finals, and teams placed fifth and sixth will continue on to the C finals. In the Elite groups, the teams placed from first to fourth will continue on to the A finals, while the teams placed fifth and sixth will go on to the B finals. The A, B and C finals are played in knock-out mode until the finals. The losing team is always knocked out from the tournament.

In the B10H-B15H entry-level series, the preliminary group matches are played from Monday to Wednesday. In addition, all of the teams play one match on Thursday.

GIRLS (Age groups 10-18)

AGE GROUP	DATE OF BIRTH	TACTIC	GAME TIME	BALL	OFFSIDE
G18	Jan 1st 2007 or after	11 vs 11	2 x 25 min	5	Yes
G18H	Jan 1st 2007 or after	11 vs 11	2 x 25 min	5	Yes
G15-16	Jan 1st 2009 or after	11 vs 11	2 x 25 min	5	Yes
G15H	Jan 1st 2010 or after	11 vs 11	2 x 25 min	5	Yes
G14	Jan 1st 2011 or after	11 vs 11	2 x 20 min	5	Yes
G14H	Jan 1st 2011 or after	11 vs 11	2 x 20 min	5	Yes
G13E	Jan 1st 2012 or after	8 vs 8	2 x 20 min	4	Yes
G13G	Jan 1st 2012 or after	8 vs 8	2 x 20 min	4	Yes
G13H	Jan 1st 2012 or after	8 vs 8	2 x 20 min	4	Yes
G12E	Jan 1st 2013 or after	8 vs 8	2 x 20 min	4	Yes
G12G	Jan 1st 2013 or after	8 vs 8	2 x 20 min	4	Yes
G12H	Jan 1st 2013 or after	8 vs 8	2 x 20 min	4	Yes
G11E	Jan 1st 2014 or after	8 vs 8	2 x 15 min	4	Area*
G11G	Jan 1st 2014 or after	8 vs 8	2 x 15 min	4	Area*
G11H	Jan 1st 2014 or after	8 vs 8	2 x 15 min	4	Area*
G10E	Jan 1st 2015 or after	8 vs 8	2 x 15 min	4	Area*
G10G	Jan 1st 2015 or after	8 vs 8	2 x 15 min	4	Area*
G10H	Jan 1st 2015 or after	8 vs 8	2 x 15 min	4	Area*

*Offside area starting from the edge of the penalty area.

All the divisions are played as their own competition, ie teams do not face teams from other divisions (for example elite vs general match-ups are not possible) during the tournament. In each division, the teams are divided into 2-3 groups of five teams. After the first group stage, the teams will continue into A or B finals as follows:

• 2 groups => Teams placed 1-3 to progress to A finals; teams placed 4-5 go to B finals
• 3 groups => Teams placed 1-2 and two of best * 3rd placed teams progress to the A finals; the weakest * third-placed team and teams placed 4-5 to progress to the B finals

* Progressing teams are decided by 1. Points, 2. Goal difference, 3. Goals scored, 4. If there’s still no deciding factor, the team(s) progressing will be decided with a draw.

A and B finals are played in cup games through to the finals. The defeated team drops from the tournament. Only the A finals will be played n Saturday (Series G10E-G13E and G14, G15 and G18.) All the other series A and B finals will be played on Friday.

If the setup differs from the above instructions, the new format will be announced at the time of publication of the schedule on June. This is the case, for example, in a situation when the number of teams in a division is not divisible by five. The format may differ significantly from aforementioned, but with at least as many games scheduled for each team as planned.