2026 S.I.F.T. Match Rules
- The tournament is organized by the SIFT Organizing Team, with Sport Travel’s support.
- The games will take place on the premises of the Skiathos Sports Center on the island of Skiathos.
- All matches will be played according to FIFA Futsal rules and regulations, with adaptations specific to the tournament format. The Skiathos tournament futsal rules take precedence.
- Matches will be officiated by referees from the Hellenic Football Federation (HFF) in cooperation with the tournament’s management.
- Teams will be divided into categories and groups.
- The first-mentioned team (home team) must change shirts if both teams’ uniforms are of the same color. Tournament vests in various colors will be provided if necessary.
- Every team must have a second set of shirts in a different color from their primary uniform.
- The pitches are made of artificial grass. Players are advised to wear either regular futsal (indoor soccer) shoes or special astro-turf football shoes.
- Changing rooms are available at the Skiathos Sports Center for team use.
- Each team’s representative must report to the organization headquarters 30 minutes before their first scheduled match and submit their list of players.
- A tournament team is permitted to register no more than 12 players on its official squad list.
- The team listed first on the match form will start on the left side of the pitch (facing the airport) and will take the kickoff, directed by the referee.
Match Durations
- Matches will last as indicated in the tournament schedule, with no half-time interval.
- Knockout matches and finals on Sunday will also follow the times specified in the schedule, without a half-time interval.
- Each match is played by two teams, consisting of four field players and one goalkeeper (the goalkeeper’s shirt must be a different color from the other players).
Substitutions
13. Unlimited substitutions are allowed during a match. Players must enter and exit the pitch only within their designated substitution zone. A substitution is only valid when the exiting player has completely crossed the touchline. Replaced players must sit on the bench.
14. The substitution zone is located on the same side of the pitch as the team benches and directly in front of them.
Specific Tournaments
15. 40+ Tournament (Men): All players must be at least 40 years of age.
16. Women’s Tournament: No age restrictions apply.
17. Players in the 40+ tournament must carry their ID or a copy during matches to verify their age if requested by the referee, referee coordinator, or tournament officials.
- Players unable to prove their age may be excluded from the match until they can provide appropriate documentation
18. Teams using players younger than the minimum age in the 40+ tournament will be disqualified.
Disqualification Rules
19. If disqualification occurs during the knockout phase or semifinals:
- Results from the group phase will remain unchanged.
- The disqualified team will forfeit the match 0–3.
- Their opponent will advance to the next round with a 3–0 win (walkover).
Match Timing and No-Shows
20. Teams must be present 5 minutes before kickoff. A team that fails to appear on time forfeits the match 0–3.
21. If a team withdraws from the tournament, all their matches (including completed ones) will be recorded as 0–3 losses.
Disciplinary Actions
22. Yellow Card
- The player must leave the pitch for 1 minute.
- After a goal is scored against their team, the player may return, with approval from the jury table.
23. Red Card
- The player is ejected for the rest of the match, and the team plays with one fewer player for 3 minutes.
- After a goal is scored against their team, another player may replace the ejected player, as directed by the jury table.
Protests and Disputes
24. Protests are not allowed. Decisions made by the tournament’s sportive management are final.
Score Approval
25. After every match, the referee, along with both coaches or team captains, must sign the score sheet at the jury table. This must be done immediately after the match.
Group Rankings
26. Tie-breakers in group rankings are determined by:
- Goal difference (goals scored – goals conceded)
- Most goals scored
- Fewest goals conceded
- Head-to-head results
Knockout and Finals
27. In the knockout rounds, the team that wins advances.
28. In the event of a tie during knockout matches, teams will take penalty kicks:
- Each team takes three penalties.
- If the tie persists, penalties will continue until one team leads by one goal.
- The referee will conduct a coin toss to decide which team takes the first penalty.
General Rules
29. The dimensions of the goals (indoor soccer dimensions) are 3 meters long and 2 meters high. The matches will be played with size 4 futsal balls, which are provided by the organizers.
30. Smoking, alcohol, and glass are prohibited on the pitches. Alcohol consumption must be moderate, as excessive drinking may affect match performance and result in disciplinary actions.
31. Participants are responsible for their own behavior and liable for any damage caused.
Spectator Guidelines
32. Only players, coaches, and referees are permitted on the field.
33. Spectators must remain in the stands or designated areas (such as the café), leaving space around the field for active teams.
Insurance
34. Participants are strongly advised to have medical insurance to cover any injuries sustained during the tournament. Free first aid will be provided for injuries occurring during matches.
Final Authority
35. Any rules or regulations not explicitly covered will be decided by the tournament’s sportive management, as authorized by the chief of the tournament’s sportive management or their appointed representative.
The Organization and Management Skiathos International Football Tournament - S.I.F.T.
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