AFC Competition Operations Manual (Edition 2021)

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AFC Competition Operations Manual (Edition 2021)

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AFC COMPETITION OPERATIONS MANUAL

EDITION 2021

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PREAMBLE 10

DEFINITIONS 11

SECTION 1: COMPETITION SYSTEM AND MATCH SCHEDULE 19 1. Competition System 19 2. Duration of Matches 19 3.OfficialCountdown 19 4. KicksfromthePenaltyMark 20 5. Match Sequence 20 6.DrawPrinciples 22 7.CancellationofMatches 22 8.AbandonmentofMatches 23 9. Match Interruption 24

SECTION 2: STADIUMS AND OFFICIAL TRAINING SITES 25 10. Stadiums 25 11. FieldofPlay 25 12.OfficialTrainingattheStadium 26 13.OfficialTrainingSites 27

SECTION 3: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS 28 14. TeamBenchandTechnicalArea 28 15.WarmingUpandCoolDown 28 16.CoolingBreak 30 17.DrinkingProcedureduringMatches 31 18. BallKids 31 19.MatchCeremoniesandProtocol 32 20.GiantScreenandInfotainment 32 21. VideoAssistantReferee(VAR)Technology 33

SECTION 4: TEAM OFFICIAL DELEGATION 35 22. TeamOfficialDelegation 35 23.DocumentsforRegistrationofPlayers 35 24. PlayerSelectionListandOfficialsontheSubstitutionBenchForm 36 25.MatchStartList 37 26.DocumentsforRegistrationofOfficials 38 27.AFCNamePolicy 38

SECTION 5: EQUIPMENT 39 28.GeneralRequirements 39 29. Footballs,FutsalBallsandBeachSoccerBalls 39 30.CompetitionBadge 39 31. KitApprovalProcedure 39 32.AllocationofKitColours 40

CONTENTS

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SECTION 6: LOGISTICAL ARRANGEMENTS 41 33.ArrivalandDeparture 41 34. Transportation to Venues 41 35. Domestic Transportation 41 36. Visas 42 37.Accommodation,MealsandRefreshments 42

SECTION 7: MEDIA 43 38.MediaRights 43 39.AFCWebsiteandCompetitionWebsite 44 40. Pre-MatchPromotionalMaterial 46 41. TeamMediaOfficer 46 42.MediaInfrastructure,FacilitiesandServices 47 43.MediaAccessandAccreditation 48 44. PressConferencesandInterviews 50 45.MixedZone 53 46. TeamDressingRoom 53 47. FieldofPlay 53

SECTION 8: TICKETING 54 48.GeneralRequirements 54 49. TicketSales 54

SECTION 9: COMMERCIAL 55 50.CommercialRights 55 51.CommercialInfrastructure,FacilitiesandServices 56 52.CommercialAccessandAccreditation 57 53. IntellectualProperty 57 54. Competition Data 58 55. ImageRights 58 56. PublicExhibitionRights 59 57.OfficialFunctions 59 58.CompetitionMarksandCompetitionTitle 60 59.MerchandiseRights 61 60.OfficialProductsandEquipment 61 61.AdvertisingandBranding 63 62.ControlledAccessAreas 64 63.CleanStadium 64 64. RightsProtectionandAmbushMarketing 64 65. PrintedMaterials 65 66. ReportingandMatchRecording 65

SECTION 10: SAFETY AND SECURITY 66 67.GeneralRequirements 66 68. InformationforAllSupporters 66 69. PublicAddressSystem 67

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SECTION 11: MEDICAL & ANTI-DOPING 68 70.AmbulancesatStadiums 68 71.MedicalRoomsatStadiums 68 72.MedicalProvisionsforExtremeEnvironmentConditions:Heat,ColdandHaze 70 73.HeadConcussion 71 74.OfficialTrainingSites 71 75.Accommodation 71 76.Hospital 71 77. Spectators 72 78. Communication 73 79.AccreditationofForeignMedicalPersonnel 73 80.Anti-Doping 74 81.WorkingSeatsforMedicalOfficersandDopingStewards 75 82.ObligationsforMedicalTreatment 75 83. IdentifiableUniforms 76

SECTION 12: AWARDS 77 84. Competition Trophy 77 85.Awards 77 86.Medals 77 87. PrizePresentationCeremony 78

SECTION 13: CLOSING PROVISIONS 79 88. TaxesandDuties 79 89. FeesandExpenses 79 90. Indemnification 79 91.DisciplinaryMeasures 79 92. Decisions 79 93.Amendments 79 94. Force Majeure 80 95.MattersNotProvidedFor 80 96. ImplementingProvisions 80 97. Enforcement 80

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Appendix 1: Determining the Ranking in a Group based on Yellow and Red Cards 81

Appendix 2: Determining the Best-ranked Team from Different Groups 82

Appendix 3: Official Countdown 85

Appendix 4: AFC Policy on Neutral Venue Matches 86

Appendix 5: Football Pitch Preparation Guidelines 87

Appendix 6: Futsal Pitch Marking Guidelines 98

Appendix 7: Approval of Electronic Performance Tracking System (EPTS) Devices 105

Appendix 8: Expulsions and Suspensions at Competitions 106

Appendix 9: Match Ceremonies for Football 108

Appendix 10: AFC Standard Flag Guidelines 113

Appendix 11: Standard Match Announcement Script 115

Appendix 12: Registration of Players who have Acquired a New Nationality 122

Appendix 13: Registration of Players who have a Nationality Entitling them to Represent more than One Football Association 123

Appendix 14: Memorandum of Understanding for Amateur Players 124

Appendix 15: Minimum Coaching Requirements 125

Appendix 16: AFC Name Policy 127

Appendix 17: Photographer Operation Guidelines for Football 128

Appendix 18: Broadcast Operation Guidelines for Football 129

Appendix 19: Minimum Ticket Allocation 155

Appendix 20: Ticket Zoning Principles 158

Appendix 21: Accreditation Policy 159

Appendix 22: AFC Medical Guidelines and Policies 162

Appendix 23: AFC Competitions 170


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GENERAL SECRETARY’S MESSAGE

DearFriends,

It gives me great pleasure to introducethe latest version of the AFC CompetitionOperations Manual (Edition 2021), whichis the seventh edition and exemplifies theundeniable growth and progress of ourcompetitions.

As underlined in the Asian FootballConfederation’s (AFC)VisionandMission, toplevelcompetitionsforourMemberAssociations(MAs),clubsandplayerscontinuetobeattheheartofoureffortsand thismanual reiteratesourcommitment tocontinuouslyenhance thekeyoperationalaspectsofAsianfootball.

Thelast12monthshavebeenoneofthemostchallengingtimesforglobalandAsianfootball,but we enter 2021 with renewed hope andoptimismaswecontinuetoprioritisethehealthand wellbeing of our fans, players, matchofficialsandallourstakeholders.

This year, the AFC marks the start of ourpartnershipwithournewcommercialpartnersand with that comes the latest Commercialupdates and the operational impact to ourever-growingcompetitions,whicharecoveredextensivelyinthisOperationsManual.

Takingamore integratedapproach, IamalsopleasedtonotethattheAFC’sFutsal&BeachSoccer competitions have also been broughtunder the scope of this updated Manual,paving the way for greater consistency andprofessionalismacrossallourcompetitions.

AstheAFCembracesthelatesttechnologicaladvances, we have also introducednew operational considerations in theimplementationoftheVideoAssistantReferee(VAR) system, which will continue to takefocusin2021aftermakingitsfulldebutintheAFC U23 Championship as well as from theQuarter-finalsof theAFCChampionsLeaguein 2020.

Dato’ Windsor JohnAFC General Secretary

Aspartofoureffortstosafeguardandprotectthe wellbeing of our passionate fans andprovidingourplayersandteamswiththebestpossible stage to shine, we have also madeseveral enhancements to our Stadium andSecurityaswellasMedicalrequirements.

Above all, this manual has been carefullyassembledwith the aimof enablingourMAsand Participating Clubs with the operationaltoolstoachievegreatersuccessandscalenewlevelsofprofessionalism.

There is no denying the progress of Asianfootball in recent years and our success is atribute to the teamwork and solidarity of ourMAs,ParticipatingClubsandallourstakeholderswhocontinuetoshareourbeliefandambitionstowards maintaining the AFC’s world-classstandardsinoperationalexcellence.

I am sure that you will find this publicationusefulandIwishyoucontinuedsuccessinthecomingseasons.


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PREAMBLE

ThisCompetitionOperationsManual (“Manual”) sets out the operational responsibilities of theAFC,HostOrganisationsandParticipatingTeamsinrelationtothestaging,organising,andhostingofallAFCCompetitions.

ThisManualshallbereadinconjunctionwiththerelevantCompetitionregulationsandcircularsofeachAFCCompetitionandanyOrganisingAssociationAgreement(“OAA”).ThisManualformsan integralpartofanysuchCompetition regulations,circularsandOAA.Failure tocomplywithanymattersetoutwithintheManualisanoffenceandmaybesanctionedaccordinglybytheAFCDisciplinaryandEthicsCommittee.

IntheeventofaconflictbetweentheManualandanysuchCompetitionregulations,circularsandOAA, thoseCompetitionregulations,circularsandOAAshallalwaysprevail to theextentof theinconsistency.OnlyanAFCCommittee(oranAFCjudicialbodywheresuchmatterarisesinthecontextofdisciplinaryaction)maymakeadecisionregardinganysuchinconsistency.

ThisManualdoesnotaffectanylegalobligationsarisingfromanyapplicablenationallegislation.TherelevantHostOrganisationsandParticipatingTeamsaresolelyresponsibleforcomplyingwiththeapplicablenationallegislation.

TheAFCCompetitionsCommitteeinitsmeetingon12April2016grantedamandatetotheAFCGeneralSecretariattoamendthecontentwithintheManualatitsdiscretion.TheAFCFutsalandBeachSoccerCommitteeandtheAFCWomen’sFootballCommitteeon28December2020hadalsograntedamandatetotheAFCGeneralSecretariattoamendthecontentwithintheManualatitsdiscretion.ShouldtheAFCGeneralSecretariatundertakeanyamendments,itshallinformallrelevantpartiesbycircularletteraccordingly.Thecircularlettershallclearlystatethedatethatsuchamendmentscomeintoforceandarelegallybinding.NopartofthisManualmaybereproducedortransmittedbyanyprocessormeanswithoutthepriorwrittenconsentoftheAFC.

ThisistheSeventhEdition(Edition2021)andkeyupdatesfromthepreviousversionarehighlightedinyellow.


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DEFINITIONSInthisManual,capitalisedtermsshallhavethefollowingmeanings,unlessthecontextspecificallyindicatesotherwise:

Accommodation AnylocationapprovedbytheAFCwhichprovidesaccommodationtotheAFCDelegation,TeamOfficialDelegations,AFCCommercialRightsPartnerandCommercialAffiliates.

AccreditationCard AnyphysicalitemwhichisissuedbytheAFCand/orHostOrganisationwhichprovidestherecipienttherighttoaccessaControlledAccessArea(orpartthereof)wheretheControlledAccessAreaisunderthecontroloftheAFCortheHostOrganisation.

AdvertisingRights The right to promote brand and/or corporate names and/orproductsand/orservicesatand/orinrelationtotheCompetitionbywhatevermeansavailable,whetherexistingnowortobedevelopedin the future, whether at the Stadiums or Facility Areas or withintheControlledAccessAreas,by in-stadium/out-stadiumperimetersignageandotheradvertising,digitalsignageandscreens,closedcircuittelevision,equipmentusageorothermethodsandthroughprintedmatter(includingdigitallydeliveredprintedmatter)suchasprogrammes,posters, letterheads,press releases,newslettersandTickets,andsubjecttoanyAFCregulations,therighttodisplaysuchadvertisingontheclothingorfootwearworn,oronanyequipmentused,carriedortransportedbyofficials(includingfortheavoidanceofdoubtMatchOfficials),medicalandsecuritystaff,ballkids,playerescorts,flagbearersand/orphotographers.Thedisplayofthenameand/or logo of the bona fide supplier of clothing on the strip oftheuniformsoftheofficialsarealsoincluded.Fortheavoidanceofdoubt,advertisingonthestripofParticipatingPlayersisexcluded,otherthanwhereitisthetrademarkofthebonafidemanufacturerand is in accordance with any FIFA and/or AFC regulations.Similarly,brandingonanyequipment,goodsand/orservicesusedin connection with the Competition, save where supplied by aCommercialAffiliate,mayonly includecustomarybrandingof thebonafidemanufacturer.

AFC AsianFootballConfederation.

AFCAS The AFC Administration System, the AFC’s online competitionmanagementandregistrationsystem.

AFCCommercial RightsPartner

TheentityappointedbytheAFCforthesaleofCommercialRights(oranypartthereof)andtheprovisionofservicesinrelationthereto.

AFC Committee AnyCommitteeof theAFCas constituted inaccordancewith theAFC Statutes.


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AFCDelegation (i) AFCstaffmembers;(ii) MatchOfficials;(iii) otherofficialsappointedbytheAFC;(iv) AFCCommitteemembers;and(v) AFCguests.

AFC Marks All design marks, slogans, designations, names, logos, insignia,emblemsordevices (inanyapplication)ownedand/orcontrolledbytheAFC(inanylanguage)relatingtotheAFCitself,butexcludingthe Competition Marks.

AFC Website Theofficialwebsiteof theAFC (currentlyhttp://www.the-afc.com),including without limitation all other domains or official mediaplatforms and channels created and/or owned by the AFC (e.g.Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,etc).

BroadcastPartner Anyentity,includingtheHostBroadcaster,whichhasbeengrantedtheMediaRights(oranypartthereof)totheCompetition.

Champion TheParticipatingTeamthatwinsthefinalMatchoftheCompetition.

CleanStadium AStadiumorOfficialTrainingSitewhether inside, in theairspaceaboveortheouterperimeter,deliveredtotheAFCataprescribedtime,thatisfreefrom:(i) anyadvertisingandcommercialsignageofanykind,whether

on any stadium infrastructure, staff uniforms, accreditations,fences,equipmentorelsewhere;

(ii) third-partyagreementsrelatingtotheuseandoperationofthestadium(orpartthereof);and/or

(iii) stadiumorvenuenamingrights.

Club AprofessionalcluboranamateurclubwhichparticipatesinleaguesorcompetitionsundertheauspicesofaFootballAssociation.

CommercialAffiliate Anyentitywhichhasbeengrantedtherighttoexerciseandexploitthe Commercial Rights (or any part thereof) in respect to theCompetition.

CommercialRights Advertising Rights, Concession Rights, Hospitality Rights, ImageRights, Media Rights, Merchandise Rights, Promotional Rights,SponsorshipRights,TravelandTourRightsandanyotherrightsofacommercialnaturerelatingtotheCompetition.

Competition AnyAFCcompetition,includingthosesetoutinAppendix23(andtheir previous or future equivalents in case of any change in theCompetitiontitle),whichincludeswithoutlimitation,allMatchesassetoutintheMatchSchedule,thePreliminaryCompetitionandFinalCompetition,allactivitiesontheFieldofPlay(otherthanMatches),opening ceremonies, presentation or closing ceremonies, pressconferencesorOfficialFunctionsconnectedtherewith.


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Competition Data Any and all information related to the Competition, includingfixture lists, Image Rights, information and/or statistics aboutthe Participating Teams, information and/or statistics about theParticipating Players’ and/or Participating Officials’ participationand/or performance in the Competition, Match analysis, refereedecisionsandanyotherinformationinrelationtotheCompetition.

Competition Marks All design marks, slogans, designations, names, logos, insignia,emblems, mascot or devices (in any application) owned and/orcontrolledbytheAFC(inanylanguage)relatingtotheCompetition.

ComplimentaryTickets Ticketswhicharesuppliedwithoutcharge.

ConcessionRights Sampling, vending, display and other distribution methods andpayment methods connected therewith for and of products orservices,includingpouragerightsattheStadiumsandFacilityAreas.

ControlledAccessArea (i) AnyStadium;(ii) anyOfficialTrainingSite;(iii) anyofficialhotel(publicareasbeingexcepted),subjecttoand

totheextentagreedinanyexecutedhotelagreement;(iv) anyofficialexclusionzoneencirclingaStadiumonaMatchday;(v) any official parking area, accreditation centre, international

broadcastcompound,and/orhospitalityarea;(vi) thevenueofanyOfficialFunction;(vii) anyofficialAFCfanpark;(viii)FacilityAreas;and/or(ix) any other location and/or facility designated by the AFC as

a Controlled Access Area, associated to the Competition towhich access is permitted only to those in possession of anAccreditation Card, Ticket, and/or other officially-sanctionedentry permit.

DigitalMedia TheAFCWebsite andanyother authorisedCompetitionwebsite,inaddition toanymobileapplication (app),onlinevideochannel,dataproduct,photo-sharingaccount,socialmediaaccountandanyfurtherformofdigitalmediadevelopedherewith.

Extra Time Two(2)equalperiods(one[1]periodforbeachsoccer)ofadditionaltime which shall be played in accordance with the relevantCompetitionregulationsandthisManualshouldtherebenowinnerattheconclusionofaMatch.

FacilityAreas ThelocationofOfficialFunctions,ceremonies,presscentres,Ticketoffices,Competitionhotels,mediaareas(includingwithoutlimitationareas used for viewing of any public exhibition), sponsor villageareas(includingwithout limitation“AFCfanpark”areas,andareasusedfortheactivationoftheCommercialRights),officialhospitalityareas (includingwithout limitation areas used for the exploitationoftheHospitalityRights),andinformationcentrescontrolledbyoronbehalfoftheAFCandusedinconnectionwiththeCompetitionwhetherattheStadiumorelsewhereattheVenues.


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FieldofPlay TheareadescribedinLaw1oftheLawsoftheGameissuedbyTheInternationalFootballAssociationBoard(IFAB)andadministeredbyFIFA. ForthepurposesofthisManual,andprovidedthecontextsorequires,referencestotheFieldofPlayshallincludethe“pitch”areadescribedinLaw1oftheFutsalLawsoftheGameandtheBeachSoccerLawsoftheGame.

FIFA TheFédérationInternationaledeFootballAssociation.

FinalCompetition The final round of a Competition including those identified inAppendix23.

FootballAssociation The controlling body for football within a country or territoryrecognisedbytheAFC.

Force Majeure AnyeventaffectingtheperformanceoranyprovisionofthisManualarising fromorattributable toacts,events,omissionsoraccidentswhicharebeyondthereasonablecontrolofaparty,andshallincludebutnotbelimitedtoabnormallyinclementweather,flood,lightning,storm,fire,explosion,earthquake,structuraldamage,epidemicorother natural disaster, failure or shortage of power supplies, war,terroristaction,militaryoperations,riot,crowddisorder,strike,lock-outsorotherindustrialaction,orcivilcommotion.

HospitalityRights The opportunity to offer and sell hospitality and entertainmentservices at the Venues or within the Controlled Access Areas incombinationwith theTicketswhether such facilities are in boxes,marquees or otherwise, but excluding those non-commercialfunctionsandfacilitiesreservedfortheAFCand/orHostOrganisationofficialsanditsguestsnotformingpartoftheCommercialRights.

HostBroadcaster The party appointed to ensure and provide the productionof broadcast signals of the Matches and other events of theCompetition,andtheprovisionofallrelatedservicesinaccordancewiththeMediaRightsgrantedtoit.

HostCity Anycityand/or identifiablemetropolitanarea inwhichanyMatchisstaged.

HostOrganisation A Member Association (or any local organising committeeestablishedbytheMemberAssociation)and/orClubapprovedbytheAFC toorganise, stage,andhostMatches.Where thecontextsopermits,referencetotheHostOrganisationshallmeanthehostassociationand/orhostClubasdefinedintherelevantCompetitionregulations.

ImageRights Therighttousestilland/ormovingimagesand/orrepresentationsofParticipatingTeams,ParticipatingPlayers, ParticipatingOfficials,MatchOfficialsandotherofficialsandpersonsformingpartoftheCompetition.

Kicks from the PenaltyMark

“Kicks from the Penalty Mark” (“Kicks from the Imaginary PenaltyMark”forbeachsoccer)asdescribedintheLawsoftheGame.


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LawsoftheGame ThelawsofassociationfootballissuedbytheIFAB.For the purposes ofthisManual,andprovidedthecontextsorequires,referencestotheLawsoftheGameshallincludetheFutsalLawsoftheGameandtheBeachSoccerLawsoftheGame.

Manual ThisAFCCompetitionOperationsManual.

Match A football, futsal or beach soccer match in its entirety (includinga replayed and/or deferred match, Extra Time and Kicks fromthePenaltyMark)which takesplaceaspartof theCompetition inaccordancewiththeMatchSchedule.Fortheavoidanceofdoubt,amatchformallycommenceswhentheStadiumisofficiallyopenedtospectatorsandformallyconcludeswhentheStadiumisofficiallyclosedtospectators.

MatchOfficials Any individual appointed to officiate aMatch in the Competitionin the role of the referee, assistant referee, fourth official, videoassistant referee (VAR), assistant video assistant referee (AVAR),refereeassessorandanyothermatchofficialstipulatedintheLawsof the Game.

MatchSchedule Theofficialschedulewhichsetsout,withoutlimitation,thedatesandtimesonwhichMatcheswillbeplayed,theStadiumsatwhichtheMatcheswillbeplayedandthenamesoftheParticipatingTeams.

Media AnyindividualgrantedamediaAccreditationCardbytheAFC.

MediaAccessArea Thedesignatedarea(s)foraccessbyMediawithvalidAccreditationCards.

MediaRights Therightandlicencetoproduce,edit,and/ortransmit,forintelligiblereceptionthroughouttheworldinanylanguageandinanyformat,and on any platform including film, fixed media, Digital Media,games, internet,publicexhibition, radio,mobile, and television, avisual,audio-visual,and/oraudiosignaland/orimageorrecording(includingwithoutlimitationthebasicfeed,multifeeds,additionalfeeds, audio feeds, a feed incorporatingCompetitionData,worldfeed and unilateral feeds) of the Competition, and all interviewactivities and action during and forming part of the CompetitionincludingOfficial Functions and the Image Rights by any and allmeansof transmissiondistribution, exhibition and reception, nowexisting or hereinafter developed including but not limited toanalogue, digital, satellite cable and interactive communicationsystems,onalive,delayed,andunlimitedrepeatbasis,infullorinpart (includingwithout limitationbywayofclipsand/orhighlightsand/orsupportprogrammesand/ormagazineshowsand/ornewsaccess),andallrightstoexploitanyandallcommercialopportunities(including for example broadcast sponsorship and commercialairtimeopportunities)arising fromand/or inconnectionwithsuchrights.

Member Association AFootballAssociationwhichisamemberoftheAFC.


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MerchandiseRights The right granted to Commercial Affiliates for the use andexploitation of the CompetitionMarks and/or official designationinthemanufacture,packaging,distribution,andsaleofgoodsandservicesofallkinds, including itemsofequipment (e.g. footballs),clothing, coins, medals, games (electronic or otherwise), othercollectiblesandPremiumsrelatedtotheCompetition.

OfficialFunction AnyeventwhichisofficiallyorganisedorsanctionedbytheAFCinconnectionwiththeCompetition.Fortheavoidanceofdoubt,thisexpressly includes, without limitation, all matches and/or eventsheld atOfficial Training Sites, the opening ceremony, the closingceremony,anyAFCgaladinner,lunch,orbanquet,culturalevents,official press conferences, official draws, workshops and launchevents.

OfficialTrainingSite AnysitedesignatedbytheHostOrganisationandapprovedbytheAFCforusebytheParticipatingTeamsthroughouttheCompetitionfortrainingpurposes.

ParticipatingOfficial AnyofficialwhoisregisteredtoparticipateintheCompetition.

ParticipatingPlayer AnyplayerwhoisregisteredtoparticipateintheCompetition.

ParticipatingTeam AnyrepresentativeteamorClubaffiliatedtoaMemberAssociationapprovedtoparticipateinaCompetition.

PreliminaryCompetition ThepreliminaryroundofaCompetitionincludingthoseidentifiedinAppendix23.

Premiums Any promotional item (including packaging, labelling and/orcontainers thereof)which incorporatesamarkand/or logoof theAFCand/ortheCompetition,andwhichmayonlybedistributedbytheAFC,HostOrganisations and/orCommercialAffiliates, freeofchargeorasprizes.

PromotionalRights Anyrightstoproduceand/ordistributeofficialpublications,officialsupplies,officialproducts,salespromotionincludingbutnotlimitedtotherighttoorganisepromotionalcompetitions(includingwithoutlimitationanysweepstakesorlotteries)andtomakeawardsandgiveprizes,officialmusicrights,therighttouseanofficialdesignationandallotherpromotional,marketingand/orotherrightsofcommercialvalueinregardtotheCompetition.

Proprietary Interests Without limitation, intellectual property, copyright and analogousrights,trademarkrights,moralrights,performingrights,personalityrightsandallremediesavailableundertheapplicablelawsofunfaircompetitioncomprisedintheCommercialRights.


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PublicExhibitionRights

Viewingby,anaudienceonascreenandortelevisionsetand/orradioreceiver locatedanywhere incinemas,bars, restaurants, stadiums,offices,constructionsites,oilrigs,waterbornevessels,buses,trains,planes,armedserviceestablishments,educationalestablishments,hospitals and any other place other than a private dwelling, andallrightstoorganiseandstageanyeventwhereanaudiencemayviewsuch transmission(s) (whetherornotsuchviewing isopentothegeneralpublicorotherwise),andall rights toexploitanyandall commercial opportunities (includingwithout limitation and forexample, entrance fees, sponsorship, merchandising, broadcastsponsorship and supplier opportunities) arising from and/or inconnectionwithsuchevents,transmissionand/orviewing.

SponsorshipRights The right, in any and all media, throughout the world, and in alllanguages, to promote an association between the Competitionand certain products, services, and/or brands, and shall include(bywayofillustrationonly)theexclusiverighttoexerciserightsofassociationwith theCompetition, includingwithout limitation therightto:(i) useanofficialdesignation;(ii) use the AFC Marks and/or applicable Competition Marks

on branded products and/or product packaging (includingPremiums, and in relation to the CompetitionMarks only onitemsforretailsale)and/oradvertising;

(iii) receivecommercialprogrammeTickets;and(iv) receivebroadcastsponsorshipopportunitiesinconnectionwith

broadcastsofaMatchorOfficialFunction.

Stadium AnystadiumatwhichaMatchisplayed.Fortheavoidanceofdoubt,thisincludes:(i) theentirepremises(totheextentthatavalidAccreditationCard

orTicketisrequiredinordertogainaccess)ofastadiumfacilityinsidetheouterstadiumperimeter fenceand(onMatchdaysandanydayonwhichanyofficialtrainingtakesplacewithinthestadium),theaerialspaceabovesuchstadiumpremises;

(ii) parkingfacilities;(iii) VIPandhospitalityareas(includinganyhospitalityvillage);(iv) concessionareas;(v) commercialdisplayareas;(vi) buildings;(vii) theFieldofPlay;(viii)themediatribune;(ix) anybroadcastcompound;(x) thestadiummediacentre;(xi) thepressconferenceroom;(xii) themixedzone;(xiii)anystands;and(xiv)anyareasbeneaththestands.For the purposes of this Manual, and provided the context sorequires, references to the Stadium shall include the “indoorstadium”forfutsaland“arena”forbeachsoccer.


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ForthepurposesofthisManual,andprovidedthecontextsopermits:

(a) thesingularshallincludethepluralandvice-versa;

(b) thefemininegendershallincludethemasculineandvice-versa;

(c) referencetonaturalpersonsshallincludeanylegalpersonorcorporation;

(d) referencestotheAFCshallincludeitssuccessorsandpermittedassigns,andwherethecontextrequires,theAFCCommittees;

(e) referencetotheAFCCommercialRightsPartnerorCommercialAffiliatesshallincludewhereadvisedbytheAFC,theirsuccessors,andpermittedassigns;and

(f) alldefinedterms,unlessotherwisestatedhereinshallbearthesamemeaningasascribedintheAFCStatutes,unlessthecontextindicatesotherwise.

TeamOfficialDelegation 1. Competitionsystemsplayedinahomeandawayformat Thefinal-registereddelegationofaParticipatingTeamforeach

Matchof therelevantstageof theCompetitionsubject tothelimitssetoutintherelevantCompetitionregulations.

2. Competitionsystemsplayedinacentralisedformat Thefinal-registereddelegationofaParticipatingTeamfor the

durationoftherelevantstageoftheCompetitionsubjecttothelimitssetoutintherelevantCompetitionregulations.

Ticket Apassprovidingaccess to aVenue for thepurposeof attendingeitheraMatch,officialtraining,orOfficialFunction.

Ticketing All operational measures to provide Tickets to all spectators ofeveryMatchandforOfficialFunctionsoftheCompetitionallowingthem toenter theStadiumoraVenue.Ticketingshall include themanagementof theoperationnecessary for theproduction, sale,distribution,deliveryandpaymentoftheTicketsoftheCompetition.

TravelandTourRights The right to organise and/or sub-licence official travel and touractivities in relation to the Competition, which travel and touractivitiesshall,fortheavoidanceofdoubt,includetheprovisionofTicketstoaMatchand/orOfficialFunctionoftheCompetition.

Venue TheHostCityandimmediatesurroundingareainwhichaStadiumislocated.


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SECTION 1 | COMPETITIONSYSTEMANDMATCHSCHEDULE

1. Competition System

1.1. AllMatchesshallbeplayedinaccordancewiththeLawsoftheGameinforceatthetimeoftheCompetition.IncaseofanydiscrepancyintheinterpretationoftheLawsoftheGame,theEnglishversionshallbeauthoritative.

1.2. Should the Competition system involve groups composed of several teams, at theconclusionofeachMatch:

1.2.1. three(3)pointsshallbeawardedtothewinner;

1.2.2. two(2)pointsshallbeawardedtothewinnerinExtraTime(onlyapplicableforbeachsoccer)

1.2.3. one(1)pointshallbeawardedtoeachParticipatingTeamforadraw;and

1.2.4. zero(0)pointsshallbeawardedtotheloser.

1.3. Should the Competition system require the best-ranked Participating Teams fromamongdifferentgroupstoadvance,therankingsshallbedeterminedbythemethodsetoutinAppendix2oftheManual.

1.4. Allkick-offtimesshallensurethattheMatchconcludesonthesameday(thelatestat22:00hours),unlessotherwiseapprovedinwritingbytheAFC.

2. Duration of Matches

2.1. Each footballMatch shall last ninety (90)minutes, comprisingof two (2) periods offorty-five(45)minutes(normalplayingtime).MatchesshallstartatthetimesetoutintheMatchSchedule.

2.2. Thereshallbean intervaloffifteen (15)minutesbetween theperiods,commencingfrom the whistle ending the first period and ending upon the whistle starting thesecondperiod.

3. OfficialCountdown

3.1. The Participating Teams shall observe the official countdown and all other Match-relatedprotocolnotifiedbytheAFC(cf.Appendix3).

3.2. A Participating Team that causes a delay of any scheduled kick-off of a Match (asdeterminedbytheofficialcountdown)maybesanctionedbytheAFCDisciplinaryandEthicsCommitteeatitsdiscretion.

3.3. Fortheavoidanceofdoubt,thisincludesthekick-offtocommenceeachperiod(e.g.thefirsthalfandsecondhalf)ofaMatch,andifapplicable,thekick-offtocommenceeachperiodofExtraTime.


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4. KicksfromthePenaltyMark

4.1. WherestipulatedintherelevantCompetitionregulations,KicksfromthePenaltyMarkshallbetakentodeterminethewinner,inaccordancewiththeproceduresdescribedintheLawsoftheGame.

4.2. IfKicksfromthePenaltyMarkcannotbecompletedbecauseofweatherconditionsorforanyForceMajeurereason,theresultshallbedecidedbythedrawingoflotsbytherefereeinthepresenceoftheAFCMatchCommissionerandthetwo(2)captainsoftheParticipatingTeams.

4.3. If through the fault of a ParticipatingTeam, Kicks from the PenaltyMark cannot becompleted, the applicable provisions of the relevant Competition regulations shallapply.

5. Match Sequence

5.1. ThefollowingMatchsequenceshallbeappliedinallCompetitionsfeaturinggroupsof several teams, unless otherwise approved in writing by the AFC. The numberdesignatestheseedingprovidedtotherelevantParticipatingTeamintheofficialdraw:

No. of Teams Format Match Sequence

Groupofthree(3)teams

Leagueformat,centralisedvenue

Matchday1 3v1Matchday2 2v3Matchday3 1v2

Leagueformat,homeandaway

Matchday1 2v3Matchday2 3v1Matchday3 1v2Matchday4 3v2Matchday5 1v3Matchday6 2v1

Groupoffour(4)teams


Matchday1 1v4,2v3Matchday2 4v2,3v1Matchday3 1v2,3v4


Matchday1 1v4,3v2Matchday2 4v3,2v1Matchday3 4v2,1v3Matchday4 2v4,3v1Matchday5 4v1,2v3Matchday6 1v2,3v4


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Groupoffive(5)teams


Matchday1 3v2,5v4Matchday2 4v1,5v3Matchday3 1v5,2v4Matchday4 2v5,3v1Matchday5 4v3,1v2


Matchday1 3v2,5v4Matchday2 4v1,5v3Matchday3 1v5,2v4Matchday4 5v2,3v1Matchday5 4v3,2v1Matchday6 2v3,4v5Matchday7 1v4,3v5Matchday8 5v1,4v2Matchday9 2v5,1v3Matchday10 3v4,1v2

Groupofsix(6)teams


Matchday1 3v1,4v6,2v5Matchday2 1v5,2v4,3v6Matchday3 5v3,6v2,1v4Matchday4 4v5,6v1,2v3Matchday5 5v6,3v4,1v2


Matchday1 1v5,2v4,3v6Matchday2 5v3,6v2,4v1Matchday3 3v1,4v6,2v5Matchday4 5v6,3v4,1v2Matchday5 4v5,6v1,2v3Matchday6 5v1,4v2,6v3Matchday7 3v5,2v6,1v4Matchday8 1v3,6v4,5v2Matchday9 6v5,4v3,2v1Matchday10 5v4,1v6,3v2


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KnockoutStage5.2. UnlessstatedotherwiseintherelevantCompetitionregulations,thefollowingMatch

sequenceshallbeappliedinallCompetitionsfeaturingaknockoutstageplayedinasingle-legknockoutformat.

Stage Match Sequence

QuarterFinals

Quarter Final (QF) 1:WinnerAvRunner-upB

Quarter Final (QF) 2:WinnerBvRunner-upA

Quarter Final (QF) 3:WinnerCvRunner-upD

Quarter Final (QF) 4:WinnerDvRunner-upC

SemiFinals Semi Final (SF) 1:Winner QF 1 v Winner QF 3

Semi Final (SF) 2:Winner QF 2 v Winner QF 4

3rd/4thPlacePlayoffandFinal

3rd/4th Place Playoff:LoserSF1vLoserSF2

Final:Winner SF 1 v Winner SF 2

6. DrawPrinciples

6.1. IfadrawingoflotsisrequiredtodecidetherankinginagroupinaccordancewiththerelevantCompetitionregulations,thefollowingprinciplesshallapply:

6.1.1. thenamesoftheParticipatingTeamsconcernedshallbeplacedintoapot;

6.1.2. thefirstnamedrawnshallbe thehighest-rankedof theParticipatingTeamsconcerned;and

6.1.3. ifnecessaryandsubjecttothenumberofParticipatingTeamsconcerned,theprocedure shall be repeated to determine the rankings of all ParticipatingTeamsconcerned.

7. CancellationofMatches

7.1. IfaMatchcannotcommenceforanyreason,thefollowingprocedureshallbefollowed,shouldtheMatchnotbecancelledpriortoMatchday:

7.1.1. theMatchmustbedelayedforaminimumofthirty(30)minutes.Duringthisdelay, the refereemay decide that theMatch can commence prior to thecompletionofthedelay;

7.1.2. followingthefirstdelay,either:

7.1.2.1. an additional delay of thirty (30) minutes shall occur if at thediscretionoftherefereethisseconddelaymayallowtheMatchtocommence;or

7.1.2.2. theMatchisdeclaredcancelledbythereferee;


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7.1.3. following two (2)delaysof thirty (30)minutes, therefereemustdeclare theMatchcancelled.

8. AbandonmentofMatches

8.1. AtanystageofaMatch,ifaParticipatingTeamisonlyabletofieldfewerthanseven(7)(three[3]forfutsalandbeachsoccer)players,theMatchshallbeabandonedandArticle8.4shallapply.

8.2. IfaMatchisstoppedbytherefereeforanyotherreasonexceptforthatsetoutinArticle8.1,thefollowingprocedureshallbefollowed:

8.2.1. theMatchisstoppedforthirty(30)minutes.Duringthisstoppage,therefereemay decide that theMatch can commence prior to the completion of thestoppage;

8.2.2. subsequenttothefirststoppage,either:

8.2.2.1. anadditional stoppageof thirty (30)minutes shalloccur if at thediscretionoftherefereethissecondstoppagemayallowtheMatchtoberesumed;or

8.2.2.2. theMatchisdeclaredabandonedbythereferee;

8.2.3. followingtwo(2)stoppagesofthirty(30)minutes,therefereemustdeclaretheMatchabandoned.

8.3. Should the AFC determine that an abandoned Match should be rescheduled andcompleted,thefollowingprinciplesshallapply:

8.3.1. theMatchshallrecommencewiththesamescoreattheminuteatwhichplaywasinterruptedratherthanbeingreplayedinfull;

8.3.2. theMatchshallrecommencewiththesameParticipatingPlayersontheFieldofPlayandsamesubstitutesatthetimeitwasinitiallyabandoned;

8.3.3. noadditionalsubstitutesmaybeaddedtothePlayerSelectionListorMatchStartList;

8.3.4. (for football) the Participating Teams may only make the number ofsubstitutionstowhichtheywerestillentitledwhentheMatchwasabandoned;

8.3.5. any Participating Player sent off during the abandoned Match cannot bereplaced;

8.3.6. anysanctionimposedbeforetheMatchwasabandonedremainvalidfortheremainderoftherescheduledMatch;

8.3.7. the kick-off time, date and Stadium of the re-scheduled Match shall bedecidedbytheAFC;and


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8.3.8. anyothermattersnotsetoutaboveshallbedecidedbytheAFCatitssolediscretion.

8.4. IfaMatchisstoppedbytherefereebeforetheendofnormalplayingtimeorduringanyExtraTimeasaresultofaParticipatingTeambeingabletoonlyfieldfewerthanseven(7)(three[3]forfutsalandbeachsoccer)ParticipatingPlayers,theMatchshallbedeclaredabandonedandtheParticipatingTeamwhoisabletofieldmorethanseven(7) (three [3] for futsalandbeachsoccer)ParticipatingPlayers shallbedeclared thewinnerbythescore3-0(5-0forfutsalandbeachsoccer),orthescoreatthetimeofabandonment,whicheverishigher.

9. Match Interruption

9.1. TherefereecaninterruptaMatchiftheFieldofPlayisnotfitforplayorforanyotherissueswhicharenotinlinewiththeLawsoftheGame.

9.2. TheAFCGeneralCoordinatorand/orAFCMatchCommissionermay,afterconsultingwiththeHostOrganisationand/orAFCSafetyandSecurityOfficer,advisetherefereetosuspendtheMatchintheeventthatsafetyandsecurityisnotguaranteedintheStadiumand/orthereexistspotentialdangertotheParticipatingTeamsand/orspectators.

9.3. IfaMatchissuspendedbeforethecompletionofnormalplayingtimeorExtraTime,the following recommendations are to be considered subject to the nature of theincident.AMatchshallrestartatthesameminutewhenitwassuspended:

9.3.1. Suspendedforupto15minutes:TheParticipatingTeamsshouldstayontheFieldofPlaysubjecttothenatureofthesuspension;

9.3.2. Suspension for 15–30 minutes:TheParticipatingTeamsshouldgototheteamdressingrooms.Theyshouldbeallowedtohaveten(10)minutesforwarm-upbeforetherestartoftheMatch.Aten(10)minutesnoticeshallbegiventoall theparties involved(e.g.ParticipatingTeams,MatchOfficials,spectators,BroadcastPartners,Media).

9.3.3. Suspension for more than 30 minutes:TheParticipatingTeamsshouldgototheteamdressingrooms.Theyshouldbeallowedtohavetwenty(20)minutesforwarm-upbeforetherestartoftheMatch.Atwenty(20)minutesnoticeshallbegiventoallthepartiesinvolved(e.g.ParticipatingTeams,MatchOfficials,spectators,BroadcastPartners,Media).

9.3.4. Suspension for more than 60 minutes: The Match may be consideredappropriate tobeabandoned, subject to thedecisionof the referee.Afterthefinaldecisionismade,theAFCGeneralCoordinatorand/orAFCMatchCommissioner should inform the Participating Teams prior to any otherparties.


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SECTION 2 | STADIUMSANDOFFICIALTRAININGSITES

10. Stadiums

10.1. MatchesmustbeplayedinaStadiumwhichcomplieswiththerelevantAFCStadiumRegulations, the AFC Safety and Security Regulations, and all other requirementsset out in the relevantAFC guidelines, directives and/or circulars, unless otherwiseapprovedinwritingbytheAFC.

10.2. StadiumsshallbenominatedbytheHostOrganisationandaresubjecttoinspectionandapprovalbytheAFC.

10.2.1. The AFC reserves the right to refuse the nomination of any Stadium andrequireaHostOrganisationtonominateanalternativeStadium.

10.3. If at any time during the Competition the AFC General Secretariat deems that, forwhateverreason,aStadiumisnotfittohostaMatch,itshallconsultwiththerelevantHostOrganisationandtherelevantHostOrganisationshallproposeanalternativeStadium.ShouldsuchHostOrganisationnotbeabletoproposeanacceptablealternativeStadiumbythedeadlinesetbytheAFC,theAFCGeneralSecretariatmayselectanalternativeneutral venue. TheHostOrganisation concerned, at its own cost,must organise andstage theMatch in cooperationwith theMemberAssociation onwhose territory theMatchisplayed,inaccordancewiththerequirementssetoutintherelevantCompetitionregulationsandanyotherrelevantAFCguidelines,directivesorcirculars(cf.Appendix4).

10.4. Smoking is strictly prohibited within any section of the Stadium, and in particular,in the technicalarea, thevicinityof theFieldofPlay, the spectator stands,orwithinCompetition areas which includes, without limitation, the team dressing room. ForStadiumswithdesignatedsmokingareas,suchareasmustbeapprovedinwritingbytheAFCinadvance.

10.5. TheuseofdronesoranyflyingobjectinthevicinityofaStadiumoranOfficialTrainingSiteisstrictlyprohibited,unlessotherwiseapprovedinwritingbytheAFC.

10.5.1. TheuseofdronesshallincludedronesbeingflownabovetheperimeterofaStadiumoranOfficialTrainingSite;and

10.5.2. theHostOrganisationshallbe liable fordronesbeingflownbyspectators,media and broadcasting representatives and/or any other individualregardlessofthequestionofculpableconductorculpableoversight.

10.6. Theuseofanypyrotechnics,regardlessofthepurposeofsuchuse,isstrictlyprohibitedwithintheStadiums.

11. FieldofPlay

11.1. EachHostOrganisationshallensurethattheFieldofPlayisinplayableconditionandcomplieswiththerequirementssetoutintheLawsoftheGame,relevantCompetitionregulations, the relevant AFC Stadium Regulations and all other relevant AFCguidelines,directivesandcirculars.


26

11.2. The AFC General Coordinator and/or AFC Match Commissioner will inspect eachStadiumpriortotheMatchandensurethatallarrangementsareinaccordancewiththeLawsoftheGame.IftheconditionsoftheFieldofPlayincludingthedimensionofthegoalandFieldofPlayarenotinaccordancewiththeLawsoftheGame,theAFCMatchCommissionershallissueinstructionsfortheHostOrganisationtoensurerectification.

11.3. AllMatchesshallbeplayedonaFieldofPlayinaccordancewiththerelevantLawsofthe Game.

11.4. IfthereisanydoubtregardingtheconditionoftheFieldofPlaypriortotheMatch,therefereeshalldecidewhethertheFieldofPlayisplayable.IftherefereedeclaresthattheMatchcannotcommenceontime,Article7shallapply.

12. OfficialTrainingattheStadium

12.1. DependingontheweatherandconditionoftheFieldofPlay,eachParticipatingTeamisentitledtoanofficialtrainingofmaximumsixty(60)minutes(forty-five(45)minutesforfutsalandbeachsoccer)durationintheStadiuminwhichtheyareduetoplay,eitherone(1)ortwo(2)dayspriortotheirfirstMatchintheStadiumintheCompetition.

12.1.1. For football Competitions, if the Field of Play is an artificial pitch, eachParticipatingTeamisentitledtohaveanofficial training,one(1)and/ortwo(2) days prior to their firstMatch in the Stadium in theCompetition in thefollowingmanner:

12.1.1.1. two(2)officialtrainingsofmaximumsixty(60)minutesduration:or

12.1.1.2. one(1)officialtrainingofmaximumonehundredandtwenty(120)minutes.

12.1.2. Each official training session shall be open at least for the first fifteen (15)minutes. The areas accessible by the Media (if any) shall be the same asthe areas accessible for them during theMatch, provided that they are inpossessionofvalidaccreditation.SuchareasshallbestrictlycontrolledbytheHostOrganisation.

12.1.3. The official training session shall only commence at the time and run forthedurationdeterminedandapproved inwritingby theAFC.ParticipatingPlayersareprohibitedfromenteringthepitchpriortothescheduledtimefortheofficialtraining.

12.2. If the Field of Play is not in good condition or the official training session mightnegatively affect the state of thepitch for theMatch, theAFCGeneralCoordinatorand/orAFCMatchCommissionermaylimittheareaontheFieldofPlayfortheofficialtraining, shorten or cancel the official training. For football Competitions, the AFCGeneralCoordinatorand/orAFCMatchCommissionermayallowParticipatingTeamstoinspecttheFieldofPlay,wearingtrainingshoesonly.


27

12.3. TheAFCshalldetermine theofficial trainingschedule for theParticipatingTeamsatits discretion. Participating Teams shall strictly follow the official training scheduledetermined by the AFC. Any request from the Participating Teams to change thescheduleoftheofficialtrainingmustbesubmittedtotheAFCatleasttwelve(12)hourspriortotherelevanttrainingsession.IfaParticipatingTeamwishestocancelanyofficialtraining,theyshallprovidetwelve(12)hourspriornoticetotheAFC.

12.4. IfaParticipatingTeamchoosesnottotrainattheStadium,theymustprovidetheAFCGeneralCoordinatorand/orAFCMatchCommissionerwiththetimeandlocationoftheirofficialtrainingatanotherdesignatedOfficialTrainingSiteapprovedinwritingbytheAFCandcomplywiththeotherrequirementssetoutinArticle12.Theyshallprovidetwelve(12)hoursnoticetotheAFC.ThisshallbetreatedastheirofficialtrainingandtheyshallforfeittherighttotrainatthatparticularStadiumpriortotherelevantMatch.AnysuchOfficialTrainingSiteshallbeprovidedasaCleanStadium.

12.5. TheHostOrganisationisrequiredtoprovideatleastone(1)ambulanceequippedwithadvancedlifesupportingequipmentandtrainedpersonnelandanadequatenumberofsecuritypersonnelduringtheOfficialTrainingattheStadium.

13. OfficialTrainingSites

13.1. WiththeexceptionofofficialtrainingsessionsattheStadiuminaccordancewithArticle12, any official trainingmust be undertaken in anOfficialTraining Site approved inwritingbytheAFC.

13.2. Official Training Sitesmust comply with all relevantAFC regulations and any otherrequirements set out in the relevant AFC guidelines, directives, or circulars, unlessotherwiseapprovedinwritingbytheAFC.

13.3. OfficialTrainingSitesshallbenominatedbytheHostOrganisationandaresubjecttoinspectionandapprovalbytheAFC.

13.3.1. TheAFCreservestheright torefusethenominationofanyOfficialTrainingSite and require a Host Organisation to nominate an alternative OfficialTrainingSite.

13.4. If at any time during the Competition theAFCGeneral Secretariat deems that, forwhateverreason,anOfficialTrainingSiteisnotfittostageanofficialtraining,itshallconsultwiththerelevantHostOrganisationandselectanalternateOfficialTrainingSite.

13.5. Notrainingequipmentofanykind (e.g. freekickwalls,mannequins,speed ladders,marker cones, slalom poles etc.) will be provided by the AFC and/or the HostOrganisation. If Participating Teams wish to use any training equipment during thetrainingsessions,theymustprovideitthemselves(anduseofsuchtrainingequipmentshallbeattheteams’ownrisk).

13.6. ParticipatingTeamsarenotpermittedtoorganiseanyfriendlyand/orotherpreparationmatchesattheOfficialTrainingSite,unlessotherwiseapprovedinwritingbytheAFC.


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SECTION 3 | TECHNICALOPERATIONS

14. TeamBenchandTechnicalArea

14.1. Participating Officials must wear their Accreditation Card at all times. ParticipatingPlayersshouldbeabletoshowtheirAccreditationCardwhentheyentertheFieldofPlayandontheteambenchiftheyarerequested.

14.2. All individuals on the team bench must wear kit that contrasts with the kit of theParticipating Players andMatchOfficials present on the Field of Play. This kit mustcomplywiththeAFCEquipmentRegulations.

14.3. “TeamA”shalloccupytheteambenchontheleftwhenfacingtheFieldofPlayfromthefourthofficialbench(timekeeper’stableforfutsalandbeachsoccer).

14.4. Participating Players (including substitutes/substituted and sent off players) are notpermittedtowearoruseanyformofelectronicorcommunicationequipment(exceptwhereEPTSisallowed).TheuseofanyformofelectroniccommunicationbyParticipatingOfficialsispermittedwhereitdirectlyrelatestoplayerwelfareorsafetyorfortactical/coaching reasons but only small, mobile, handheld equipment (e.g. microphone,headphone,ear-piece,mobilephone/smartphone,smartwatch,tablet,laptop)maybeused.AParticipatingOfficialwhousesunauthorisedequipmentorwhobehavesinaninappropriatemannerasaresultoftheuseofelectronicorcommunicationequipmentwill be dismissed from the technical area. The use of electronic performance andtrackingsystems(EPTS)mustbeinlinewithAppendix7.

14.5. Individuals serving a Match suspension, non-selected Participating Players, andParticipatingOfficialspartofaTeamOfficialDelegationbutnotlistedinthe“OfficialsontheSubstitutionBench”formarenotpermittedtoentertheFieldofPlayand/orsitontheteambench.TheymaysitatthedesignatedareainthestandforTeamOfficialDelegations.

14.5.1. Appendix8setsouttherestrictionsthatapplyinsidetheControlledAccessAreas for Participating Players and Participating Officials who have beenexpelledorareservingaMatchsuspension.

15. WarmingUpandCoolDown

15.1. BeforeaMatch:

15.1.1. Each Participating Team shall be entitled to warm-up on the Field of PlaybeforeaMatchiftheweatherand/orpitchconditionpermits.Suchwarm-upshouldnotaffecttheconditionoftheFieldofPlayduringtheMatch.TheAFCmayshortenorcancelthewarm-upifitmayseverelyaffectplayingconditionsduringtheMatch.

15.1.2. Thewarm-upshallbeconductedinaccordancewiththeofficialcountdown,unlessotherwiseinstructedbytheAFC.


29

15.2. DuringaMatch:

15.2.1. ParticipatingPlayersmustwearbibswithassignedorcontrastingcolour.

15.2.2. ParticipatingOfficialsassistingthewarm-upshallnotgiveinstructionstothegoalkeeperoranyotheroutfieldplayersontheFieldofPlay.

Football

15.2.3. Ifthereisadequatespacebehindthegoal,thewarm-upareashallbelocatedbehind thegoalon thesideclosest to the teambenchesasdesignatedbytheAFC(A).Thesurfaceofthewarm-upareashallbesimilartotheplayingsurfacewhich ispreferablynaturalgrassorhigh-qualityartificial turf.Thesewarm-upareasarerecommendedtobe3to6m(threetosixmetres)wideby18to24m(eighteentotwenty-fourmetres)long.

15.2.3.1. Amaximumofsix(6)ParticipatingPlayersfromeachParticipatingTeammaywarm-upsimultaneously,assistedbyamaximumoftwo(2)ParticipatingOfficialsperParticipatingTeam.

15.2.4. Ifthereisinsufficientspacebehindthegoals,bothParticipatingTeamsshallwarm-uptogetherbehindassistantrefereeno.1besidethe“teamB”bench,withintheareaasdesignatedbytheAFC(B).Thesurfaceofthewarm-upareashallbesimilartotheplayingsurfacewhichispreferablynaturalgrassorhigh-qualityartificialturf.Thiswarm-upareaisrecommendedtobe3to6m(threetosixmetres)wideby18to24m(eighteentotwenty-fourmetres)long.

15.2.4.1. In such cases, amaximum of three (3) Participating Players fromeachParticipatingTeammaywarm-upsimultaneously,assistedbyamaximumofone(1)ParticipatingOfficialperParticipatingTeam.


30

15.2.4.2. Setting up of equipment by Participating Teams shall not bepermittedinsuchcases.

15.2.5. Onlygoalkeeperscanwarmupwithafootball.

Futsal and Beach Soccer15.2.6. Amaximumoffive(5)ParticipatingPlayersfromeachParticipatingTeammay

warm-upsimultaneously,withouttheball,atthedesignatedareabehindtheirteambench,oralternativelyinaspacedesignatedbytheAFC.

Post-Match Cool Down15.3. Upon request, a ParticipatingTeam’s cool downmay be accommodated after each

MatchasinstructedbytheAFCGeneralCoordinatorand/orAFCMatchCommissioner,providedthatthefollowingrulesareobserved:

15.3.1. AnycooldownafteraMatchmaylastnolongerthanthirty(30)minutes.

15.3.2. Dependingonthepitchcondition,ParticipatingTeamsshallcooldownatthedesignatedareatobeinstructedbytheAFC.Noaccesswillbegrantedtothegoalareas.

15.3.3. Activitiesshallberestrictedtopost-exercisecooldownfortheParticipatingPlayerswhoactuallyplayedintheMatch(e.g.stretching,jogging).

15.3.4. ParticipatingTeamsarenotallowedtosetuporuseanytrainingequipment.

15.3.5. Trainingsessionsforsubstitutesshallnotbeaccommodated.

15.3.6. TheAFCmayimposefurtherrestrictions(inparticular,toprotectthepitch).

16. CoolingBreak

Football16.1. Depending on theweather conditions, a cooling breakmay be implemented on a

match-by-matchbasisinaccordancewithAppendix22.

16.2. For purposes of distinction, official andmandatory cooling breaks will not be pre-established.However,theclimaticconditionspriortoaMatchwillbeevaluatedbytheAFCVenueMedicalOfficer(VMO).

16.3. TheWetBulbGlobeTemperature(WBGT)isacompositetemperatureusedtoestimatetheeffectof temperature,humidity,windspeed (windchill)andvisibleand infraredradiationonplayers.WBGTwillbetheofficialmeasuretodeterminewhethercoolingbreaksshallbeimplemented.

16.4. ShouldtheWBGTexceed32˚C(thirty-twodegreesCelsius),alsotaking intoaccountadditional factors such as the timeof day, the amount of cloud cover andStadiumlocation, theVMOwill recommend coolingbreaks to theAFCGeneralCoordinatorand/or the AFC Match Commissioner. Responsibility for the implementation andcontrolofthecoolingbreakresideswiththereferee.


31

16.5. Coolingbreaksofamaximumofthree(3)minutesdurationshallbeimplementedbytherefereeatapproximatelythirty(30)minutesintotherun-of-playinbothhalves(i.e.aroundthethirtieth[30th]minuteandseventy-fifth[75th]minuterespectively).

16.6. Thefollowingrulesshallapplytoanycoolingbreak:

16.6.1. theballmustbeoutofplayforthebreaktocommence;

16.6.2. the referee will signal the start of the break (informing both ParticipatingTeamsandtheMatchOfficials);

16.6.3. allParticipatingPlayerswillgototheirrespectiveteambenchortechnicalareaanduseiceandcoldtowelstocooldown;and

16.6.4. afterthree(3)minutestherefereewillsignaltheconclusionofthebreak,afterwhichtheMatchwillrestartatthetimeatwhichplaywasstopped.

17. DrinkingProcedureduringMatches

Football17.1. WaterbottlesareallowedaroundtheFieldofPlay,atleast1m(onemetre)outsidethe

touchlineandthegoalline(respectingmarketingandadvertisingobligationsaroundtheFieldofPlay).

17.2. Waterbottlesshallbeplacedverycarefullysotheydonotinterferewiththeassistantreferees(ARs)runningonthetouchline.ItissuggestedthatwaterbottlesarenotplacedoneachofthehalfpartofthetouchlinebehindtheAR1andAR2.

17.3. Nowaterbottlesareallowedinthegoalarea.Waterbottlesmustbeoutsidethegoal,nottouchingthepostorthegoalnet.

17.4. ParticipatingPlayerscandrinkatany timeduringaMatch. Ifdrinking in frontof thetechnicalarea,ParticipatingPlayersshallremainontheFieldofPlaywhereassubstitutesandParticipatingOfficialsmustremainoutsidetheFieldofPlay.

17.5. If medical staff enters the Field of Play, they shall solely treat injured ParticipatingPlayersandnotgiveinstructionsordistributewaterbottles.

17.6. Waterbottles,waterbagsoricecubesshallnotbethrownontheFieldofPlay.

18. BallKids

18.1. TheuseofamultipleballsystemismandatoryinallCompetitionstolimitthetimetheballisoutofplay.

18.2. ForallfootballCompetitions,ten(10)totwelve(12)ballkidsshallbeappointed(unlessotherwiseapprovedinwritingbytheAFC)andbe:

18.2.1. dressedinaccordancewiththeAFCEquipmentRegulationswithcontrastingcoloursfromtheParticipatingTeamsandMatchOfficials;


32

18.2.2. ofanagecapableofperformingtheirduties;and

18.2.3. instructed beforehand of their duties and capable of performing them tosatisfaction.

18.3. Stools/lowchairsshallbeprovidedforballkidsduringMatches.

19. MatchCeremoniesandProtocol

Opening Ceremony19.1. Anyopeningceremony shallnotaffectanypre-Matchoperations, includingwithout

limitationParticipatingTeams’warm-upandthepre-Matchceremony.

19.2. TheFieldofPlayshallbestrictlyprotectedfromdamagecausedbyanyactivityrelatedtotheopeningceremony.

19.3. TheHostOrganisationshallsubmitacomprehensiveeventplanoutliningthenumberofworkers,aflowplan,therun-downandotherrelatedinformationfortheAFC’sreviewandapproval.

Pre-Match/Post-Match Ceremonies19.4. The pre-Match and post-Match ceremonies in all football Competitions shall be in

accordancewithAppendix9.

Flag Protocol19.5. TheflagprotocolinallfootballCompetitionsshallbeinaccordancewithAppendix10.

20. GiantScreenandInfotainment

20.1. The use of giant screens, including but not limited to any display, replay orannouncement,mustcomplywiththeinstructionsbytheAFC.TheHostOrganisationshallensurethatnocommercial,political,religiousorpersonalmessageorsloganinany languageor form is transmittedon thegiant screen,unlessotherwiseexpresslyapprovedinwritingbytheAFC.

20.2. The standard announcement script as set out in Appendix 11 shall be used in allCompetitionsandincorporatedintotherelevantinfotainmentrunsheet.Englishshallalwaysbereadfirst,followedbythelocallanguagewhereapplicable.

20.3. TheHostOrganisations shall complywith theAFC replay policy to ensure that thereplaysof theMatchbeingplayedarefilteredon thegiant screens, inordernot todisruptaMatch.

20.3.1. Replays of goals, shots ongoal, impressive football skills or saves shall beshownonthegiantscreensduringplay.

20.3.2. Replays of controversial decisions, fouls or unsporting behaviour are notpermittedtobeshown.


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20.3.3. In the event of any controversial situation on the Field of Play involvingParticipating Players, Participating Officials and/or Match Officials, thetelevisionfeedshallnotbeshown.

20.3.4. HighlightsmaybeshownonthegiantscreenaftertheMatchassetoutbelow:

Examples of Replays to be shown Examples of Replays NOT to be shown

Indisputablegoals Alloffsidedecisions

Differentanglesofgoals Controversialgoals (e.g.anyfoulsbeforegoal)

Goalscoringopportunities Allfoulsandallpenaltydecisions

Savesbythegoalkeeper UnsportingbehaviourbyParticipatingPlayersand/orParticipatingOfficials

Demonstrationsofexcellentskill Controversialrefereedecisions

FairplaysituationsTensesituationsinthetechnicalarea (e.g.discussionsbetweenParticipatingOfficialsandthe4thofficial)

21. VideoAssistantReferee(VAR)Technology

Football21.1. VARtechnologymaybeusedinaccordancewiththeLawsoftheGameandtherelevant

VARprotocol forthepurposeofassistingthereferee.Theassistancefromthevideoassistantreferee(VAR)willrelatetousingreplay(s)oftheincident.TherefereewillmakethefinaldecisionwhichmaybebasedsolelyontheinformationfromtheVARand/ortherefereereviewingthereplayfootagedirectly.

21.2. NosourcesorsystemsotherthantheofficialVARtechnologyinstalledandapprovedinwritingbytheAFCmaybeusedbytherefereetoreviewreplaysduringtheMatch.

21.3. VARtechnologymaybeusedatanystageduringtheCompetition.However,theAFCmaydecidetonotuseVARtechnologyincertainMatches.

21.3.1. Shoulditbenecessaryforwhateverreason,Matchesmaystartand/orfinishwithouttheuseofVARtechnology,andanyfailure,unavailability,useornon-useoftheVARtechnologywillinnowayprejudicethevalidityofthereferee’sdecisions,withsuchdecisionsbeingfinalinallcases.

21.4. FollowingaVARreview,theAFCmayuseanyexistingscreensintheStadiumtoshowrelevantgraphicsand/orreplayssupportingthedecisiontakenbythereferee.

21.4.1. TheAFCmaydecide,atanytime,tostopVARreplaysfrombeingshownintheStadium;


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21.4.2. theAFCshalldecidewhichgraphicsand/orreplaysaretobeshownandshallensuretheyareprovidedtothegiantscreenoperators;and

21.4.3. theuseof anyotherdifferentgraphics/replaysby theHostOrganisation isstrictlyforbidden.

21.5. Each Host Organisation authorises the AFC and/or the AFC’s technology serviceproviders to install the relevant system approved in writing by the AFC for theCompetition/Match in its Stadium, which may include the use of existing Stadiuminfrastructure(e.g.cabling,WLAN,screensand/orgiantscreens).

21.5.1. EachHostOrganisationmust,atalltimes,provideaccesstotheStadiumandStadiumfacilitiesasrequiredbytheAFCand/ortheAFC’stechnologyserviceproviders(e.g.asregardsaccesstoanduseofpowerintheStadiumforthevideooperationroomandrefereereviewarea).

21.5.2. TheVARsystemandtheassociatedtechnology(includingallcabling)maynotbeused,changedortouchedbyanyoneotherthantheAFCandtherelevanttechnologyserviceproviders.


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SECTION 4 | TEAMOFFICIALDELEGATION

22. TeamOfficialDelegation

22.1. AllParticipatingPlayersandParticipatingOfficialsofaTeamOfficialDelegationwillbeissuedwithAccreditationCardsauthorisedbytheAFCGeneralSecretariat.

22.2. TheAccreditationCardremainsthepropertyoftheAFCatalltimes.TheAFCGeneralSecretariatmayrevoke,cancel,and/orconfiscateanAccreditationCardatanytimeforanyreason,includingwithoutlimitation,misuseorabuse.

22.3. TheTeamOfficial Delegation shall be granted full access to all official competitionareas, including the Field of Play and other necessary ControlledAccess Areas, asdeterminedbytheAFC.

22.4. EachTeamManagerandTeamMediaOfficer(asapplicable)shallberesponsibleforcoordinatingallParticipatingTeamandmedia-relatedmatterswiththeAFC.Theyshallparticipate in allOfficial Functions related toMatches in theCompetition, includingwithoutlimitationtheMatchcoordinationmeetingandallpressconferences.

23. DocumentsforRegistrationofPlayers

23.1. ParticipatingPlayersmustberegisteredviaAFCASwithalldocumentssetoutbelow(unless such document was previously submitted, and a valid copy is available inAFCAS).

23.2. Whereoriginaldocumentsarenot inEnglish, theoriginaldocumentandacertifiedEnglishtranslationshallbeprovided.

23.3. TheAFCreservestherighttorequestadditionaldocumentsinallcases.

National Team Competitions23.4. Thefollowingdocumentsshallbesubmitted:

23.4.1. acolourcopyofavalidpassportofthecountrytheParticipatingPlayerwishestorepresent,containingthefullname,passportnumber,placeofbirth,dateofbirth,dateofissue,dateofexpiryandnationalityoftherelevantindividual.Grouppassportsarenotaccepted;

23.4.2. acolourcopyofanationalidentificationcard(whereapplicable);

23.4.3. one(1)passport-sizecolourphoto(takenwithinthree[3]months);and

23.4.4. acopyofabirthcertificate(whererequestedbytheAFC).

23.5. IncasesofregistrationofplayerswhohaveacquiredanewnationalityinaccordancewiththeFIFARegulationsGoverningtheApplicationoftheStatutes,thedocumentssetoutinAppendix12mustalsobesubmitted.


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23.6. In cases of registration of players who are eligible to representmore than one (1)Member Association on account of his/her nationality in accordance with the FIFARegulations Governing the Application of the Statutes, the documents set out inAppendix13mustalsobesubmitted.

Club Competitions23.7. Thefollowingdocumentsshallbesubmitted:

23.7.1. acolourcopyofavalidpassportofthecountrytheParticipatingPlayerwishestorepresent,containingthefullname,passportnumber,placeofbirth,dateofbirth,dateofissue,dateofexpiryandnationalityoftherelevantindividual.Grouppassportsarenotaccepted;

23.7.2. acolourcopyofanational identificationcard(whereapplicable,unlesstheplayerisaforeigner);

23.7.3. one(1)passport-sizecolourphoto(takenwithinthree(3)months);

23.7.4. acopyofabirthcertificate(whererequestedbytheAFC);

23.7.5. acopyofavalidcontract,enteredintobetweentheParticipatingPlayerandhisClub,whichcontainsthecontractperiodandisinaccordancewiththeFIFARegulationsontheStatusandTransferofPlayers(“RSTP”);

23.7.6. (foramateurplayersonly)acopyofavalidMemorandumofUnderstandingforAmateurPlayers,utilisinga templatewhich isprovided inAppendix14;and

23.7.7. (for players who transferred internationally) a copy of the InternationalTransferCertificate (ITC) or evidence to demonstrate that an ITC has beenissuedinaccordancewiththeFIFARSTP.AnITCmaybesubmittedafterthecloseoftherelevantregistrationwindowandtheParticipatingPlayerwillonlybeconsideredeligibleinaccordancewiththespecificprovisionssetoutintherelevantCompetitionregulations.

24. PlayerSelectionListandOfficialsontheSubstitutionBenchForm

24.1. ForallMatches,eachParticipatingTeamwillreceivea“PlayerSelectionList”onwhichthenumbersandfullnames(lastname,firstname)oftheParticipatingPlayersarelistedpriortotheirarrivalattheStadium.ThenumbersontheParticipatingPlayers’kitshallcorrespondwiththenumbersindicatedonthePlayerSelectionList.

24.2. Each Participating Teammustmark on the Player Selection List the starting eleven(11) (five [5] for futsalandbeachsoccer), including the teamcaptain,andup to themaximumnumberofsubstitutesspecifiedintherelevantCompetitionregulations.

24.3. EachParticipatingPlayerwhoismarkedonthePlayerSelectionListmustbeavailableattheplayerandequipmentcheckundertakenbytheAFCMatchCommissioneronMatchday.


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24.4. EachParticipatingTeammust submit their Player Selection List signedby theHeadCoachor theTeamManager, togetherwith the“Officialson theSubstitutionBench”formwith thenamesof theParticipatingOfficialswhoshallbeentitled tositon theteam bench in accordance with the relevant Competition regulations, to the AFCMatchCommissionerbylatestninety(90)minutespriortothecommencementofeachMatch. Should the listed Participating Players or ParticipatingOfficials be less thanthemaximumnumberallowed,oriftheAFCdoesnotapprovetheregistrationofanyperson(s) listed, the number of maximum Participating Players and/or ParticipatingOfficialspermittedontheteambenchshallreduceproportionately.

25. MatchStartList

25.1. Upon receipt of the Player Selection List, the AFCMatch Commissioner will issue,throughAFCAS,the“MatchStartList”.

25.2. TheMatchStartListshallbesignedbytheAFCMatchCommissioner,whosesignaturewillmakeitanofficialdocument.

25.3. TheAFCMatchCommissionerwillasktoseetheAccreditationCardsandplayingkitsoftheParticipatingPlayerslistedontheMatchStartListapproximatelyseventy-five(75)minutesbeforetheMatch.EachParticipatingPlayermustbeinphysicalpossessionoftheirAccreditationCard.OnlythoseParticipatingPlayerspossessinganAccreditationCardareentitledtoparticipateinMatches.

25.4. FollowingtheproductionoftheMatchStartListbutpriortothecommencementoftheMatch:

25.4.1. If any of the eleven (11) (five [5] for futsal and beach soccer) ParticipatingPlayersselectedtostarttheMatchareunabletostartforanyreason,theymaybereplacedbyanyofthesubstituteslistedontheMatchStartList.

25.4.2. The TeamManager of the Participating Team shall immediately submit anupdated Player Selection List to the AFC Match Commissioner, who shallproduceanupdatedMatchStartList.

25.4.3. Thereisnolimittothenumberofreplacements.

25.4.4. ThereplacedParticipatingPlayer(s)shallnolongerbeeligibletoparticipatein the Match. For football Competitions, the Participating Team may stillundertake three (3) substitutions during theMatch. The ParticipatingTeamshall not be entitled to add any further substitutes, and the number ofsubstitutesshallbereducedaccordingly.

25.4.5. ThereplacedParticipatingPlayer(s)maystillsitontheteambenchduringtheMatch.Ifso,theymaybesubjecttodopingcontrol.

25.5. OnlyParticipatingPlayerswhoareidentifiedasthestartingeleven(11)(five[5]forfutsalandbeachsoccer),ontheMatchStartListproducedbytheAFCMatchCommissionermay start the Match.


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26. DocumentsforRegistrationofOfficials

26.1. ParticipatingOfficialsmustberegisteredviaAFCASwithalldocumentssetoutbelow(unless such document was previously submitted, and a valid copy is available inAFCAS):

26.1.1. acolourcopyofavalidpassport,containingthefullname,passportnumber,placeofbirth,dateofbirth,dateofissue,dateofexpiryandnationalityoftherelevantindividual.Grouppassportsarenotpermitted;

26.1.2. acolourcopyofanational identificationcard(whereapplicable,unlesstheofficialisaforeignerfromanon-AFCMemberAssociation);

26.1.3. one(1)passport-sizecolourphoto(takenwithinthree[3]months);

26.1.4. evidenceoftheirqualificationbasedupontheirfunction:

26.1.4.1. Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Fitness Coach, and GoalkeeperCoach:assetoutinAppendix15;and

26.1.4.2. Team Doctor:relevantmedicalqualification.

26.2. Whereoriginaldocumentsarenot inEnglish, theoriginaldocumentandacertifiedEnglishtranslationshallbeprovided.

26.3. TheAFCreservestherighttorequestadditionaldocumentsinallcases.

27. AFCNamePolicy

27.1. TheAFCNamePolicyassetoutinAppendix16shallbeappliedduringregistrationforallCompetitions.


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SECTION 5 | EQUIPMENT

28. GeneralRequirements

28.1. EachHostOrganisationandParticipatingTeammustcomplywiththeAFCEquipmentRegulations.

28.2. For Participating Teams, the AFC Equipment Regulations are operational from thearrivalofeachTeamOfficialDelegationataControlledAccessAreauntilthedepartureofeachTeamOfficialDelegationfromsuchareas.

29. Footballs,FutsalBallsandBeachSoccerBalls

29.1. Footballs,futsalballsandbeachsoccerballsforMatchesshallbeselectedandsuppliedbytheHostOrganisationunlessselectedandsuppliedbytheAFC.Inthisregard,intheeventthattheAFCappointsanofficialsupplierforagivenCompetition(orMatchesthereof[e.g.finalMatch]),suchAFCdesignatedMatchballshallbeusedintherelevantMatchesandwhereapplicable,forofficialtrainingsessionsandOfficialFunctions,totheexclusionofanyotherballs.

29.2. AllballsusedinMatchesmustcomplywiththeLawsoftheGameandbearone(1)ofthefollowingmarks:

29.2.1. FIFAQualityPRO;or

29.2.2. FIFAQuality;or

29.2.3. IMS–InternationalMatchStandard.

30. CompetitionBadge

30.1. EachParticipatingTeamsshallallowspaceonitskittoaffixthefollowingsleevebadgesasrequiredbytheAFCEquipmentRegulations:

30.1.1. AFCCompetitionsleevebadgeontherightarm;and

30.1.2. AFCcampaignsleevebadgeontheleftarm(ifapplicable).

31. KitApprovalProcedure

31.1. EachParticipatingTeamshallsubmittotheAFCforitsapprovalone(1)sampleofallkit,asdefinedintheAFCEquipmentRegulations,bythedate(s)providedbytheAFC.

31.2. Each ParticipatingTeam shall submit to theAFC for its approval one (1) sample ofallotherapparel tobewornby theirTeamOfficialDelegationwithin theControlledAccessAreasduringtheCompetitionbythedate(s)providedbytheAFC.


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31.3. ShouldanyequipmentsubmittedtotheAFCinfringetheAFCEquipmentRegulations,theParticipatingTeamshallberequiredtoresubmitcorrectedequipmenttotheAFCinaccordancewiththeAFCEquipmentRegulations.

31.4. TheAFCMatchCommissioner,theAFCGeneralCoordinatorand/ortheAFCMarketingManagerallhavetherightanddutytoinspectthekitofaTeamOfficialDelegationateachVenue,andareentitledtoseizeandsendsuchitemstotheAFCHeadquartersforfurtherinspectionfollowingeachMatch.

32. AllocationofKitColours

32.1. TheAFCshalldecideonthekitcolour(shirts,shorts,andsocks)tobewornforeachMatchonthebasisoftheequipmentinformationsubmittedbyeachParticipatingTeamprior to the Competition.

32.1.1. TeamAshallbegivenprioritytowearitsofficialcolours;

32.1.2. TeamBshallwearofficialcoloursunlesstheyclashwiththeofficialcoloursofTeamA;

32.1.3. TeamBshallwearreservecoloursif itsofficialcoloursclashwiththeofficialcoloursofTeamA;

32.1.4. TeamBshallwearacombinationofofficialandreservecoloursifitisnecessarytoavoidaclashwiththeofficialcoloursofTeamA;and

32.1.5. TeamAandTeamBshallwearacombinationofofficialandreservecoloursifboththeofficialandreservecoloursofTeamBclashwiththeofficialcoloursofTeam A.


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SECTION 6 | LOGISTICALARRANGEMENTS

33. ArrivalandDeparture

33.1. UnlessstatedotherwiseintherelevantCompetitionregulations,eachParticipatingTeamshallarriveattheVenueoftheirMatchnolaterthantheeveningbeforethedateoftheMatchorbytheofficialarrivaldatetobedeterminedbytheAFC,whicheverisearlier.

33.2. EachParticipatingTeamshalldeparttheVenueoftheirfinalMatchone(1)dayaftertheMatch,unlessotherwiseapprovedinwritingbytheAFC.

33.3. ParticipatingTeamsshallbearallcostsasaresultofarrivingearlyordepartinglatefroma Venue.

33.4. WheremembersoftheTeamOfficialDelegationarriveattheVenueoftheMatchbydifferentflights, theParticipatingTeamshallnotify thearrivalof themaindelegationastheirofficialarrival timeandallotherarrivals (includingairportpickupandotherarrangements)shallbeatthecostoftheteam.Thesameshallapplytodeparture.

34. Transportation to Venues

34.1. EachParticipatingTeamisresponsibleforthepaymentofalltransportation(internationalanddomestic)fortheirTeamOfficialDelegationfromtheirdeparturefromtheterritoryofitsMemberAssociation(oranyotherlocation)totheVenueofitsMatchesanditsdeparturefromtheVenueofitsMatches.

34.1.1. WheretheVenueofaMatch isnotservicedbyan internationalairport, theHostOrganisationisresponsibleforthepaymentofall travelof thevisitingParticipatingTeamfromtheclosestinternationalairporttotheVenue.

34.1.2. ParticipatingTeamsshallnotparticipateinanycommerciallydrivenMatcheswhentravellingtoorfromtheVenueofaMatchunlessexpresslyapprovedinwritingbytheAFC.

34.2. Whenrequiredtopurchaseanairfare,eachParticipatingTeamisrequiredtopurchasepublished-fareairticketswhichareendorsableandallowfordatechangesfortraveltoandfromanyVenue.

34.3. ParticipatingTeamsshallbearallcostsasaresultofnon-compliancewiththeaboveArticles.

35. Domestic Transportation

35.1. Dedicatedvehicles(withadesignateddriver)fortheAFCDelegationshallbeprovidedbytheHostOrganisationforthedurationofstay,asrequestedbytheAFC.

35.2. UnlessstatedotherwiseintherelevantCompetitionregulations,thefollowingvehicles(withadesignateddriver) shallbeprovided toeachParticipatingTeamby theHostOrganisationforthedurationofstay:


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35.2.1. one(1)dedicatedsedanormulti-purposevehicle(MPV);

35.2.2. one(1)dedicatedbuswithaminimumofforty(40)seats;and

35.2.3. one(1)luggagetruckforairporttransfersandMatchdays.

36. Visas

36.1. Each Participating Team must apply for all necessary visas for their Team OfficialDelegationnolaterthanthirty(30)dayspriortoeachMatchplayedoutsideitsterritory.This obligation includes potential away Matches, taking into account successfulqualificationforafurtherstageofaCompetition.VisaapplicationcostsshallbebornebyeachParticipatingTeam.

36.1.1. AnyParticipatingTeamunabletofulfilafixtureasaresultoffailuretosecurevisasshallbereferredtotheAFCDisciplinaryandEthicsCommittee.

36.2. EachHostOrganisationshallensurethatvisasand/orentrytotherelevantterritoryaregrantedtotheAFCDelegation,allmembersofanyTeamOfficialDelegation,theAFCCommercial Rights Partner, Commercial Affiliates, Media, and travelling supporters,withoutanydiscriminationonthebasisof,withoutlimitation,gender,race,ornationality.

36.2.1. Provided that thevisitingParticipatingTeamhascompliedwithArticle36.1and/or obtained valid visas granting the right of access to the relevantterritory, in case aMatch cannotbeplayedas a result of failure to complywithArticle36.2,theHostOrganisation(exceptincaseswheretheMatchisplayedinaneutralvenue)shallbereferredtotheAFCDisciplinaryandEthicsCommittee.

37. Accommodation,MealsandRefreshments

37.1. Accommodation,mealsandrefreshmentsfortheAFCDelegationshallbeprovidedbytheHostOrganisationforthedurationofstay,asrequestedbytheAFC.

37.2. EachParticipatingTeamshallpayforincidentalexpensesincurredbyitsTeamOfficialDelegation during the course of their stay in the Venue, all costs relating to anyextensionoftheirstayintheVenue,andallcostsincurredbyadditionalmembersoftheTeamOfficialDelegation.

37.3. Wherethereexistsgenuineunavailability(confirmedbytheAFCTravelOfficeinwriting)offlightsforaParticipatingTeamtodeparttheVenueone(1)dayafteraMatch,theHostOrganisationshallpayforallexpensesoftheParticipatingTeamuntildeparture.

37.4. EachHostOrganisationmustassistanyCommercialAffiliate,uponrequest,tosecureAccommodation of sufficient quality on the same terms as available to the AFC,in first-class hotels in a Venue, as well as reasonable transportations service fromtheAccommodation and centre of each Venue to a Stadium, and if applicable, airtransportationtoandbetweenVenues.


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SECTION 7 | MEDIA

38. MediaRights

38.1. TheAFCownsallMediaRightsrelatingtotheCompetition.

Final Competition38.2. The AFC is the sole owner and has the sole right, to the exclusion of the Host

Organisation,ParticipatingTeams,ParticipatingPlayersandParticipatingOfficialsandanyotherparty,toexploitanyandallMediaRightstotheCompetition.Accordingly,theAFCisentitledtouseandexploitallMediaRightsrelatingtotheCompetitionandhasappointedtheAFCCommercialRightsPartneras itsexclusiverepresentative for thesaleoftheMediaRightsrelatingtotheCompetition.

38.3. TheAFChasgranted theexclusive right of association, use andexploitationof theMediaRightstoitsCommercialAffiliatespursuanttotheirrespectiveagreementswiththeAFCandtheAFCCommercialRightsPartner.

38.4. HostOrganisations,ParticipatingTeams,ParticipatingPlayersandParticipatingOfficialsshallnotuseand/orexploitandshallensurethatnoindividual,companyorcommercialentity uses and/or exploits the Media Rights in any way and shall inform the AFCimmediatelyofanyunauthoriseduseand/orinfringementoftheMediaRights.

38.5. Theuseand/orproposeduseof theMediaRights relating to theCompetitionshallbe,atall times, subject to thepriorwrittenapprovalof theAFCandanyapplicableguidelinesasissuedbytheAFC.

38.6. Wherepriorwritten approval for useof theMedia Rights hasbeengrantedby theAFC,theHostOrganisation,ParticipatingTeams,ParticipatingPlayersandParticipatingOfficialsshallnotuseanyMediaRightssograntedinamannerwhichmaydamageorbringintodisreputethegoodname,imageandreputationoftheAFC,CompetitionorsportofassociationfootballorimplyanendorsementorassociationtoanyparticularproductorserviceoftheHostOrganisation,ParticipatingTeams,ParticipatingPlayers,ParticipatingOfficialsand/oranyassociatedthird-parties.

38.7. TheHostOrganisation,ParticipatingTeamsandParticipatingOfficialsmayrecordanypartofaMatchonlywiththepriorwrittenapprovaloftheAFC.Theuseofanysuchfootageshallonlyextendtotechnicalanalysispurposes.Undernocircumstancesshallany recordingor imageofanypartof aMatchbepubliclydistributedorotherwiseusedforanytypeofcommercialornon-commercialexploitation.Anyabuseofsuchrecordingor imageconstitutes a serious violationof theMediaRights and shallbesanctionedbytheAFC.

Preliminary Competition38.8. TheAFCherebygrantstheHostOrganisationtherighttouseand/orexploit,inwhole

or in part, the Media Rights for the Preliminary Competition, subject to the termscontainedinthisManualandallapplicableCompetitionregulations.


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38.9. TheAFCreservestherighttowithholdorrevokeanyMediaRightsgrantedtotheHostOrganisationatanytimepriortoorduringtheCompetition.AnyrightsnotexpresslygrantedtotheHostOrganisationshallbeexpresslyandunconditionallyreservedbythe AFC.

38.10. In so granting, Host Organisations shall ensure that no individual, company orcommercialentityotherthanthoseapprovedbytheHostOrganisationpursuanttothegrantofrightshereunder,usesand/orexploitstheMediaRightsinanywaywhichmay likely draw or infer an associationwith theAFC, theCompetition and/or anyotherfootballcompetitionoreventorganisedbyorundertheauspicesoftheAFC,andshallinformtheAFCimmediatelyofanyunauthoriseduseand/orinfringementoftheMediaRights.

38.11. Notwithstanding the above, the grant of rights to the Host Organisations shall notextendtoanyMatchesplayedinaneutralvenueandshallbesubjecttoanyreservationofrightsasdeterminedbytheAFC.

38.12. TheHostOrganisationshallbeentitledtouseand/orexploittheMediaRightsuponitsappointmentasHostOrganisationandsuchgrantshallextenduntilthirty(30)daysafterthefinalMatchhostedbytherelevantHostOrganisationorsuchothertermasdeterminedbytheAFC.AllrightsgrantedtotheHostOrganisationshallautomaticallyceaseuponexpiryofthesaidterm.

38.13. TheHostOrganisationshallnotuseand/orexploitanypartoftheMediaRightsbeyondthesaidtermwithoutthepriorwrittenapprovaloftheAFC.

38.14. TheHostOrganisation shall executewritten agreements with each of its BroadcastPartnersregardingthegrantofMediaRightswhichfullyreflectthetermsofthisManualandshallprovidetheAFCwithacopyofsuchagreements,whererequested.

38.15. Each Host Organisation shall submit a written, comprehensive plan that sets outtheirproposedmediaactivitiesfortheAFC’swrittenapprovalpriortotheuseand/orexploitationofMediaRights.

38.16. EachHostOrganisationshallremainfullyandprimarilyresponsibleforandliabletotheAFCfortheactsand/oromissionsofeachofitsBroadcastPartnersinconnectionwiththeuseand/orexploitationofMediaRightsrelatingtotheCompetition.

39. AFCWebsiteandCompetitionWebsite

39.1. TheAFCWebsite,Competitionwebsite(ifany)andofficialsocialmediachannelsshallbetheonlyofficialDigitalMediaplatformsfortheCompetition.

39.2. HostOrganisationsareprohibitedfromlaunchinganyofficialwebsiteand/orreleasinganyofficialcommuniquétomediaorganisationsrelatedtotheCompetitionwithoutthepriorwrittenapprovaloftheAFC.

39.3. HostOrganisationsmayusetheCompetitionMarksandCompetitiontitleontheirownwebsiteorsocialmediachannel(s)topromotetheirhostingandstagingofaMatchintheCompetitionprovidedthat:


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39.3.1. anyuseorreferencetotheCompetitionMarksand/orCompetitiontitleshallbeinitsofficialformandintheapprovedformatonly;

39.3.2. theCompetitionMarksand/orCompetitiontitleshallnotbeusedorplacedwithinthetitlebar,menubarand/orfooterorheaderofthewebsiteorplacedinasimilarlyprominentpositiononthewebsiteorsocialmediachannel(s)thatwouldgivetheappearancethatsuchplatformisanofficialAFCorCompetitionwebsiteorchannel;and

39.3.3. theCompetitionMarksand/orCompetitiontitleshallnotbeusedorplacedinassociationorcloseproximitytothenameand/oridentifierofanythird-partyorcommercialentity.

39.4. HostOrganisationsshallensurethatnothird-partylogos,products,referenceand/oridentifiersareusedonthewebsiteinawaywhichmaylikelydraworinferanassociationto the AFC or the Competition.

39.5. Where awebsite createdunder thisprovision is in thenative languageof theHostOrganisation,theHostOrganisationshallensurethatthewebsiteisalsomadeavailableinEnglish.

39.6. WhenreferringtoaCompetitionorMatchonanofficialMemberAssociationand/orParticipatingTeamwebsiteorDigitalMediaplatform,onlytheofficialCompetitionorMatchsocialmediaanddigitaltags(hashtags)asprovidedbytheAFCshallbeutilised.

AFC Digital39.7. Amaximumof two (2)AFCdigitalpersonnel (each followingone [1] team)shallbe

allowedtohaveaccesssimilartothoseoftheofficialphotographersduringaMatch.

39.8. EachmemberoftheAFCdigitalcrewwillwearadarkbluebibwithDIGITALwrittenonitinsteadofOFFICIAL.

39.9. TheAFCdigitalcrewshallbeallowedtofilmteamarrivals,teamdressingrooms,theteammarch-in (togetherwithotherphotographers from inside the rope), theMatch(frombehindtheboards),mixedzoneandpressconferences.

39.10. In all cases, theHostBroadcasterwill havepriority access in all theaboveactivities(e.g. the Host Broadcaster will film the dressing rooms first, followed by officialphotographersandthentheAFCdigitalcrew).

39.11. The AFC digital crew will not have access to VVIP/VIP tribunes or lounges andspectatorstands.

39.12. TheAFCdigitalcrewcanfilmthespectators’arrivaltotheStadiumfromoutsidethestands,whilefilmingthespectators’reactionsshallbefilmedfrombehindtheboards.

39.13. TheAFCdigitalcrewshallfollowtheinstructionsoftheAFCMediaOfficerandshallbetreatedequallyastheotherphotographersduringtheMatch.


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39.14. TheAFCdigitalcrewshallbegivenapositionbehindtheboards,whenrequested,bytheAFCCommercialRightsPartnertodopre-Matchstand-upsandshallbeallowedtodoflashinterviews,ifappropriateandpre-agreed,attheendoftheMatchaftertheHostBroadcasterandanyotherBroadcastPartner.

39.15. TheAFCdigitalcrewshallalsohavepitchaccessfollowingthecompletionofthefinalMatchofaCompetitiontofilmthecelebrationsfortheAFC’sdigitalchannels.

39.16. TheAFCdigitalcrewshallalsobeallocatedspaceaftertheHostBroadcasterandotherBroadcastPartnersatthemixedzone.

40. Pre-MatchPromotionalMaterial

40.1. PriortothecommencementofeachMatch,theParticipatingTeamsshall,uponrequestby the AFC, provide the AFC, free of charge, with photographs and audio-visualmaterials regarding the Participating Team, Participating Players and ParticipatingOfficials and any further information (including without limitation, statistics andhistoricalinformation)asrequestedbytheAFC.

40.1.1. TheParticipatingTeamsshall,uponrequestbytheAFC,makeallParticipatingPlayers and ParticipatingOfficials available for head shots and videowalk-ups for media, commercial and/or promotional purposes by the AFCandCommercialAffiliatesat leastone (1) timebefore the startof theFinalCompetitionoratanyothertimerequestedbytheAFCduetoanyadditionalregistration of Participating Players or Participating Officials. The time andvenueofsuchheadshotsandvideowalk-upsshallbeagreedbetweentherelevantParticipatingTeamandtheAFC.

40.2. AllParticipatingTeamsherebygrant theAFCtheright touseandwhereapplicable,authorisetheAFCCommercialRightsPartnerandtheCommercialAffiliatestousetheaforesaid provided materials for commercial, promotional and/or media purposesrelatingtotheCompetition.

40.3. Allmaterials shallbeprovided to theAFC in a timelymanner, and in the formandformatasprescribedbytheAFC.

41. TeamMediaOfficer

41.1. Each Participating Team shall appoint a dedicated English-speaking media officerto coordinate allmedia arrangements between theAFC andwhere applicable, theAFCCommercialRightsPartner,BroadcastPartners,ParticipatingTeams,ParticipatingPlayers, Participating Officials and the Media, including without limitation all pressconferencesandinterviews,andtocooperateonall relatedmattersat theVenue. In casetherelevantCompetitionregulationsdonotrequireateammediaofficertoberegistered,theteammanagershallactastheteammediaofficerandberesponsibleforalltheobligationsofateammediaofficerassetoutinthisManual.

41.2. The Participating Teams shall be responsible to ensure that their appointedmediaofficerbriefsallParticipatingPlayersand/orParticipatingOfficialsof their respectivemediaobligationsasrequiredbytheAFCandwhereapplicabletheAFCCommercialRightsPartnerandCommercialAffiliates.


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41.3. TheParticipatingTeamsandtheirappointedmediaofficershallberesponsible forensuringtheprovisionof interpretationandtranslationservicesfor itsParticipatingPlayersandParticipatingOfficialswhoconductmedia sessions in languagesotherthanEnglish.Fortheavoidanceofdoubt,theinterpretationandtranslationservicesprovided shall be for translation of dialogues from all other languages into theEnglish language. In case interpretationand translation into the local languageofthehostcountryisnecessary,itshallbetheresponsibilityoftheHostOrganisationtoensure the same.

41.4. Where applicable for football Competitions, the Participating Teams and theirappointedmediaofficershallberesponsibleforthedistributionandtranslationoftherelevantmediaguidelinesassetoutinAppendix17andAppendix18.

42. MediaInfrastructure,FacilitiesandServices

42.1. The HostOrganisation shall extend all necessary assistance to theAFC andwhereapplicable,theAFCCommercialRightsPartner,CommercialAffiliates,HostBroadcasterand Broadcast Partners in facilitating and ensuring the successful transmission ofbroadcastsignalsforeachMatchincludingtechnicalassistancerelatingtoproductionrequirementsandtheexerciseandexploitationofMediaRights.

42.2. TheHostOrganisationshallensurethatthenumberofcamerapositionsasrequiredbytheAFCandwhereapplicabletheAFCCommercialRightsPartner,HostBroadcasterandBroadcastPartners,canbeaccommodated.Whereanyrequiredcamerapositionmaypresentasafetyorsecurityhazard,theHostOrganisationshallprovidetheAFCwithsufficientnoticeofanysuchconcernsandwherenecessary,proposeanequalorbetterpositionforutilisationasanalternative.

42.3. TheHostOrganisationshallberesponsibleforensuringthateachStadiumshallhaveabroadcastcompoundsituatedintheimmediateperimeterofthemainstandoftheStadiumtofacilitatetheparkingofoutdoorbroadcast(OB)vans.ItshallbesecuredbyaperimeterfenceandhaveclearcableroutesbetweenthebroadcastcompoundandthebroadcastareasinandaroundtheStadium.Thebroadcastcompoundshallhaveofficecabinsaswellasaccesstosharedwirelessinternetandlocalgridpower.

42.4. TheHostOrganisationshallberesponsibleforensuringthateachStadiumshallhavea media tribune situated in the main stand of the Stadium, together with a pressconferenceroom,mediacentreandmixedzone.Themediatribuneshallconsistofasectionwithandwithoutdesks,offerunhinderedviewsoftheFieldofPlayandprovideaccesstopowerandsharedwirelessinternet.Themediatribuneshallbesituatedinlinewith,oroneithersideof,thehalfwaylinethatisclosesttothebroadcastcompoundand it shallbephysically separated from thepublicareaseitherbya fence,orbyabufferzone.

42.5. TheHostOrganisationshallberesponsible inensuringthesafetyandsecurityofallmediainfrastructureandfacilitiesprovidedatanyStadiumandOfficialTrainingSites.


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42.6. As a result of technological developments, new and improved camera equipmentmaybedevelopedwhichmay requirenewcamerapositions inanyStadiumand/orOfficialTrainingSite.Subjecttospace,safetyandsecurityconsiderations,suchcamerapositionsmaybeapprovedandrequestedbytheAFConacasebycasebasisand,where applicable, in consultation with the AFC Commercial Rights Partner, HostBroadcasterandBroadcastPartners.TheHostOrganisationshallcomplywithanynewdirectionsasissuedbytheAFCinsuchregard.

42.7. TheHostOrganisation shall be responsible in ensuring that each Stadium shall beequippedwithasignaldeliverysystemtofacilitatethedistributionof livebroadcastvideo/audiosignaltothefollowingareaswithintheStadium:

42.7.1. mediacentre;

42.7.2. mediatribune;

42.7.3. VVIP/VIPLounge;

42.7.4. dopingcontrolroom;

42.7.5. AFCSecretariat;and

42.7.6. AFCMatchCommissioner/RefereeAssessorposition.

43. MediaAccessandAccreditation

43.1. The Host Organisation shall be responsible for the management and provision ofsupporttoallMediafortheCompetitionthroughtheimplementationof:

43.1.1. accreditationprocedures;

43.1.2. procurementandsettingupofMediaAccessArea(s);and

43.1.3. coordination of all Media-related activities at any Stadium and OfficialTrainingSite.

43.2. TheHostOrganisationshallobserveallinstructionsanddirectionsoftheAFCinrelationtheretotoensurethefullandunencumberedexerciseofrightsandmediacoverageofthe Competition.

43.3. TheHostOrganisationshallensureatitsowncostthattheAFCand,whereapplicable,the AFC Commercial Rights Partner, Commercial Affiliates, Host Broadcaster andBroadcastPartnersareprovidedfullandunrestrictedaccessandaccreditationtotheCompetitionand/orOfficialFunctionsandfacilitateintheoperationsoftheAFCandwhere applicable the AFC Commercial Rights Partner, Commercial Affiliates, HostBroadcasterandBroadcastPartnersintheexerciseandexploitationofMediaRights.

43.4. The HostOrganisation shall provide theAFCwith all Media accreditation requeststogetherwithdetailsrelatingtothespecificrequestincluding:


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43.4.1. thenameanddesignationoftherequestingpersons;

43.4.2. themediacompanytheyrepresent;

43.4.3. theirnationality;and

43.4.4. thetypeofmediacoveragetheyintendtocoverfortheCompetition.

43.5. UponreceiptofapprovalbytheAFC,theHostOrganisationshallproduceandissueAccreditationCardstoapprovedMediainatimelymannerandshallberesponsibleforanydelayresultingintheissuanceorprovisionofsuchaccreditationtotheMedia.

43.6. TheHostOrganisation is responsible forensuring that theMediaRightsandanyrightstotheCompetitionDataareprotectedandthatnounofficialorunauthorisedpersonsorparties includingwithout limitation anybroadcasters and/or videoorENGcameracrewsarepermittedaccesstoanyStadiumwithout thepriorwrittenpermission of the AFC.

43.7. TheHostOrganisationshallensurethatdesignatedMediaaccessarea(s)mayonlybeaccessedbyauthorisedMediawithvalidAccreditationCardsandthatnoMediashallbeallowedaccesstoanypartsoftheStadiumorOfficialTrainingSitesotherthanaspermittedundertheirrespectiveaccreditations.

43.8. TheParticipatingTeamsshallensurethatanyofficialsorMediapersonsorthird-partiesaccompanyingthempossessvalidAccreditationCardstogainaccessintotherelevantareasatanyStadiumand/orOfficialTrainingSitesandshallcomplywithallapplicabletermsandinstructionsasissuedbytheAFC.

43.9. TheParticipatingTeamsshallensurethatnoMediarepresentativesaccompanythemintheteambustoandfromtheStadiumorOfficialTrainingSites.

43.10. (for football) All approved Media shall comply with the Photographer OperationGuidelinesforFootballassetoutinAppendix17andBroadcastOperationsGuidelinesforFootballassetoutinAppendix18andhaveaccesstoandremaininthedesignatedMediaAccessAreasasfollows:

43.10.1. the Host Broadcaster, Broadcast Partners, and official photographers shalladoptpositionsaroundtheFieldofPlayandonthespectatorstandareasorsuchotherareasasadvisedbytheAFC;

43.10.2. OnlyENGcrewsfromaBroadcastPartnerorotherpartyappointedbytheAFCand/ortheAFCCommercialRightsPartnershalladoptpositionsbehindtheadvertisingboardsatthebackofeachgoalpostsandmaincameraplatformatthemainstandareaorsuchotherareasasadvisedbytheAFC,subjecttoavailabilityofspace;and

43.10.3. photographers shall adopt positions behind the advertising boards at thebackofeachgoalpostsorsuchotherareasasadvisedbytheAFC,subjecttoavailabilityofspace.


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43.11. UndernocircumstancesshallMediaotherthantheHostBroadcaster,BroadcastPartnersand official photographers be allowed access on the Field of Play or between theboundariesoftheFieldofPlayandspectatorstandsatanytimeduringtheCompetition.

43.12. Notwithstandingtheabove,MediamayincertaininstancesbeallowedaccesstothehalfwaylineontheFieldofPlaytorecord,filmorphotographtheteamwalk-inandline-upceremonyatthestartofeachMatchandthepresentationofthePlayeroftheMatchaward(ifany)attheendofeachMatch.

43.13. AllMediawhoareauthorisedbytheAFCtoentertheFieldofPlayshallberequiredtowearmediabibsatalltimes.

Final Competition43.14. UnlessotherwiseinstructedbytheAFC,theAFCCommercialRightsPartnershallbe

responsiblefortheproductionofMediabibsandshallprovidetherelevantnumberofMediabibstotheHostOrganisationfordistributiontoapprovedMediawithvalidAccreditationCards.

43.15. MediabibsmaybearcommercialbrandingofaCommercialAffiliateasapprovedinwritingbytheAFC.

43.16. TheHostOrganisationshallberesponsiblefortheissuanceofMediabibstoapprovedMediawithvalidAccreditationCardsandshallensurethatallMediabibs issuedarereturned to theAFCCommercialRightsPartnerat theendofeachMatch.TheHostOrganisationshallberesponsibleforanylostorunreturnedMediabibs.

43.17. ThedistributionofMediabibstoapprovedMediashallbeasfollows:

43.17.1. HostBroadcaster:toweargreyidentificationbibs;

43.17.2. BroadcastPartners:towearbrownidentificationbibs;

43.17.3. Official Photographers/AFC digital crew/AFC Commercial Rights Partnercrew/LOCPhotographers:toweardarkblueidentificationbibs;

43.17.4. ENGcrew(fromaBroadcastPartnerorotherpartyappointedbytheAFCand/ortheAFCCommercialRightsPartner):towearpinkidentificationbibs;and

43.17.5. Photographers:toweardarkgreenidentificationbibs.

Preliminary Competition43.18. TheHostOrganisationshallberesponsiblefortheproductionanddistributionofall

MediabibstoapprovedMedia.

44. PressConferencesandInterviews

44.1. TheAFCreservesall rights in respect to thecoordinationofallpublic relationsandcommunicationactivitiesrelatingtotheCompetition includingwithout limitationthecoordinationofallpressconferences,interviewsandreleaseofpressstatementsandtheselectionofdesignatedmediaareasfortheconductingofallpressconferenceandinterviewsessions.


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44.2. The Host Organisation, Participating Teams, Participating Players and ParticipatingOfficials shallparticipateandprovide full support to theAFCandwhereapplicabletheAFCCommercialRightsPartnerandCommercialAffiliatesinrelationtoanypublicrelations and communication activitiesorganisedby theAFCandwhere applicabletheAFCCommercialRightsPartnerand/orCommercialAffiliateandshallobserveallinstructions,communicationsorguidelinesasissuedbytheAFC.

44.3. TheParticipatingTeamsthroughitsappointedmediaofficershallassisttheAFCandwhere applicable the AFC Commercial Rights Partner with the coordination of allpressconferenceand/orinterviewsessionsbyensuringthatthekeymembersoftheirTeam Official Delegation selected to conduct any such activities are available andbrought to scheduledsessions ina timelymanner.For theavoidanceofanydoubt,the ParticipatingTeam through its appointedmedia officer shall be responsible forensuringthatmembersrequestedbytheAFCofitsTeamOfficialDelegationthatareselectedtoparticipateinanysuchmediaactivityattendthesameinaccordancewiththe instructions of the AFC.

44.4. TheParticipatingTeamsshallensurethattheselectedmembersoftheirTeamOfficialDelegation conducting any press conference or interview sessions refrain frommakinganystatementsorreferenceswhichwillorislikelytodamageorbringintodisreputethegoodname,imageandreputationoftheAFC,Competitionorsportofassociationfootball.

44.5. TheParticipatingTeamsshallensure,duringanypressconferenceorinterviewsession,that:

44.5.1. theproductsorother identifiersof their affiliatedMemberAssociation, theParticipating Team, Participating Players, Participating Officials, or theircommercialpartnersoranyassociatedthird-partiesdonotappearorarenotusedinanymanner;

44.5.2. theirParticipatingPlayersandParticipatingOfficialsdonotmakereferencetoanythird-partyproductsorentities.

44.6. IntheeventtheHeadCoachissuspendedfortheMatch,theParticipatingTeamshallrequest the individual replacing theHeadCoach on the teambench to attend anyscheduledpressconferencesorinterviewsessions.

44.7. WheretheplayeroftheMatchawardrecipientisrequiredtoundergodopingtests,theyshallfulfilalldopingobligationsinaccordancewiththeAFCAnti-DopingRegulations.Anydelayedreportingand/ortemporarydeparturefromthedopingcontrolroommaybepermittedby theAFCDopingControlOfficer in accordancewith theAFCAnti-DopingRegulations.IntheeventofanydiscrepancybetweenthisManualandtheAFCAnti-DopingRegulations,theAFCAnti-DopingRegulationsshallprevail.

44.8. If requestedby theAFC,eachParticipatingTeamshallmake theirHeadCoachandone(1)ParticipatingPlayeravailableforaninterviewofuptoten(10)minutes,toberecordedbytheHostBroadcasterorotherBroadcastPartner,anyCommercialAffiliate,orbytheAFCdigitalchannels.


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44.9. Thefollowingset-upisrecommendedforpressconferences:

TV Camera & Photographers Platform (facing head table)

Head Table

Seats for Written Media

44.10. Stand-upinterviewsarestrictlyprohibitedatalltimesexceptwhereapprovedinwritingby theAFCandwhere applicable theAFCCommercial Rights Partner. ParticipatingTeamsshallensurethattheirParticipatingPlayersandParticipatingOfficialsrefrainfromconductinganysuchactivities.

44.11. Notwithstanding the above, the AFC and, where applicable, the AFC CommercialRightsPartnershalldesignateanareabetweentheteambenchesandteamdressingroomswhereunilateralandmultilateralflashinterviewscanbeconductedbyBroadcastPartnersattheendofaMatch.

44.12. No interviews of any kind shall be conducted at any Controlled Access Area, itsimmediatevicinityoranyotherrestrictedareasunlessotherwiseadvisedbytheAFCorwhereapplicabletheAFCCommercialRightsPartner.

44.13. Where theAFCorganisesadditionalmediaand/orpromotionalactivitiesorawards,suchasthemixedzone,suchactivitiesmaysupplementbutnotreplacetheobligatorypressconferencesorinterviewsessions.Notwithstandingtheabove,theParticipatingTeamsshallensurethattheirParticipatingPlayersandParticipatingOfficialsparticipatein such activities.

44.14. TheHostOrganisationshallprovideanaudiosplitteratthebackofthepressconferenceroomfortheTVcamerastogetaclearaudiofeed.

44.14.1. Saveexcept for anyAFCorCompetitionbrandedmicrophone cubes and/orwindshields,onlyunbrandedin-housemicrophoneswillbeplacedattheheadtable.

44.14.2. No other branded microphones, microphone cubes and/or windshields,exceptthoseprovidedbytheAFC,irrespectiveofthebroadcasterormediacrewcategory,shallbeallowedtobeplacedonthemainpressconferencetableorusedduringanypressconference.


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45. MixedZone

45.1. TheHostOrganisationshallcoordinateandcooperatewiththeAFCinensuringthatamixedzone,containingasectioned-offareareservedfortheBroadcastPartnersissetupandorganisedforthemediaaftertheMatchandthatthemixedzoneisconduciveandsafefortheParticipatingOfficialsandParticipatingPlayerstopassthroughfromtheteamdressingroomtotheteamtransportarea.

45.2. TheParticipatingTeamsshallensurethat theirHeadCoachandParticipatingPlayerspassthroughthemixedzoneandareencouragedtoconductinterviewswiththeMediagivingprioritytorequestsfromCommercialAffiliates.

46. TeamDressingRoom

46.1. Team dressing rooms are strictly off-limits to any Media at all times during theCompetition.TheParticipatingTeamsshallensurethattheirrespectivemediapersonnelobserveandcomplywiththeseprovisions.

46.2. Notwithstandingtheabove,theAFCreservestherighttogranttheHostBroadcaster,official photographers, AFC digital crew, AFC Commercial Rights Partner andCommercial Affiliates access to the team dressing rooms prior to the arrival of aTeamOfficialDelegation to recordandfilm theParticipatingTeam’splayingkit andequipment.

47. FieldofPlay

47.1. Media and/or any unauthorised third-parties are strictly prohibited from enteringthe Field of Play or any prohibited areas in the Stadium including technical areasandtheareabetweentheboundariesoftheFieldofPlayandspectatorstands.HostOrganisationsshallensurethatnosuchpartiesshallbeallowedaccessorbroughttothesaidareasunlessotherwiseauthorisedbytheAFC.

47.2. Notwithstandingtheabove,onlyaccreditedandauthorisedphotographers,televisioncrewandcameramen,theHostBroadcasteroranyauthorisedBroadcastPartnershallbeallowedaccesstotheFieldofPlayandtheareabetweentheboundariesoftheFieldofPlayandspectatorstandtoenabletheperformanceofobligationsandexerciseofrightsrelatingtotheCompetitioninaccordancewiththeAFC’saccreditationpolicy.


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SECTION 8 | TICKETING


48.1. The Host Organisation shall provide Complimentary Tickets to the AFC, AFCCommercialRightsPartnerandParticipatingTeams,freeofchargeandasinstructedbytheAFC.TheminimumnumberofComplimentaryTicketstobeprovidedtotheAFCand/orAFCCommercialRightsPartnerisprovidedinAppendix19.

48.2. Inadditiontotheabove,theHostOrganisationshallprovidetheAFC,AFCCommercialRights Partner andParticipatingTeams, theopportunity topurchaseTickets at face-valueforeachMatch.TheminimumnumberofpurchasableTicketstobeprovidedtotheAFCand/orAFCCommercialRightsPartnerisprovidedinAppendix19.

48.3. ThelocationofbothcomplimentaryandpurchasableTicketsshallbedeterminedbytheAFC.AzoningprincipleregardingtheallocationofseatsisprovidedinAppendix20.

48.4. TheHostOrganisationshallprovidefacilitiesandservicestohosttheguestsoftheAFCand/orCommercialAffiliatesasinstructedbytheAFC.

48.5. TheHostOrganisationisresponsiblefordeliveringallTicketsbythedeadlineprovidedby the AFC.

49. TicketSales

49.1. TheHostOrganisationisresponsibleforthesalesofTicketsandshallmanageitinamannerthatmeetsallapplicablesafetyandsecuritystandards.TheHostOrganisationshallretainallreceiptsfromthesaleofTickets.

49.2. Inallcases,TicketsmaybesoldattheStadiumoranywhereelseintheHostCityonthe day of theMatch onlywith the approval of the police and/or other competentauthoritiesandafterconsultationwiththeParticipatingTeams.

49.3. TicketsshallprovideholderswithalltheinformationtheymayneedsuchasthenamesoftheCompetition,ParticipatingTeamsandStadium,thedate,kick-offtimeandaclearseatlocationindication(includingsector,rowandseatnumber).

49.4. Tickets shall include serial numbering and, in the event e-tickets are utilised, theyshouldalsohaveQRcodesorsimilarinformation.


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SECTION 9 | COMMERCIAL

50. CommercialRights

50.1. TheAFCownsallCommercialRightsrelatingtotheCompetition.

Final Competition50.2. TheAFChasappointedtheAFCCommercialRightsPartnerasitssoleandexclusive

representativeforthesaleofCommercialRightsrelatingtotheCompetition.

50.3. TheAFChasgranted theexclusive right of association, use andexploitationof theCommercialRightstoitsCommercialAffiliatespursuanttotheirrespectiveagreementswiththeAFCandtheAFCCommercialRightsPartner.

50.4. HostOrganisations,ParticipatingTeams,ParticipatingPlayersandParticipatingOfficialsshall not use and/or exploit andensure that no individual, companyor commercialentityusesand/orexploitstheCommercialRightsandshallinformtheAFCimmediatelyofanyunauthoriseduseand/orinfringementoftheCommercialRights.

50.5. HostOrganisationsand/orParticipatingTeamsshallprovidethenecessaryassistanceandsupporttotheAFC,AFCCommercialRightsPartnerand/orCommercialAffiliatesand ensure that any individuals and/or third-parties associated to themobserve allinstructionsoftheAFCandAFCCommercialRightsPartnerinrelationtotheprotectionandenforcementoftheCommercialRightsoranycommercialprogrammeestablishedby the AFC for the Competition.

Preliminary Competition50.6. TheAFCherebygrantstheHostOrganisationtherighttouseand/orexploit,inwhole

orinpart,theCommercialRightsforthePreliminaryCompetition,subjecttothetermscontainedinthisManualandallapplicableCompetitionregulations.

50.7. TheAFCreservestheright towithholdorrevokeanyCommercialRightsgrantedtotheHostOrganisationatanytimepriortoorduringtheCompetition.Anyrightsnotexpressly granted to the Host Organisation shall be expressly and unconditionallyreservedbytheAFC.

50.8. In so granting, Host Organisations shall ensure that no individual, company orcommercialentityotherthanthoseapprovedbytheHostOrganisationspursuanttothegrantofrightshereunder,usesand/orexploitstheCommercialRightsinanywaywhichmaylikelydraworinferanassociationtotheAFC,theCompetitionand/oranyotherfootballcompetitionoreventorganisedbyorundertheauspicesoftheAFC,andshallinformtheAFCimmediatelyofanyunauthoriseduseand/orinfringementoftheCommercialRights.

50.9. Notwithstanding the above, the grant of rights to the Host Organisations shall notextendtoanyMatchesplayedinaneutralvenueandshallbesubjecttoanyreservationofrightsasdeterminedbytheAFC.


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50.10. TheHostOrganisationshallbeentitledtouseand/orexploittheCommercialRightsuponitsappointmentasHostOrganisationandsuchgrantshallextenduntilthirty(30)daysafterthefinalMatchhostedbytherelevantHostOrganisationorsuchothertermasdeterminedbytheAFC.AllrightsgrantedtotheHostOrganisationshallautomaticallyceaseuponexpiryofthesaidterm.

50.11. TheHostOrganisationshallnotuseand/orexploitanypartoftheCommercialRightsbeyondthesaidtermwithoutthepriorwrittenapprovaloftheAFC.

50.12. TheHostOrganisationsshallexecutewrittenagreementswitheachofitsCommercialAffiliatesregardingthegrantofCommercialRightswhichfullyreflectthetermsofthisManualandshallprovidetheAFCwithacopyofsuchagreements,whererequested.

50.13. EachHostOrganisationshallsubmitawritten,comprehensiveplanthatsetsouttheirproposedcommercialandsponsorshipactivitiesfortheAFC’swrittenapprovalpriortotheuseand/orexploitationofCommercialRights.

For the avoidanceofdoubt, theHostOrganisationmayprocure sponsors fromanybrandcategorysaveexceptasfollows:

50.13.1. tobacco;

50.13.2. liquor;

50.13.3. alcohol(ifprohibitedbythelawsoftheHostOrganisation);

50.13.4. bettingandgamingservices;and

50.13.5. any other industries whichmay, at the discretion of the AFC, be deemedinappropriateifassociatedwiththeCompetition.

50.14. EachHostOrganisationshallremainfullyandprimarilyresponsibleforandliabletotheAFCfortheactsand/oromissionsofitsCommercialAffiliatesinconnectionwiththeuseand/orexploitationofCommercialRightsrelatingtotheCompetition.

51. CommercialInfrastructure,FacilitiesandServices

51.1. The Host Organisation shall ensure that Commercial Affiliates are provided rooms,storageanddisplay/activationareasinandaroundtheStadiumtofacilitatecommercialactivations.SuchroomsandlocationsshallbedeterminedbytheAFC.

51.2. Details of the Commercial Affiliates’ activation shall be communicated to the HostOrganisationviacircularletter.

51.3. TheHostOrganisationshallremainresponsibletoorganiseandsecureanylocalpermitsasrequiredbylocalauthoritiesastheorganiseroftheevent.TheAFCCommercialRightsPartnerwillcollectandcompileCommercialAffiliates’informationasrequiredforanylocalpermitsinconnectionwithanyactivationsrelatingtotheCompetitioninandaroundtheStadium,OfficialTrainingSiteorOfficialFunctionsandsharewiththeHostOrganisationasperanytimelinesinstructedbytheAFC,sotheymaysecurelocalapproval.


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52. CommercialAccessandAccreditation

52.1. TheAFCandAFCCommercialRightsPartnershallberesponsibleforthemanagementandprovisionofsupporttoallCommercialAffiliatesthroughtheimplementationof:

52.1.1. accreditationprocedures;and

52.1.2. coordinationofallsponsor-relatedactivitiesatanyStadium,OfficialTrainingSiteandOfficialFunctions.

52.2. TheHostOrganisationshallobserveallinstructionsanddirectionsoftheAFCandtheAFCCommercialRightsPartnerinrelationtheretotoensurethefullandunencumberedexerciseofCommercialRights.

52.3. TheHostOrganisationshallensureatitsowncostthattheAFCand,whereapplicable,the AFC Commercial Rights Partner and Commercial Affiliates are provided fulland unrestricted access and accreditation to the Competition and/or OfficialFunctionsandfacilitateintheoperationsoftheAFCand,whereapplicable,theAFCCommercialRightsPartnerandCommercialAffiliatesintheexerciseandexploitationofCommercialRights.

52.4. TheHostOrganisationshallberesponsiblefortheproductionofAccreditationCardsforCommercialAffiliates,asrequestedbytheAFCandAFCCommercialRightsPartner.TheseAccreditationCardsmustbeprovidedtotheAFCortheAFCCommercialPartnerasinstructedbytheAFCforfurtherdistributiontothefinalrecipient.

53. IntellectualProperty

53.1. TheAFC owns all rights, title and interest relating to the Competition including allintellectualpropertyandProprietaryInterestswhethercreatedinthepast,presentorfutureandreservesallrightsinrespecttotheuseand/orlicenceofsuchrights.

53.2. TheuseofanyintellectualpropertyrightsrelatingtotheCompetition,whetherfortheFinalCompetitionorPreliminaryCompetition,shallbesubjectatalltimestothepriorwrittenapprovaloftheAFC.

53.3. Host Organisations, Participating Teams, Participating Players, and ParticipatingOfficialsshallnotopposeandshallusereasonableefforts toensure thatnoneof itsaffiliatesopposeanytrademarkorcopyrightapplicationsfiledinrespecttotheAFCorCompetitionandmaynotinanywaychallengeorapplyforanycopyright,trademark,patentordomainnameregistrationswhichwouldadverselyaffectAFC’sProprietaryInterests in the Competition.

53.4. HostOrganisations,ParticipatingTeams,ParticipatingPlayersandParticipatingOfficialsshallpromptlynotifytheAFCofanyinfringement,orsuspectedinfringement,ofanyintellectualpropertyrightsrelatingtotheCompetitionuponbecomingawareofanysuch matter.


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Final Competition53.5. TheAFC has granted the exclusive right of use and exploitation of the intellectual

propertyrightsrelatingtotheCompetitiontoitsCommercialAffiliatespursuanttotheirrespectiveagreementswiththeAFCandtheAFCCommercialRightsPartner.

Preliminary Competition53.6. TheAFCherebygrantstotheHostOrganisationtherighttouseand/orexploit,inwhole

orinpart,certainintellectualpropertyrightsrelatingtotheCompetitionpursuanttoitsappointmentasHostOrganisationsubjecttothetermshereunder.

54. Competition Data

54.1. TheAFCisthesoleownerandhasthesoleright,totheexclusionoftheHostOrganisation,ParticipatingTeams,ParticipatingPlayersandParticipatingOfficialsandanyotherparty,toexploitanyandallrightstotheCompetitionData.Accordingly,theAFCisentitledtouseandexploitallrights,titleandinteresttotheCompetitionDatarelatingtotheCompetitionandreservesallrightsinrespecttotheuseand/orlicenceofsuchrightsworldwide.

54.2. Anyuseand/orproposeduseof theCompetitionDatashallbesubject to thepriorwrittenapprovaloftheAFC.

55. ImageRights

55.1. TheAFCisentitledtouseandexploitallImageRightsrelatingtotheCompetitionandreservesallrightsinrespecttotheuseand/orlicenceofsuchrightsforanypurposes,commercial or otherwise, free from any royalty or compensation, in relation to theCompetitionandgrantofrightsinrelationthereto.

Final Competition55.2. HostOrganisations,ParticipatingTeams,ParticipatingPlayersandParticipatingOfficials

acknowledgethattheirparticipationandattendanceintheCompetitionshallconstituteanagreement to theuseand/or recordingof their image, voiceor likenesswithoutnoticeorcompensation,andshall indemnify,release,defendandholdharmlesstheAFC,AFCCommercialRightsPartnerandCommercialAffiliatesfromanyandallclaimsrelatingtotheuseoftheirimagesandlikenessinrelationtotheCompetitionand/orgrantofrightsrelatingtotheCompetition.

55.3. HostOrganisations,ParticipatingTeams,ParticipatingPlayersandParticipatingOfficialsshallensurethatnoindividual,companyorcommercialentityusesand/orexploitstheImageRights in anywaywhichmay likelydrawor imply anassociation to theAFC,Competition or Commercial Affiliates and shall inform theAFC immediately of anyunauthoriseduseorinfringementoftheImageRights.

Preliminary Competition55.4. Anyuseand/orproposeduseoftheImageRightsbytheHostOrganisationoranyof

itsassociatedthird-partiesshallbesubjecttothepriorwrittenapprovaloftheAFC.

55.5. Host Organisations shall ensure that no individual, company or commercial entityusesand/orexploits the ImageRights in anywaywhichmay likelydrawor infer anassociationtotheAFCand/orCompetitionandshall informtheAFCimmediatelyofanyunauthoriseduseorinfringementoftheImageRights.


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56. PublicExhibitionRights

56.1. TheAFCisentitledtoexploitallPublicExhibitionRightsrelatingtotheCompetitionandreservesallrightsinrespecttotheuseand/orlicenceofsuchrightsworldwide.

Final Competition56.2. Host Organisations, Participating Teams, Participating Players and Participating

Officials shall not organise and ensure that any third-parties associated to theHostOrganisations,ParticipatingTeams,ParticipatingPlayersand/orParticipatingOfficialsdonotorganiseanyformofpublicexhibitionoftheMatchesoftheCompetition,atanytime,whetherpriorto,duringoraftertheCompetition.

56.3. Anyintentionorproposedintentiontoholdororganiseanyformofpublicexhibitionand/oruseorexploitanyPublicExhibitionRightsrelatingtotheCompetitionshallbesubjecttothepriorwrittenapprovaloftheAFCandinaccordancewiththedirectionsandinstructionsasissuedbytheAFC.

Preliminary Competition56.4. EachHostOrganisationshallnotorganiseandensurethatanythird-partiesassociated

totheHostOrganisationdoesnotorganiseanyformofpublicexhibitionoftheMatchesof the Competition, at any time, whether prior to, during or after the CompetitionperiodwithoutthepriorwrittenapprovaloftheAFC.

56.5. Anyintentionorproposedintentiontoholdororganiseanyformofpublicexhibitionand/oruseorexploitanyPublicExhibitionRightsrelatingtotheCompetitionshallbesubjecttothepriorwrittenapprovaloftheAFCandinaccordancewiththedirectionsandinstructionsasissuedbytheAFC.

57. OfficialFunctions

57.1. TheAFC is entitled toexploit all rights relating to theOfficial FunctionsandeventsrelatingtotheCompetitionandreservesallrightsinrespecttotheorganisingand/orstagingofsuchfunctionsorevents.

Final Competition57.2. Host Organisations, Participating Teams, Participating Players and Participating

Officials shall not organise and ensure that any third-parties associated to theHostOrganisations,ParticipatingTeams,ParticipatingPlayersand/orParticipatingOfficialsdonotorganiseanyOfficialFunctionsoreventsrelatingtotheCompetitionwithoutthepriorwrittenapprovaloftheAFC.Anypartythatwishestoorganiseand/orstageanyOfficial Function shall provide theAFCwith a detailed plan setting out amongothers thedate, timeandvenueof theproposed functionoreventandshall followandcomplywithanydirectionsorinstructionsissuedbytheAFCregardingtheoverallorganisingand/orstagingoftheOfficialFunction.

57.3. Anyeventsorfunctionsproposedtobeorganisedand/orstagedbysuchparties,shallbeonanon-commercialbasiswithnosaleofTicketsorpaymentincashorkindfromanythird-partyorcompanyand/ornoassociationtotheCompetition,theAFCand/oritsCommercialAffiliates.


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Preliminary Competition57.4. HostOrganisationsshallbeentitledtoorganiseofficialeventsrelatingtothehosting

ofanyMatchoftheCompetitionsubjecttothepriorwrittenapprovaloftheAFC.Insodoing,HostOrganisationsshallprovide theAFCwithadetailedplansettingoutamongstothermatters,thedate,timeandvenueoftheproposedeventandcomplywith anydirectionsor instructionsof theAFC regarding anymatters relating to theoverallorganisingandstagingofsuchevents.

57.5. HostOrganisationsacknowledgethatanyeventsproposedtobeorganisedshallbeonanon-commercialbasiswithnosalesofTicketsorpaymentincashorkindfromanythird-partysaveexceptforanysuchcontributionfromitsCommercialAffiliatesaspartofitsagreementwiththeHostOrganisation.

57.6. Intheevent,theHostOrganisationintendstouseanyimagesorfootagesofmaterialsownedbytheAFCduringanysuchevents,theHostOrganisationacknowledgesthatsuchuseshallbesubjecttotheprovisionsofArticles55.4and55.5above.

58. CompetitionMarksandCompetitionTitle

58.1. TheAFCistheownerand/orcontrollerofallrights,titleandinteresttotheCompetitionMarks,CompetitiontitleandCompetitionbrandingelements(suchasthetrophyandanthem)andreservesallrightsinrespecttotheuseand/orlicencetouseofsuchrightsworldwide.

Final Competition58.2. TheAFChasgrantedtheexclusiverightofuseandexploitationoftheCompetition

Marks, Competition title and Competition branding elements to its CommercialAffiliates pursuant to their respective agreements with the AFC and the AFCCommercialRightsPartner.

58.3. AnyproposeduseoftheCompetitionMarksand/orCompetitiontitleshallbeintheapprovedformatinaccordancewiththeAFCguidelines,subjectatalltimestothepriorwrittenapprovaloftheAFC.

58.4. Whereapproval touseof theCompetitionMarksand/orCompetitiontitlehasbeengranted by the AFC, Host Organisations, Participating Teams, Participating Playersand/orParticipatingOfficialsshallensurethattheydonotusetheCompetitionMarks,Competition title and/orCompetitionbrandingelements in anymannerwhichmaydamageorbring intodisrepute thegoodname, imageand reputationof theAFC,CompetitionorsportofassociationfootballorlikelyimplyanendorsementorinferanassociationtoanyparticularproductorserviceoftheHostOrganisations,ParticipatingTeams,ParticipatingPlayersand/oranythird-parties.

Preliminary Competition58.5. AnyproposeduseoftheCompetitionMarks,and/orCompetitiontitleshallbeinthe

approved format inaccordancewith thebrandingguidelinesas issuedby theAFC,subjectatalltimestothepriorwrittenapprovaloftheAFC.


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58.6. TheCommercialAffiliates procuredby aHostOrganisationmay use and/or exploittheCompetitionMarksandCompetitiontitleforpromotionalpurposesrelatingtotheCompetitionpursuanttotheirrespectiveagreementswiththeHostOrganisationandsubjecttothetermsofthisManualandallapplicableCompetitionregulations.

58.7. Where approval to use of the Competition Marks and/or Competition titlehas been granted by the AFC, the Host Organisation and any of its appointedCommercial Affiliates shall ensure that such use shall not be in amanner whichmaydamageorbringintodisreputethegoodname,imageandreputationoftheAFC,CompetitionorsportofassociationfootballorlikelyimplyanendorsementorinferanassociationtoanyparticularproductorserviceoftheHostOrganisationorappointedCommercialAffiliate.

58.8. TheHostOrganisationacknowledgesthattherighttousetheCompetitionMarksandCompetitiontitleshallnotextendtouseoftheAFCMarks.

59. MerchandiseRights

59.1. TheAFCisentitledtoexploitallMerchandiseRightsrelatingtotheCompetitionandreservesallrightsinrespecttotheuseand/orlicenceofsuchrights.

Final Competition59.2. TheAFChasgrantedtheexclusiverightofuse,associationandexploitationofsuch

rights to its Commercial Affiliates through means of franchising, display, sampling,demonstration and/or sale of products and services pursuant to their respectiveagreementswiththeAFCandtheAFCCommercialRightsPartner.

59.3. HostOrganisations,ParticipatingTeams,ParticipatingPlayersandParticipatingOfficialsshallnotuseand/orexploitandensurethatnoindividual,companyorcommercialentityusesand/orexploitstheMerchandiseRightsandshallinformtheAFCimmediatelyofanyunauthoriseduseand/orinfringementofsuchrights.

59.4. Anyuseorexploitationand/orproposeduseorexploitationoftheMerchandiseRightsrelatingtotheCompetitionshallbeinaccordancewiththeAFCguidelines,subjectatalltimestothepriorwrittenapprovaloftheAFC.

Preliminary Competitions59.5. TheHostOrganisationshallnotexploittheMerchandisingRightstotheCompetition

withoutthepriorwrittenapprovaloftheAFC.

59.6. Anyuseorexploitationand/orproposeduseorexploitationoftheMerchandiseRightsrelatingtotheCompetitionshallbeinaccordancewiththeAFCguidelines,subjectatalltimestothepriorwrittenapprovaloftheAFC.

60. OfficialProductsandEquipment

Final Competition60.1. The AFC and the AFC Commercial Rights Partner shall be responsible for the

coordination of all sponsorship of official products and equipment relating to theCompetition.


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60.2. TheHostOrganisationshallassisttheAFCandtheAFCCommercialRightsPartnerinarrangingfortheproperstorageandsafekeepofmaterialsandequipmentrelatingtotheCompetitionandallMatches.

60.3. TheHostOrganisationshallliaisewithgovernmentandlocalauthoritiesinensuringtheunfettered,dutyfreeclearanceofsuchgoodsusedinrelationtotheCompetition.

60.4. AspartoftheexclusiverightsaccordedtotheCommercialAffiliateundertheirrespectiveagreementswiththeAFCandAFCCommercialRightsPartner,theCommercialAffiliatesmaysupplyofficialproductsandequipmentcontainingthebrandingoftheCommercialAffiliatesforuseinrelationtotheCompetition.ParticipatingTeams,ParticipatingPlayersandParticipatingOfficialsshalluseallsuchofficialproductsandequipmentasinstructedby the AFC and AFC Commercial Rights Partner pursuant to its participation in theCompetition,totheexclusionofcompetingproductsandequipment.

60.5. Where no supply of official products and equipment are made available by theCommercialAffiliates, theAFCandAFCCommercialRightsPartnershall reservetherighttodeterminetheproductsandequipmentusedinrelationtotheCompetitionandtheParticipatingTeams,ParticipatingPlayersandParticipatingOfficialsshallobserveallinstructionsissuedbytheAFC.

60.6. HostOrganisations,ParticipatingTeams,ParticipatingPlayersandParticipatingOfficialsshall not use, exhibit or display any sponsor or third-partymarks, names, brandingor indiciaon themselvesoranyproducts,playingor trainingkitsand/orother teamsupplies or equipment, in a Controlled Access Area or when attending any pressconferences,interviewsoranymediaactivity,OfficialFunctionoreventrelatingtotheCompetition,saveasotherwisepermittedundertheAFCEquipmentRegulations.

Preliminary Competition60.7. TheAFCshallberesponsibleforthecoordinationofallsponsorshipofofficialproducts

andequipmentrelatingtotheCompetitionunlesssuchresponsibilityisgrantedtotheHostOrganisation.

60.8. TheHostOrganisationshallassisttheAFCinarrangingfortheproperstorageandsafekeepofmaterialsandequipmentrelatingtotheCompetitionandallMatches.

60.9. TheHostOrganisationshallliaisewithgovernmentandlocalauthoritiesinensuringtheunfettered,dutyfreeclearanceofsuchgoodsusedinrelationtotheCompetition.

60.10. WherenosupplyofofficialproductsandequipmentaremadeavailablebytheAFC,theAFCshallreservetherighttodeterminetheproductsandequipmentusedinrelationtotheCompetitionandtheHostOrganisation,ParticipatingTeams,ParticipatingPlayersandParticipatingOfficialsshallobserveallinstructionsissuedbytheAFCinthisregard.

60.11. TheHostOrganisation,MemberAssociations,ParticipatingTeams,ParticipatingPlayersandParticipatingOfficialsshallnotuse,exhibitordisplayanysponsoror third-partymarks,names,brandingorindiciaonthemselvesoranyproducts,playingortrainingkitsand/orother teamsuppliesorequipment, inaControlledAccessAreaorwhenattending any press conferences, interviews or anymedia activity, Official Functionor event relating to the Competition, save as otherwise permitted under the AFCEquipmentRegulations.


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61. AdvertisingandBranding

61.1. The Host Organisation, Participating Teams, Participating Players, and ParticipatingOfficialsshallnotuse,displayorerectanysignageoradvertising inanyStadiumorOfficial Training Site at any point during the Competition, without the prior writtenapprovaloftheAFC.

61.2. TheHostOrganisationshallberesponsible,atitsowncost,forobtainingall licencesand permits required for the use, placement and publishing of any advertising orbranding of the Competition, including in relation to the placement of Pitch-sideperimeteradvertisingboardsand/oranydisplaysatanyStadium,OfficialTrainingSiteoranyControlledAccessArea.

61.3. TheHostOrganisationacknowledgesthatarestrictedviewmayariseasaresultoftheplacementandpositioningofcertainadvertisingandbrandingoftheCompetitionbutshallcomplywithallsucharrangementsasadvisedbytheAFC.

Final Competition61.4. SubjecttoArticle62.2,theAFCandAFCCommercialRightsPartnershallberesponsible

for the advertising and branding of the Competition. The Host Organisation shallprovidetheAFCandAFCCommercialRightsPartnerwithallnecessaryassistance,asrequestedbytheAFC.

61.5. TheHostOrganisation shall ensure that all advertisingandbranding relating to theCompetition including thatof theCommercialAffiliatesareplacedanddisplayed inaccordancewiththeinstructionsoftheAFC.

61.6. The Host Organisation shall install, remove or conceal any decoration, signage oradvertisinginaccordancewiththedirectionoftheAFC,atnocosttotheAFC.

61.7. TheHostOrganisationshallensurethattheAFC,AFCCommercialRightsPartnerandCommercialAffiliatesareprovidedwithsufficientspaceandappropriateinfrastructure(including access to electricity) within the commercial display area as determinedby theAFC toenable theAFC,AFCCommercialRightsPartner and/orCommercialAffiliatestofullyexerciseandexploittheCommercialRights.

Preliminary Competition61.8. TheHostOrganisation shallbe responsible for theadvertisingandbrandingof the

Competition,subjecttotheapprovaloftheAFC.

61.9. The Host Organisation shall install, remove or conceal any decoration, signage oradvertisinginaccordancewiththedirectionoftheAFC,atnocosttotheAFC.

61.10. TheHostOrganisationshall,whereapplicable,ensurethat theAFCisprovidedwithsufficientspacewithinthecommercialdisplayareaasdeterminedandwhererequestedby the AFC.


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62. ControlledAccessAreas

62.1. TheHostOrganisationshallberesponsiblefortheoperationandmanagementofallControlledAccessAreasincooperationwithvenueoperatorsand,whereappropriate,therelevantlocalandnationalgovernmentauthorities.

62.2. TheHostOrganisationshallproduce,installandremovealllookandfeelelementsintheControlledAccessAreasinaccordancewiththespecificdirectionsoftheAFCandshallonlyusethelookandfeelartworkasprovidedbytheAFC.

62.3. TheHostOrganisationshallbearallcostsassociatedtotheprovisionanduseoftheControlledAccessAreas.

62.4. TheHostOrganisationshallensuretheimmediateconcealmentorremovalofanyorallunauthorisedorthird-partyadvertising,marketingorpromotionfromtheStadiumorOfficialTrainingSiteandthattheStadiumincludingallControlledAccessAreasandOfficialTrainingsSitesshallbefreefromanythird-partyagreementsrelatingtotheuseandoperationoftheStadiumoranypartthereof.

63. CleanStadium

63.1. TheHostOrganisationshall,atitsowncost,beresponsibleforthedeliveryofaCleanStadiuminaccordancewiththetimelinessetoutbytheAFC.

63.2. The Host Organisation, Participating Teams, Participating Players and ParticipatingOfficialsshallensurethattheyandtheircommercialpartnersorassociatedthird-partiesrefrain(s)fromundertakinganyactionswhichmaylikelyimpedeoreffectthedeliveryofaCleanStadium.

63.3. TheAFCreservesallrightsinrespecttotheremovalorplacementofalladvertisingorcommercialsignagewithinallStadiaandOfficialTrainingSites.TheHostOrganisation,ParticipatingTeams,ParticipatingPlayersandParticipatingOfficialsshallcomplywithalldirectionsorinstructionsoftheAFCinrelationthereto.

64. RightsProtectionandAmbushMarketing

64.1. TheAFChasestablishedarightsprotectionprogrammetoprovideaframeworkfortherecognitionofallrightsassociatedtotheCompetitionandtocombatanyunauthoriseduseand/orassociationofrightsrelatingtotheAFCand/orCompetition.

64.2. The Host Organisation, Participating Teams, Participating Players and ParticipatingOfficials shall provide all assistance and support to theAFC, authorities and/or anyappointedpartiesinensuringthesuccessfulimplementationandenforcementoftheprogrammeandshallnotifytheAFCofanyinfringement,suspectedinfringementorambushmarketing-relatedactivitiesuponitbecomingawareofsuchmatters.

64.3. TheHostOrganisation,MemberAssociation,ParticipatingTeams,ParticipatingPlayersandParticipatingOfficialsshallensurethattheircommercialpartnersand/orassociatedthird-partiesdonotpartakeinanymatterswhicharelikelytobeconsideredasanambushmarketing-relatedactivityorinfringementoftherightsoftheAFCand/orCompetition.


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65. PrintedMaterials

65.1. All rights in and to all Competition related collaterals and publications includingwithout limitation, theofficialsouvenirprogrammes,Matchdayprogrammes,officialmagazine,locationguidebooks,officialpostersareexclusivelyreservedbytheAFC.

65.2. The Host Organisation, Member Association, Participating Teams, ParticipatingPlayersandParticipatingOfficialsshallnotpublishanyCompetitionorMatchrelatedpublicationswithoutthepriorwrittenapprovaloftheAFC.

66. ReportingandMatchRecording

Preliminary Competition66.1. HostOrganisationsshallsubmit thebelowreports inaccordancewith thestipulated

timelines:

66.1.1. Television Broadcasting Report: Domestic and International BroadcastSchedules

66.1.1.1. Contents: station name, broadcast territory, date and time ofbroadcast, transmissionmedia (e.g. terrestrial, satellite, or cable);broadcastmode(e.g.free-toair,pay,orpay-per-view),andnatureoftransmission(e.g.live,delayed,orrepeat);

66.1.1.2. Delivery:latestten(10)daysbeforetheCompetition.

66.1.2. SponsorshipStatusReports

66.1.2.1. Contents:companynames,sponsorshipcategories,industries,andsponsorbenefitsandobligations;

66.1.2.2. Delivery:latesttwenty(20)daysbeforetheCompetition.

66.1.3. FinalReport

66.1.3.1. Contents: sponsor activities with photos, Host Organisationactivities, television distribution data, and commercial salesinformation;

66.1.3.2. Delivery: latest one (1) month after the final Match of theCompetition.

66.2. ImmediatelyaftereachMatch,theHostOrganisationshallprovidefour(4)copiesofthefullMatchrecordingtotheAFCMatchCommissioner.

Final Competition66.3. Therequirements forreportingandMatchrecordingforFinalCompetitionsshallbe

communicatedtotheHostOrganisationsbytheAFC.


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SECTION 10 | SAFETYANDSECURITY


67.1. EachHostOrganisationandParticipatingTeammustcomplywiththeAFCSafetyandSecurityRegulations.

67.2. The Host Organisation is responsible for liaison with public authorities in the hostcountry and/or Host City to ensure that they work towards implementation of themeasurescontainedintheAFCSafetyandSecurityRegulations.

67.3. EachHostOrganisationshallappointalocalsafetyandsecurityofficer,whoshall:

67.3.1. develop, implement and review safety and security policy and procedure,includingriskmanagementandplanning;

67.3.2. be themain point of contact between the public authorities and theHostOrganisationinrespectofthesafetyandsecurityorganisationforMatches;

67.3.3. manage the Match safety and security operations including resourcing,briefing,deploymentanddebriefing;and

67.3.4. ensurethatStadiuminfrastructure,systemsandequipmentarecertifiedasfitforpurpose.Thesafetyandsecurityofficershallbequalifiedinaccordancewiththerelevantnationallegalframework.

67.4. HostOrganisationsshallberesponsibletoensureformalaccreditationisappliedandputintoforcebeforethestartoftheCompetitionasinstructedbytheAFC(cf.Appendix21).Onceaccreditationhasbeenestablished,accesstoStadiumsandotherControlledAccessAreasshallonlybepermittedforthoseindividualswithavalidpermit.

68. InformationforAllSupporters

68.1. TheHostOrganisationshallprovidethefollowinginformationtoallsupporters:

68.1.1. Stadiumopeningtime;

68.1.2. Stadiummap,includingapproachroads,carparks,publictransportstopsandlocationofviewingsectors;and

68.1.3. Stadiumcodeof conduct, including theprohibitionof items fromenteringStadiums and offensive articles as well as the procedure for searchingspectators.


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69. PublicAddressSystem

69.1. One of the apparent causes of unease and anxiety among spectators at anymassgatheringevent isa lackofadequate informationat thetimeofcrises.Toavoidanypanic and injuries among the spectators, it is essential to provide vital informationconcerning the nature of any emergency, hazard or risk. In such unlikely event thefollowingthestandardprocedureisrecommendedtobefollowed:

Notify officials on duty at the stadium (e.g. security, medical, etc.)

Preparation & plan activation * If evacuation is required

* Inform extend / nature of incidence

Instruction on opening of gate/exit

Announcement to the crowd (formal radio / coded using PA system)

Evacuation


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SECTION 11 | MEDICAL&ANTI-DOPING

70. AmbulancesatStadiums

70.1. Two(2)ambulancesmustbestationedfortheParticipatingPlayersatthedesignatedtunnelneartheMedicalRoomandtheFieldofPlayfromninety(90)minutesbeforethecommencementofeachMatchuntiltheParticipatingTeamsleavetheStadium.Inadditiontotheabove,one(1)ambulancemustbestationedforthecareofParticipatingOfficials,VVIP/VIPguestsandAFCDelegation.

70.2. Each ambulancemust be equippedwith advanced life support equipment such asdefibrillator, oxygen/mask, I/V drip sets and emergency medicaments and trainedemergencymedicalpersonnel.

70.3. TheHostOrganisationshallberesponsibleforestablishingcommunicationchannelswiththeambulance(s)foremergencyevacuation.

70.4. Thetunnelwhereintheambulance(s)arestationedshallbefreefromanyobstruction.Mediaisnotpermittedwithinthisarea.

71. MedicalRoomsatStadiums

71.1. EachStadiummusthavetwo(2)fullyequippedmedicalroomsformedicalcareoftheTeamOfficialDelegationsandAFCDelegationonMatchday.

71.1.1. The firstmedical room shall be located in the tunnel close to the Field ofPlayandteamdressingroomsforemergencytreatmentofseriouslyinjuredParticipatingPlayers.

71.1.2. AsecondmedicalroomshallbelocatedinthevicinityoftheVVIP/VIPtribunestoprovideemergencyand relatedmedical services.Alternatively, amobileparamediccanbeallocatedtocovertheVVIP/VIPtribunes.

71.1.3. Thefollowingemergencyequipmentshallbepresentandfullyoperationalinbothmedicalrooms:

71.1.3.1. aminimumoftwo(2)examinationandtreatmenttables;

71.1.3.2. aminimumoftwo(2)hardboard/spinalstretcherswithheadblocks;

71.1.3.3. a defibrillator with rhythm and patient data recording or anautomatedexternaldefibrillator(AED);

71.1.3.4. infusionmountingandsystemwithallequipmentforinjectionsandinfusionincludingvenousindwellingcannulae;

71.1.3.5. intubationequipment,laryngoscope,laryngealmaskairway(LMA),Ambubag(bagvalvemask),lubrication;


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71.1.3.6. aminimumof2,000L(twothousandlitres)ofstationaryoxygenoraminimumof400L(fourhundredlitres)ofportableoxygen;

71.1.3.7. stationary non-manual suction device with a minimum negativepressureof500mm(fivehundredmillimetres)ofmercury;

71.1.3.8. immobilisationequipmentsuchasspinalboard,cervicalcollarset;and

71.1.3.9. cyro-thermalregulationtherapy(e.g.ice/warmblankets).

71.2. Medical support at the Field of Play is recommended to be equipped with atransportablemedicalbagconsistingof:

Diagnostic Equipment71.2.1. Stethoscope,bloodpressuremonitorwithcuffsize10cm(tencentimetres)/

66cm(sixty-sixcentimetres),pupil lamp,reflexhammer,bloodsugargaugeand/orbloodsugarteststicks,digitalthermometer,pulseoximeter.

Circulation71.2.2. Infusionequipmentwithadministrationsetsandsolution,portabledefibrillator

withrhythmandpatientdatarecording(AED).

Breathing71.2.3. Portableairwaycaresystem,aspirator,suctioncatheter,aminimumof400L(four

hundredlitres)ofportableoxygen,resuscitatorwithmasksandairway,mouthtomaskventilatorwithoxygeninlet,larynxmask,intubationequipment,tubes.

Emergency Surgical Equipment71.2.4. Needle holder, forceps, scalpel, scalpel blades, scissors (sharp and tape),

nail clippers, syringes (2ml [two millilitres], 5ml [five millilitres], 10ml [tenmillilitres]), needles, suture cutters, local anaesthetics (lidocain with andwithout adrenaline (epinephrine), Steri-strips (1/8inch, 1/4inch), alcoholswabs, sterile dressingpads, dressing strips, tube anddressinggauze andcontainerforcontaminatedneedle;

Medicaments71.2.5. Oralanalgesics/antipyretics,injectableanalgesics(notinthelistofprohibited

substances).NSAIDs/COX2-inhibators,injectableadrenalin(epinephrine)foranaphylaxis, antibiotics, antacids, antihistamines, anti-asthmatic inhalators(beta-2-agonist, corticosteroid), 50%glucose solution, sedatives, hypnotics,throat lozenges, cough mixture/antitussive medications, creams/ ointment(anti-fungal, antibiotic, corticosteroid, anti-inflammatory), eye and earantibioticdrops,tetanustoxoidandanti-diarrhoeatablets/liquids.

Equipment71.2.6. Splints, triangularslingbandage, tonguedepressors,cottontipapplicators,

rigid sports tape, elasticbandage, adhesive tape, adhesive foam, adhesivesprayandcoolantspray.Vacuummattressorlongspinalboardcompletewithheadimmobilizer,cervicalcollar,cervicalupperspinalimmobilizationdevicesanddisposablegloves.


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72. MedicalProvisionsforExtremeEnvironmentConditions:Heat,ColdandHaze

72.1. The Host Organisation at its own cost, shall set-up the following requirements, inaccordancewithAppendix22,incaseofextremeenvironmentconditions.

Hot Environment72.2. Once the decision to introduce cooling breaks has been established, the Host

Organisationshallprovidethefollowing:

72.2.1. two(2)coolerboxes(one[1]perParticipatingTeam)withadequatequantitiesof iceduringeachperiodoftheMatchforcoolingbreaks(e.g.30th&75thmin.).ParticipatingTeamsmayusetheirowncoolingitems,iftheysorequire;

72.2.2. face towels soaked in ice cold water for Participating Players and MatchOfficialsforeachcoolingbreak;

72.2.3. additionalcoldbottledwaterforParticipatingPlayersandMatchOfficialsforeachcoolingbreak;and

72.2.4. emergencymedicalservices:

72.2.4.1. heat stroke diagnostic equipment and treatment logistics (rectaltemperaturethermometer,medicationsforanti-convulsion,tubandtepidwatersprayetc.);and

72.2.4.2. amedicalteamconversantwithtreatmentofheatrelatedinjuries.

Cold Environment72.3. TheHostOrganisationshallprovidethefollowingintheeventtheenvironmentiscold:

72.3.1. trainedteamofemergencymedicalpersonnel(familiarwithtreatmentofcoldrelatedinjuries)totreathypothermiawithpassiveandactivere-warming,frostbite(extremelyrare);and

72.3.2. medical supplies and equipment for treatment for hypothermia; exerciseinduced-asthma(EIA);hypoglycaemiaetc.

Haze72.4. TheHostOrganisationshallprovidethefollowingintheeventthereishazeand/orair

pollution:

72.4.1. anemergencymedicalteamtrainedinsuchemergencies,includingifpossibleaccesstoarespiratoryphysician(anexpertindealingwithsuchemergencies);

72.4.2. additionalmedicalpersonnel;and

72.4.3. adequatemedicalsuppliesandequipment.


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73. HeadConcussion

73.1. A Participating Player who experiences a suspected concussion during a Matchmustundergoanexaminationby the teamdoctor inaccordancewith theprotocolsestablishedbytheAFCMedicalCommitteeand/ordocumentedintheFIFAFootballEmergencyMedicineManual.Therefereemaytemporarilysuspendplayuptothree(3)minuteswheneveranincidentofsuspectedconcussionoccurs.TherefereemayonlyallowtheinjuredParticipatingPlayertocontinueplayingwiththeauthorisationoftheteamdoctor,whowillhavethefinaldecision.

73.2. The team doctor may call-upon the Host Organisation medical personnel on thepitchand/ortheAFCMedicalOfficertoassistontheassessmentandmanagement(ifdeemednecessary).

73.3. TheAFCrecommendsthatParticipatingTeamsfollowthereturntoplayprotocolsetoutintheSportConcussionAssessmentTool5(SCAT5)foranyplayerwhohassufferedconcussion.SCAT5recognisesthatthetimeframeforreturntoplaymayvary,includingbasedontheplayer’sageandhistory,andthatdoctorsmustusetheirclinicaljudgmentinmakingdecisionswithrespecttoreturntoplay.

74. OfficialTrainingSites

74.1. OfficialTrainingSitesmustbeequippedwithbasic emergencymedical equipment,massagetablesandsupplyofice,andstaffedwithparamedic/medicalpersonnel.AnambulancemustbestationedateachOfficialTrainingSiteequippedwithadvancelifesupportequipmentsuchasdefibrillator,oxygen,I/Vdripsets,emergencymedicamentsandtrainedemergencymedicalpersonnel.

75. Accommodation

75.1. Medicalservicesandfacilitiesmustbeset-upathotelsfortheParticipatingTeamsandtheAFCDelegation.

75.2. HostOrganisationsmustprovidecontactdetailsofthedesignateddoctor(s)thatwillbeon-calltwenty-four(24)hoursforthedurationoftheMatchand/orCompetition.

76. Hospital

76.1. One(1)totwo(2)hospitalsperStadiumshallbeidentifiedtoprovide,asaminimum,twenty-four(24)houraccidentandemergencydepartmentservices,includingwithoutlimitationtheabilitytomanagemajortrauma.

76.2. All designated hospitals must be located within the proximity of a Stadium andAccommodationastominimiseanyresponsetimeforemergencyincidentsand/orthetransferofapatienttohospital.

76.3. Thetransferbyroadofanyofficially-escortedmedicalemergencyvehicleshouldnotexceedfifteen (15)minutes,and in theevent that thiscannotbeguaranteedduetologistical,geographicalorotherchallenges,helicopterevacuationandtransfershouldbecomprehensivelycateredfor.


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76.4. HospitalsandemergencydepartmentsselectedbyHostOrganisationsaresubjecttoapprovalbytheAFC.

77. Spectators

77.1. The followingemergencymedical response(s)mustbe readilyavailable tocater forspectatorsinStadiums:

77.1.1. fixedmedicalposttowhichanynon-emergencyorself-referringemergencypatient can report andwhichmustbeadequately signposted fromone (1)hourbeforethegatesareopenedtothepublicandthirty(30)minutesaftertheMatch.This facilityshouldpreferablybeapermanentlydesignatedmedicalroombutlogisticallycanundertakeaformofamobilepost(e.g.ambulanceormobilemedicalstaff);

77.1.2. adequatemobilepersonnelwithequipment thatcanspeedilymove toanypartofaStadium.Personnelwhoareondutyand involvedmustbeclearlyidentifiablebyspectators;

77.1.3. a“crowddoctor”,qualifiedandexperiencedinpre-hospitalimmediatecare,shouldbeavailableforallspectatorvolumesinexcessoftwothousand(2,000)persons;and

77.1.4. thepresenceofsuitably trainedfirstaidersat theratioofone(1)firstaiderper one thousand (1,000) supporters (1:1,000), and thereafter one (1) firstaiderpertwothousand(2,000)supporters(1:2,000)inanall-seatingStadium.If, however, seating and standingaccommodation ispresent the ratio shallincrease.

77.2. Thefollowinglogisticalrequirementsformedicalservicesarerecommended:

Medical Service Spectators Minimum Number Required

Ambulancewithaminimumof2staff each

Upto15,000 2 on site

15,000-25,000 3 on site + 1 off site*

25,000ormore 4 on site + 2 off site*

FixedMedicalPostwithaminimumof2BLSstaffeach

Upto15,000 2

15,000-25,000 3

25,000-50,000 4

50,000ormore 6


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MobileMedicalTeams**withaminimumof2BLSstaffeach

Upto15,000 4

15,000-25,000 8

25,000-50,000 16

50,000ormore 20

AdvancedLifeSupport(EMdoctor,EMnurse,paramedic)

Upto15,000 1

15,000-25,000 2

25,000-50,000 3

50,000-75,000 4

(BLS:BasicLifeSupport,EM:Emergency-MedicineTrained)

*OffSite:Theambulance(s)mustbedesignatedbeforetheeventandshouldbe incloseproximity to theStadium.Theyshouldreport to therendezvouspointand thestaffshouldbefullybriefedontheirroleattheevent,shouldtheybecalledtoassist.

**MobileMedicalTeams:Thenumberanddesignationof these teamswilldependon the structure of the Stadium (number of levels, spectators,movement limitationmeasuresetc.)andtheaccreditationlimitationsoftheevent.

78. Communication

78.1. Key medical personnel should have various forms of functioning electricalcommunicationdevicestocommunicatewithofficials,staffandanyrelevantexternalpartiesinsideandoutsidetheStadium.

78.2. ThevariousformsofcommunicationsthatmaybeavailableinsideaStadium,includeportabletwo-wayradio,cellularmobilephones,portablepagermessagedevicesetc.

78.3. Host Organisations shall ensure that a written plan is available on all forms ofcommunicationthatwillexistintheeventofemergencies.

79. AccreditationofForeignMedicalPersonnel

79.1. Each Host Organisation shall provide the AFC with information on the guidelinesandproceduresissuedbythelocalauthoritiesregardingtheaccreditationofforeignmedical personnel (e.g. temporary registration to practice medicine, approval ofmedicines,notificationofscheduledsubstancesandmedicaldevisestobeutilised).


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80. Anti-Doping

80.1. Doping controlmay be carried out in accordance with the latest AFCAnti-DopingRegulations.

80.2. Every Participating Player may be subjected to in-competition testing and out-of-competitiontestinginaccordancewiththeAFCAnti-DopingRegulations.

80.3. ThedopingcontrolofficerisresponsiblefortheimplementationofdopingcontrolinallMatches.TheHostOrganisationshallappointalocaldopingcontrolofficer(whomustbeaMedicalDoctor)toprovideassistanceindopingcontrolmatters.

80.4. HostOrganisationsshallensurethatallStadiumsandOfficialTrainingSiteshavetherequireddopingcontrolfacilities. It isrecommendedthatthedopingcontrolroombewithinthevicinityofbothteamdressingrooms.Thewaitingandsamplingareamustbeair-conditioned,wellventilated,brightlylitandwitheasywashableandnon-slipperyfloors.

80.5. TheDopingControlRoomrequirementsareasfollows:

Waiting Area80.5.1. a minimum space of 16m2(sixteensquaremetres);

80.5.2. seatingtoaccommodateeight(8)toten(10)persons;

80.5.3. one(1)refrigeratorequippedwithsufficientunopeneddrinksinplasticbottlesorglass(nosoftdrinksoralcoholicdrinks);

80.5.4. one(1)television;and

80.5.5. one(1)wastepaperbinforbottles.

Sampling Area80.5.6. a minimum space of 16m2(sixteensquaremetres);

80.5.7. one(1)cleaneddesk(e.g.coveredwithwhitelinencloth)withfour(4)chairs;

80.5.8. one(1)lockablecabinet;

80.5.9. two(2)largewastepaperbins;and

80.5.10. one(1)deskfordopingcontrolequipment.

Sanitary Facilities (adjacent or next to the Sampling Area with private access)80.5.11. an examination couch for the Participating Player to lie down on if blood

samplingistobeundertakenatthetournament;

80.5.12. one(1)toiletandtoiletpaper;

80.5.13. one(1)washbasinandmirror;


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80.5.14. one(1)showerwithsufficienttowelsandsoap/shampoo;and

80.5.15. one(1)wastepaperbin.

80.6. TheAFCshallsupplydopingcontrolkits,allnecessaryformsanddopingcontrolvests.

80.7. UrineandbloodsampleswillbescreenedforprohibitedsubstancesbytheaccreditedWorldAnti-DopingAgency(WADA)laboratory.Uponthecompletionofeachdopingcontrol,sampleswillbeimmediatelytransportedbyofficialcourier(expressdelivery)totheaccreditedWADAlaboratory.TheHostOrganisationshallensurethearrangementswiththelocalcourier.AllcostsofcourieringsamplesshallbebornebytheAFC.

80.8. In the event of any discrepancy between this Manual and the AFC Anti-DopingRegulations,theAFCAnti-DopingRegulationsshallprevail.

81. WorkingSeatsforMedicalOfficersandDopingStewards

81.1. PermanentseatsattheVVIP/VIPtribunemustbeallocatedfortheAFCMedicalOfficerandHostOrganisationmedical officer.The seatsmustbenext to an aisle forquickaccesstotheVVIP/VIPtribuneandFieldofPlay.

81.2. Five (5) permanent seatsmust be allocated for doping control officers and four (4)dopingcontrolstewards,preferablyinthefirstrowofthetribune.

82. ObligationsforMedicalTreatment

82.1. EachHostOrganisationisresponsibleforthecostsofthefollowingmedicaltreatmentsfor each ParticipatingTeam from the arrival of theirTeamOfficialDelegation on itsterritory(asapprovedinwritingbytheAFC)untilone(1)dayaftertheirfinalMatch:

82.1.1. out-patienttreatment(non-admissiontohospital);

82.1.2. minorsurgeries(e.g.suturing);

82.1.3. radiologicalinvestigations(x-rays);and

82.1.4. emergencytreatment.

82.2. EachHostOrganisationisresponsibleforthecostsofthemedicaltreatmentssetoutaboveforallmembersoftheAFCDelegationfromtheirarrivalonitsterritoryuntiltheirdeparture.

82.3. EachParticipatingTeamisresponsibleforthecostsofthefollowingmedicaltreatmentsforallmembersofitsTeamOfficialDelegation:

82.3.1. hospitalisation(admissiontohospital);

82.3.2. surgicaloperationsnotprovidedforinArticle82.1;and

82.3.3. specialisedinvestigativeprocedures(e.g.MRI,CT-Scan).


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83. IdentifiableUniforms

83.1. Medical and doping control personnel must wear an identifiable uniform whichprovides easy recognition by the AFC Delegation, Team Official Delegations,spectators,andMedia.

83.2. TheAFC shall providebibs for on-pitchmedical staff anddoping control stewards.TheHostOrganisationshallprovideanidentifiableuniformforallothermedicalanddopingcontrolpersonnel.


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SECTION 12 | AWARDS

84. Competition Trophy

84.1. For all Competitions, the original Competition trophy shall be presented to theChampion during the prize presentation ceremony only. The Champion shall beawardedareplicabytheAFCaftertheceremonyforitspermanentpossession.

84.2. ThereplicatrophyawardedtotheChampionmustremainwithinitscontrolatalltimesandmustnotleavetheregionorterritoryofitsMemberAssociationwithoutthepriorwrittenconsentof theAFC.TheChampionmustnotpermit thereplicatrophytobeusedinanycontextwhereathird-party(includingwithoutlimitation,theirsponsorsandothercommercialpartners)isgrantedvisibilityorinanyotherwaywhichcouldleadtoanassociationbetweenany third-partyand the trophyand/or theCompetition.TheAFCmay issueadditional trophyguidelines,whichtheChampionmustcomplywithfrom time to time.

85. Awards

85.1. ThePlayeroftheMatchisawardedtoaParticipatingPlayerwhohasamajorinfluenceinanindividualMatch.

85.2. TheMostValuablePlayeroftheCompetitionisawardedtotheParticipatingPlayerwhohasamajorinfluenceineachoftheirMatchesandtheFinalCompetitionoverall.

85.3. TheTopGoalScorerisawardedtotheParticipatingPlayerwhohasscoredthehighestnumberofgoalsintheFinalCompetition.Intheeventofatie,thenumberofassistsasdeterminedbytheAFCTechnicalStudyGroupwillbetakenintoaccounttoidentifythewinner.Ifthereisstillatie,thetotalminutesplayedwillbetakenintoaccountwiththeParticipatingPlayerwiththelowernumberofminutesplayedrankedhigher.

85.4. TheBestGoalkeeper (ifapplicable) isawarded to themostoutstandinggoalkeeperbasedonhisperformanceintheFinalCompetition.

85.5. TheAFCFairPlayAwardisawardedtotheParticipatingTeamwhohascollectedthemostfairplaypoints,asassessedbytheAFC,intheFinalCompetition.AParticipatingTeammaybedisqualifiedifitoranyofitsTeamOfficialDelegationisinvolvedinanyseveremisconductrelatedtotheCompetition.

85.6. TheAFCmaydecidetointroducefurtherawards.

86. Medals

86.1. TheAFCshallawardmedalstothe;

86.1.1. Champion;

86.1.2. runner-up;


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86.1.3. thirdplace(ifapplicable);and

86.1.4. commemorativemedalsfortheMatchOfficialsofthefinalMatch.

87. PrizePresentationCeremony

87.1. Aprizepresentationceremony,managedandcontrolledbytheAFCincoordinationwith the Host Organisation and AFC Commercial Rights Partner, shall be heldimmediatelyafterthefinalMatchofaCompetitiontopresentthetrophy,awards,andmedals.

87.2. The Participating Players and ParticipatingTeams that qualify to receive the trophy,awards and medals are required to attend the prize presentation ceremony.ParticipatingTeamsshallberepresentedbytheirTeamOfficialDelegationforthefinalMatchoftheCompetition.Nootherofficials,players,orstaffoftheParticipatingTeammayparticipateintheprizepresentationceremony.


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SECTION 13 | CLOSINGPROVISIONS

88. TaxesandDuties

88.1. Host Organisations and Participating Teams are responsible for the payment of alltaxes,duties,andotherchargespayableinrelationtotheimplementationofanymattersetoutintheManual.

89. FeesandExpenses

89.1. HostOrganisationsandParticipatingTeamsareresponsibleforthepaymentofallfeesandexpensesinrelationtotheimplementationofthisManual,exceptwhereexpresslyidentifiedotherwiseintherelevantregulationsoraspecificagreement.

89.2. For the avoidance of doubt, this includes all professional (legal, accounting etc.),banking,andmonetaryexchangecosts.

90. Indemnification

90.1. HostOrganisations,MemberAssociations, ParticipatingTeams, ParticipatingPlayers,and Participating Officials shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend the AFC, itsofficers, members, agents, auxiliary persons, representatives and employees fromandagainst all liabilities,obligations,damages, losses, claims,demands, recoveries,deficiencies, costs or expenses (including without limitation all attorneys’ fees andexpenses)which suchpartiesmay sufferor incur in connectionwith, resulting from,orarisingoutofanybreachthatparty(includingitsofficers,directors,representatives,auxiliarypersons,employeesoragents)oranyactoromissionbythatparty(includingits officers, directors, representatives, auxiliary persons, employees or agents) inconnectionwiththeperformanceofitsobligationspursuanttothisManual.

91. DisciplinaryMeasures

91.1. AlldisciplinarymeasuresinrelationtothisManualshallbeundertakeninaccordancewith the current AFC Statutes, AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Code, the relevantCompetitionregulationsandanyrelevantAFCcircular.

92. Decisions

92.1. All decisions made in accordance with this Manual, except where expresslyidentifiedotherwise,arefinalandbindingandnotappealableinaccordancewiththe AFC Statutes.

93. Amendments

93.1. TheAFCGeneralSecretariatreservestherighttomakeamendmentstoanypartofthisManualforanyreasonwhatsoever.Suchamendmentsshallbedulycommunicatedinduecourse.


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94. Force Majeure

94.1. The AFC Competitions Committee is the only body capable of declaring a ForceMajeureeventpursuanttothisManual.

95. MattersNotProvidedFor

95.1. Mattersnotprovidedfor in thisManualorrelevantCompetitionregulationsshallbedecidedbytherelevantAFCCommittee.Suchdecisionsarefinalandbindingandnotappealable.

96. ImplementingProvisions

96.1. The AFC General Secretariat is entrusted with the operational management of theCompetitions and is therefore entitled to make decisions and adopt the detailedprovisionsnecessaryforimplementingthisManual.

97. Enforcement

97.1. The First Edition of this Manual (Edition 2016) was ratified by the AFC ExecutiveCommitteeon1June2016andcameintoforceimmediately.

97.2. TheSecondEditionofthisManual(Edition2017|Version1)wasamendedbytheAFCGeneralSecretariaton17November2016andcameintoforceon1January2017.

97.3. TheThirdEditionofthisManual(Edition2017|Version2)wasamendedbytheAFCGeneralSecretariaton1June2017andcameintoforceon1July2017.

97.4. TheFourthEditionof thisManual (Edition2018)wasamendedby theAFCGeneralSecretariaton1March2018andcameintoforceon1April2018.

97.5. The Fifth Edition of this Manual (Edition 2019) was amended by the AFC GeneralSecretariaton2December2018andcameintoforceon1January2019.

97.6. TheSixthEditionofthisManual(Edition2019|Version2)wasamendedbytheAFCGeneralSecretariaton1July2019andcameintoforceon1August2019.

97.7. TheSeventhEditionofthisManual(Edition2021)wasamendedbytheAFCGeneralSecretariaton25January2021andcameintoforceimmediately.


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APPENDIX 1 | DETERMININGTHERANKINGINAGROUPBASEDONYELLOW ANDREDCARDS

1. Each Participating Team shall obtain points for receiving red and/or yellow cards asindicatedbelow:

1.1. peryellowcard:one(1)point;

1.2. perindirectredcard(asaconsequenceoftwoyellowcards):three(3)points;

1.3. perdirectredcard:three(3)points;and

1.4. peryellowcardfollowedbyaredcard(direct):four(4)points.

Fortheavoidanceofdoubt,onlyoneoftheabovepointsshallbeappliedtoaParticipatingPlayerineachMatch.

2. The Participating Team receiving the least number of points shall be ranked highest. TheremainingParticipatingTeamsshallberankedindescendingorder.


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APPENDIX 2 | DETERMININGTHEBEST-RANKEDTEAMFROMDIFFERENT GROUPS

If the competition system approved by the relevant AFC Committee requires the best-rankedParticipatingTeamstobeidentifiedamongdifferentgroups,thefollowingprinciplesshallbeapplied:

1.1. ShouldallgroupsconsistofthesamenumberofParticipatingTeams,thebest-rankedParticipatingTeamfromamongdifferentgroupsshallbedetermined indescendingorderasfollows:

1.1.1. highernumberofpointsobtainedinallgroupMatches;

1.1.2. superiorgoaldifferencefromallgroupMatches;

1.1.3. highernumberofgoalsscoredfromallgroupMatches;

1.1.4. thelowerscorecalculatedaccordingtothenumberofyellowandredcardsreceivedinthegroupMatchesinaccordancewithAppendix1;or

1.1.5. drawingoflots.

Case 1: Should the best second-placed Participating Team be required to be identified among the following groups:

Group A

Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts

Team A 3 2 1 0 3 0 3 7Team B 3 2 0 1 6 3 3 6Team C 3 0 2 1 0 3 -3 2Team D 3 0 1 2 2 5 -3 1

Group B


Team E 3 3 0 0 4 0 4 9Team F 3 2 0 1 5 3 2 6Team G 3 1 0 2 4 4 0 3Team H 3 0 0 3 1 7 -6 0

(i) Team B and Team F are the second-placed Participating Teams from each group.

(ii) Both teams have six (6) points, therefore, criteria 1.1.1 does not determine the best second-placed Participating Team. Team B has a goal difference of +3 whereas Team F has a goal difference of +2. Applying criteria 1.1.2, Team B is ranked as the best second-placed Participating Team.


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1.2. ShouldthegroupsconsistofdifferentnumbersofParticipatingTeams,theParticipatingTeamsineachgroupwillhaveplayedadifferentnumberofMatchesintotal.Inordertoensureequality,allParticipatingTeamsshallbecomparedacrossthesamenumberofMatches,thenumberofwhichshallbedecidedbytheAFC.Inprinciple,theresultsbetween the relevantParticipatingTeamsand thebottom-placedParticipatingTeamintherelevantgroupshallbeconsiderednullandvoid.Insuchcase,thebest-rankedParticipatingTeamfromamongdifferentgroupsshallbedetermined indescendingorderasfollows:

1.2.1. highernumberofpointsobtainedinMatchesidentifiedbytheAFC;

1.2.2. superiorgoaldifferencefromtheMatchesidentifiedbytheAFC;

1.2.3. highernumberofgoalsscoredfromtheMatchesidentifiedbytheAFC;

1.2.4. thelowerscorecalculatedaccordingtothenumberofyellowandredcardsreceivedinthegroupMatchesinaccordancewithAppendix1;or

1.2.5. drawingoflots.

Case 2: Should the best second-placed Participating Team be required to be identified among the following groups:

Group A


Team A 3 2 1 0 3 0 3 7Team B 3 2 0 1 6 3 3 6Team C 3 0 2 1 0 3 -3 2Team D 3 0 1 2 2 5 -3 1

Group B


Team E 4 3 1 0 14 1 13 10Team F 4 3 0 1 5 2 3 9Team G 4 1 2 1 5 5 0 5Team H 4 0 2 2 2 9 -7 2Team I 4 0 1 3 2 11 -9 1

(i) Team B and Team F are the second-placed Participating Teams from each group.

(ii) Groups A and B have played a different number of matches. In order to identify the best second-placed Participating Team, the number of matches shall be equalised.


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(iii) The number of matches to be identified shall be equal to that played in Group A (i.e. the group with the lower number of matches per Participating Team). Accordingly, the number of matches played in Group B shall be reduced to three (3) matches per Participating Team. In principle, the match between Team F and Team I, who is the bottom-placed Participating Team in the group, will be considered null and void.

(iv) Assuming Team F won the match against Team I 3-0, we will have a new calculation for Team F:


Team F 3 2 0 1 2 2 0 6

(v) After applying criteria 1.2.1, both Team B and Team F are equal, having accrued six (6) points. Team B has a goal difference of +3 and Team F has a goal difference of 0, and after applying criteria 1.2.2, Team B is identified as the best second-placed Participating Team.

Note: In operating the procedure set out in 1.2, the points or rankings of the other Participating Teams in the same group shall not be affected. Any new calculation is solely for the purpose of determining the best-placed Participating Team among the groups.


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APPENDIX 3 | OFFICIALCOUNTDOWN

Standard Countdown

Countdown Activity

-05h ArrivalofAFCMatchCommissioner,AFCMediaOfficerandotherAFCofficials-04h 45’ FinalStadiumInspection-04h 30’ AFC/HostOrganisationVenueMeeting-03h AllSecuritymustbeatdesignatedpositionsandbriefingwithChiefofSecurity-02h EnforcementofAccessControl(SAD)-02h ArrivalofReferees-02h OpeningofStadiumtospectators-01h 30’ LatestTeamsarrival

-01h 20’ MatchStartListproducedanddistributedtoTeams,Media,Broadcaster,An-nouncer,MatchOfficials,VIPandHostOrganisation

-01h 15’ TeamA-ADCardandEquipmentcheckbyMCandMatchOfficial-01h 10’ TeamB-ADCardandEquipmentcheckbyMCandMatchOfficial-50’ Warm-upofGoalkeepersandOutfieldPlayers-30’ AnnouncementofTeamlist&MatchOfficialsbyAnnouncer-20’ Warm-upsessionsends.Teamsreturntorespectivedressingroom

Allflagbearersandflagsarereadyinthetunnel

-15’ MediaOfficerandPhotoMarshaltosecurephotographersattheTechnicalArea

-10’ SubstitutePlayersandOfficialstobeontheBenchAllStartingPlayersandMatchOfficialstobeinthetunnel

-9’ Refereescheckonstartingplayerslistandplayer’sequipmentinthetunnelFlagbearersenterwithnationalflagofTeamAandfollowedbynationalflagofTeamB(forNationalTeamCompetitions)

-8’ FlagbearersenterwiththeAFCandcampaignflags,MatchOfficialsandteams

-7’StartofceremonyincludingteamliningupinfrontofVIPTribune,VIPhand-shake(ifapplicable),NationalAnthem(forNationalTeamCompetitions),teamshandshake,teamsphoto,cointossandexchangeofpennants

-0’ Kick-off

If there is any VIP handshake, 2 minutes to be added to the above countdown.

Note: The above countdown is a standard template. The official countdown for each Match shall be produced by the AFC Match Commissioner.


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APPENDIX 4 | AFCPOLICYONNEUTRALVENUEMATCHES

1. HostOrganisationsthatarerequiredtoplayinneutralvenuesshallsubmitthefollowingtotheAFCwithinthestipulateddeadlines:

1.1. ThenominatedvenueswiththenamesoftheproposedStadium,OfficialTrainingSitesandAccommodation.

1.2. All supportingdocuments related toMatch operations including necessary securityguaranteesby theMemberAssociationonwhose territory theMatch isplayedandtheirrespectivepublicauthorities.

2. FailuretosubmittheabovedocumentsbythestipulateddeadlineswouldresultintherelevantHostOrganisationlosingthehostingrightsoftheMatchinquestion.Insuchcases:

2.1. TheMatchshallbeautomaticallyawardedtobeplayedintheVenueoftherespectiveopponentParticipatingTeam.

2.2. Regardlessoftheabove,theorderoftheMatchshallbemaintainedwiththehostteamtobeconsideredas“TeamB”inordertoensurethesportingfactor.

3. Fortheavoidanceofdoubt,withregardtoanyMatchplayedataneutralvenue,thedesignatedHostOrganisationfortheMatchshallberesponsiblefor:

3.1. allarrangementsforthestagingoftheMatchattheneutralvenue;and

3.2. allcostsandexpensesrelatingtothestagingoftheMatchattheneutralvenue,

in accordance with the relevant Competition regulations, this Manual and anyinstructionsissuedbytheAFC.


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APPENDIX 5 | FOOTBALLPITCHPREPARATIONGUIDELINES

Pitch Surface

• Matches shall be played on natural, artificial or hybrid surfaces, in accordance with therequirements set out by the AFC.

• Thecolourofartificialsurfacesmustbegreen.

• Where artificial surfaces are used in either competition matches between representativeteamsofmemberassociationsaffiliated toFIFAor international clubcompetitionmatches,thesurfacemustmeettherequirementsoftheFIFAQualityProgrammeforFootballTurfortheInternationalMatchStandard,unlessspecialdispensationisgivenbyFIFA.

Grass Cutting Pattern

Toenabletheactivityofassistantreferees,thegrasscuttingpatternshallbeasbelow(inmillimetre).

Grass Height and Watering Procedure

• Grassheightshallbe,inprinciple,between20and30mmdependingonthetypeofgrassandclimate.Theentireplayingsurfacemustbecuttothesameheight.TheheightshouldbethesameforthetrainingsessionsandtheMatch.


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• Thepitchshallbewateredevenlyandnotonlyincertainareasforplayers’safety.ThedecisionofpitchwateringshallbemadebytheAFCMatchCommissionerand/orGeneralCoordinatorbasedonthefollowing:

Time/Schedule Decision by

1hourbeforefirstOfficialTrainingandbeforethesecondOfficialTrainingifnecessary AFCMatchCommissioner/

GeneralCoordinatorBeforematch=T-3hrand/orT-60mand/orT-20mDuringhalf-timeAfterofficialtraining

StadiummanagementMorningofMatchDay

* Please ensure sprinkler heads are properly covered after watering.

Line Marking / Paints

Linemarkingcanbedonebyspraymarkersormanualbrush.Pleasemakesureproperprocedureandcautionaremadebeforemarkingthelines:

• Checkforleaksbeforestarting(donotletpaintleaksorspillsonthepitch).

• Setoutthelineswithstring;thestringmustbeleftinplaceuntilthelineisdry,otherwiseitwilltransfer paint.

• Linesmustbepaintedataslowwalkingspeed,consistentlyandlayerbylayer;itwilltakeatleast2-3applicationstohavethelinecorrect.

• Thelinesmustbeallowedtodryforatleastthree(3)hoursbeforetraining,warm-upsorothermaintenanceiscarriedout.

• Abucketofwaterandasoftbrush/spongeshouldbeusedtoremovetransferofpaintwhenmarkingout.

• Thepaintcolourrecommendedismattbrightwhite.

• Thewidthofthelinesmustbesameasthewidthofthegoalpost(e.g.12cm).

• Thepenaltyspotmustbe20cmdiametersolidspot.Thecentrecirclespotshouldbe24cmdiametersolidspot.

• LinestobemarkedlatestbyMD-2.

Turf Colorant

• Inthesituationwherethecolourofthepitchissignificantlyinconsistentduetopoorcondition,colorantmaybeusedtoimprovethevisualofpitch.


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• ThedecisiontoapplypaintorturfcoloranttoapitchwillberecommendedifnecessarybytheconsultantandapprovedbytheAFCGeneralCoordinatorand/orMatchCommissioner.Turfcolorantsmaynotbeappliedwithoutapproval.

Pitch Dimensions

• Thepitchsizedoesnotneedtobe105mx68mbutmustbewithinthesizeallowedintheLawsof the Game.

• Measurementofpitchsizeshallbetakenbetweenthedistancefromoutsidebothgoallinesandfromoutsidebothtouchlines.


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Pitch Markings

• Thelinesbelongtotheareasofwhichtheyareboundaries.

• Alllinesmustbethesamewidthasthegoalpost,whichdonotexceed12cm.

• Alllinesshallbeofbrightwhitecolour.

7.32m 7.32m

7.32m 7.32m

Goalposts is square (viewed from above) Goalposts is elliptical (viewed from above)

Goalposts is round (viewed from above) Goalposts is rectangular (viewed from above)

Centre Circle

• Centremark=34m,fromoutsidethetouchlinetothecentremark

• Centrecircleradius=9.15m,fromtheoutsidelinetothecentremark

• Centremarkdiameter=24cm

34m, from outside

9.15m, from center mark to outside

24cm


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• Goalarea=5.5m,frominsideofeachgoalposttooutsideeachlineand5.5mfromoutsidethegoallinetooutsidethegoalarealine.

• Penalty area = 16.5m, from inside of each goalpost to outside each line and 16.5m fromoutsidethegoallinetooutsidethepenaltyarealine.

• Penaltymark=11mfromthegoallinetothecentreofthemarkand20cmindiameter.

• Penaltyarch=9.15mradiusfromthePenaltymarktotheoutsideline.

16.5m from inside goal line to outside of line

16.5m from inside goal-post to outside of line

5.5m from inside goal-post to outside of line

5.5m from inside goalpost to outside of lineGoal area

Penalty mark

Penalty area

Penalty arch

11m outside goal line to P mark

9.15m from P mark to outside arch

Artificial Turf Markings

Whereartificialsurfacesareused,other linesarepermittedprovidedthattheyareofadifferentcolourandclearlydistinguishablefromthelinesusedforfootball.

Artificial Turf Stadium before other markings being removed

Artificial Turf Stadium AFTER non-football markings are removed


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Corner Arc / Flag Post

• Marksmaybemadeoff thefield (optional)=9.15mfromoutsideof thequarter-circle.Themarksshallbe24cmlongandseparated(12cm)fromthegoalline.

• Aquartercirclewitharadiusof1mfromeachcornerflagpostisdrawninsidethefieldofplay.

• Aflagpost,notlessthan1.5mhigh,withanon-pointedtopandaflagmustbeplacedateachcorner.

9.15m from outside of the quarter circle

1m / 1yds from corner

12 cm

Corner Flag Position

Goals

• Agoalmustbeplacedonthecentreofeachgoalline.

• Thegoalpostsandcrossbarmustbemadeofwood,metalorotherapprovedmaterial.Theymustbesquare,rectangular,roundorellipticalinshapeandnotbedangeroustoplayers.

• Goalsheight=2.44mandwidth=7.32m.

• GoalmustbewhiteandSubpostsshallbeadarkercolour,e.g.,blackordarkgrey.

• Anetrepairkitshouldbeavailabletorepairanyholeswhichdevelopinthenetduringthewarm-uporduringthegame.

• Theintegrityofthenetshouldbecheckeddailybytheground’smanager.

7.32 m(8 yards)

2.44 m(8 feet)


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Bench and Technical Area

• DistancefromtheTeamBenchtohalfwayline=6-10m.

• DistancefromtheTeamBenchtotouchline=5-8m(ordependingonthespaceavailable).

• BenchesshallnotblocktheviewoftheVIPs/spectators.

• NumberofseatsattheTeamBenchisasperCompetitionregulations.

Movable Tunnel

Movable tunnel is recommended for the following:

• whennormalticketholdersaresittingjustabovethetunnelarea

• veryshortexistingtunnel

Movable tunnel is to be used during the following times:

• pre-match ceremony

• half-time

• afterthefinalwhistle


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Title and A-Boards

• A-Boardsalongthetouchlineshallbeplacedatleast4mfromthetouchlineforthesafetyofplayers.TheA-boardsbehindthegoallinesshallbeplacedatleast4mbehindthegoallineatallfourcornersand5mbehindthegoals.

• TheA-boardsshallhavegoodbasesupportandshallnotposeanydanger(e.g.,withsharpedges).

• TheCompetitiontitleboardisnormallyplacedatthecenter.


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Stretchers’ Position

• TheHostOrganisationshallprepareatleasttwo(2)setsoffour(4)stretcherbearersforthematch.

• Stretcher bearers must be above 18 years old, in good physical condition and trained incarryingandtransferringinjuredplayers.

• Both setsof stretcherbearers shallbe located1maway fromboth theTechnicalAreas (asshownbelow).

• Theyshallbeonthesamelineastheteambenchesand4thOfficialBench.

5th Official’s Position

• Inmatcheswherea5thOfficialisappointed,the5thOfficialseatwillbelocatedatrightsideofstretcher bearers next to the Team B Bench.


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Referee Review Area (RRA)

• InmatchesusingVideoAssistantReferee(VAR)technology,RRAistobesafeguardedwiththeareabeingboxedoffasfollows:

Dottedlinesof30cmand2x30cmemptyspacesoneachofthe4sidestoformtheboxwithLpaintedcorners(widthoflinestobe12cm).

30 30 30 30 30

30

30

30

30

30

Branding on FOP

1. Noformofcommercialadvertising,whetherrealorvirtual, ispermittedonthefieldofplay,onthegroundwithintheareaenclosedbythegoalnetsorthetechnicalarea,orwithin1m(1yd)ofthetouchlinefromthetimetheteamsenterthefieldofplayuntiltheyhaveleftitathalf-timeandfromthetimetheteamsre-enterthefieldofplayuntiltheendofthematch.Similarly,advertising is not permitted on the goals, nets, flagposts or their flags and no extraneousequipment(cameras,microphones,etc.)maybeattachedtotheseitems.

2. The reproduction, whether real or virtual, of representative logos or emblems of FIFA,confederations,memberassociations,leagues,clubsorotherbodiesisforbiddenonthefieldofplay,thegoalnetsandtheareastheyenclose,thegoals,theflagpostsandtheirflagsduringplayingtime.


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Irrigation Heads / Running Track Metal Installation

3. All irrigation system, such as water sprinklers, pumps, drainage and covers, in andsurroundingthepitchshallbesafeforplayersandproperlycoveredwithsuitablematerial.Coversinsidethefieldofplayshallbeeithernaturalgrass/earthorartificialturf(ofthesamecolourasthegrass).

Metal cover too near corner mark Proper drainage cover

Concealed sprinkler head Unsuitable cover in the pitch

Exposed irrigation head Metal cover on touchline


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APPENDIX 6 | FUTSALPITCHMARKINGGUIDELINES

PITCH WIDTH AND LENGTH

20M

40M

(OUTER EDGE MEASUREMENTS)

Dimensions

• Thepitchsizedoesnotneedtobe40mx20mbutmustbewithinthesizeallowedintheLawsof the Game.

• Thepitchsurfaceshouldbeflat,smoothandnon-abrasivepreferablymadeofwoodorartificialmaterial.

• Alllinesmustbe8cmwide.

5M

5M

R = 0.25M

5M

5M

5M

5M

3M10M6M

Pitch Markings

• Thepitchisrectangularandmarkedwithlines.Thelinesactasboundariesandthereforehavetobeclearlydistinguishablefromthecolourofthepitch.


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• Thetwolongerlinesarewhatwecalltouchlines,andthetwoshorterlinesarecalledgoallines.Thepitch isdivided intotwohalvesbyahalfway line,which joins themidpointsof thetwotouchlines.

• Thecentremarkisacirclewitha3mradiusmarkedaroundit.Itispositionedinthemiddleofthehalfwayline.

• Amarkingmustbedrawnonthepitch,5mfromthecornerarcandatrightanglestothegoalline.This is tomakesure thatdefendingplayers retreat thisdistancewhenacornerkick isbeingtaken.Thewidthofthismarkis8cm.

• Twoadditionalmarks,eachatadistanceof5mtotheleftandtherightofthe10mmark,mustbemadeonthepitchtoindicatetheminimumdistancetoberetreatedwhenakickisbeingtakenfromthe10mmark.Thewidthofthismarkis8cm.

MARKINGS AND BOUNDARY LINES

8CM 40CM 12CM

WIDTH OF THE BOUNDARY LINES

FOR THE AREAS OF THE PITCH

LENGTH OF LINESOUTSIDE OF THE

PITCH

DIAMETER OF THECENTRE MARK,

PENALTY MARK ORTHE SECOND

PENALTY MARK

SAFETY AREA

GOAL LINE

TOUCH LINE3M

3M

Separated 5CM


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CENTRE OF THE PITCH

FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE PITCH CENTRE MARK TO THEOUTER EDGE OF THE GOAL LINE AND TOUCH LINE

20M

10M

12CM

CENTRE CIRCLE

FROM THE CENTRE OF THE HALFWAY LINE TO THE OUTER EDGE OF THE CIRCLE

3M

PENALTY AREA

15.16M

3M

6M

8cm

6M

6M

3.16M


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The Penalty Area

• Twoimaginarylinesof6minlengtharedrawnfromtheoutsideofeachgoalpostandatrightanglestothegoalline.Attheendoftheselinesaquartercircleisdrawninthedirectionofthenearesttouchline,eachwitharadiusof6mfromtheoutsideofthegoalpost.Theupperpartofeachquartercircleisjoinedbyaline3.16minlengthrunningparalleltothegoallinebetweenthegoalposts.Theareaboundedbytheselinesandthegoallineisthepenaltyarea.

• Withineachpenaltyarea,apenaltymarkismade6mfromthemidpointbetweenthegoalpostsandequidistanttothem.

• Anadditionalmark(line)mustbemadeinthepenaltyarea,5mfromthe10mmark,toensurethatthedefendinggoalkeepersobservethisdistancewhenadirectfreekickbeginningwiththesixthaccumulatedfoulisbeingtaken.Thismarkis8cmwideand40cmlong.

PENALTY MARK

6M

3.16M

1.58M

12CM

SECOND PENALTY MARK

3.16M

10M

1.58M5M 5M

5M12CM8CM

40 x 8CM

The 10m Mark

• Asecondmarkismade10mfromthemidpointbetweenthegoalpostsandequidistanttothem.

CORNER ARC

25CM

25C

M

25CM

CORNER KICK MARK

40C

M

5M

The Corner Arc

• Aquartercirclewitharadiusof25cmfromeachcornerisdrawninsidethepitch.


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Goals

• Agoalmustbeplacedonthecentreofeachgoalline.

• It consists of two upright posts equidistant from the corners and joined at the top by ahorizontal crossbar. The goalposts and crossbar must be made of wood, metal or otherapprovedmaterial.Theymustbesquare,rectangular,roundorovalinshapeandmustnotbedangeroustoplayers.

• Goalsheight=2mandwidth=3m

• Thedistance(insidemeasurement)betweenthepostsis3mandthedistancefromtheloweredgeofthecrossbartothegroundis2m.

• Bothgoalpostsandthecrossbarhavethesamewidthanddepth(8cm).

• Theymustbeproperlysupportedandmustnotinterferewiththegoalkeeper.

• Thegoalpostsandcrossbarsmustbeadifferentcolourtothepitch,andthegoalsmusthaveastabilisingsystemthatpreventsthemfromoverturning.


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TECHNICAL AREA

8M

5M

1M

HALFWAY LINE

SUBSTITUTION ZONE

Dashes lines shall be 25cm long with 25cm gap.

The Substitution Zones

• Thesubstitutionzonesaretheareasonthetouchlineinfrontoftheteambenches.

• Theyaresituatedinfrontofthetechnicalareaandare5minlength.Theyaremarkedateachendwithaline80cminlength–40cmofwhichisdrawnonthepitchand40cmoffthepitch,and8cmwide.

• Theareainfrontofthetimekeeper’stable5mtoeithersideofthehalfwaylineiskeptclear.

• A team’s substitution zone is situated in the half of the pitch defended by said team andchangesinthesecondhalfofthematchandperiodsofExtraTime,ifany.

Warm-up Areas

• Itisrecommendedthatthewarm-upareaspaceis2mwidex8mlong,followingthelengthofthe Team Bench.

• Thesurfaceof thewarm-uparea shallbe similar to theplayingsurfacewhich ispreferablywoodorartificialmaterial.

TEAM AWarm-upTeam A

Stretcher Stretcher

Warm-upTeam B

TEAM B

• Maximum 5 players per team at any time (including goalkeeper), without ball• Maximum 1 official per team


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Stretcher’s Position

• TheHostOrganisationshallprepareatleasttwo(2)setsoffour(4)stretcherbearersforthematch.

• Stretcher bearers must be above 18 years old, in good physical condition and trained incarryingandtransferringinjuredplayers.

• Bothsetofstretcherbearersshallbelocated1mawayfrombothtechnicalareas(asshownbelow).

• Theyshallbeonthesamelineastheteambenchesandtimekeeper’stable.

Stretcher Bearers Stretcher Bearers


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APPENDIX 7 | APPROVALOFELECTRONICPERFORMANCETRACKING SYSTEM(EPTS)DEVICES

IncaseaParticipatingTeamintendstouseanyEPTSdevice,itshallinformtheAFCofthetypeofdevicethatitwillbeusing.AlldevicesshallbeinspectedbytheAFC,whichshallmakethefinaldecisionregardingtheiruse.Ifthereareanyconcerns,thedevicesmaybepresentedtotheAFCMedicalOfficerforfurtherinspection.

Thetechnologyattachedtotheplayer’sequipmentshallnotbedangerousandmustmeetone(1)ofthefollowingstandards:

Thismarkindicatesthatithasbeenofficiallytestedandmeetstheminimum safety requirements of the InternationalMatchStandarddevelopedbyFIFAandapprovedbyThe IFAB.Theinstitutes conducting these tests are subject to the approvalof FIFA.

Wheresuchelectronicperformanceandtrackingsystems(EPTS)are used, the information and data transmitted must be fromtheEPTStothetechnicalareaduringtheMatchanditmustbereliableandaccurate.

ThefollowingmarkindicatesthatanEPTSdevice/systemhasbeenofficiallytestedandmeetstherequirementsintermsofreliabilityandaccuracyofpositionaldatainfootball:

Regardingthedatacollectedthroughsuchdevices,pleasenotethefollowingpoints:

• The data (including physical, technical and tactical data)collected,oranyinterpretationofit,mayonlybeusedbytherespectiveParticipatingTeamand/ortheParticipatingPlayerfor performance monitoring purposes and by no meansforanycommercialpurposeand/orinassociationwithanythird-party.

• Thedatamaynotbedisclosedtothepublicforanyreason.

• Toprotecttheintegrityof,andAFC’srightsin,theCompetition,AFCmay impose further restrictionson theuseof thedatacollectedbyanapprovedelectronicperformanceortrackingsystemdevice.

InaccordancewiththeAFCEquipmentRegulations,thedeviceshallnotdisplaythebrandingofitsmanufactureroranythird-party.

ParticipatingTeamsshallensurethatallmembersoftheirTeamOfficialDelegationfullycomplywiththeaboverequirements.Theresponsibilityforfailingtodosowillbebornebytherespectiveteam.

AFCwouldliketoemphasisethatanydevicewornisattheriskandresponsibilityoftheParticipatingPlayerand/orParticipatingTeamconcerned.


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VenuePlayer Official

Expulsion Suspension Expulsion Suspension

FieldofPlay orderedtoleavetheFieldofPlayanditssurroundings

bannedfromtheFieldofPlayanditssurroundings

orderedtoleavetheFieldofPlayanditssurroundings

bannedfromtheFieldofPlayanditssurroundings

Team Bench orderedtoleavetheteambench

bannedfromthe team bench

orderedtoleavetheteambench

bannedfromthe team bench

TechnicalArea cannot sit in the technicalarea

bannedfromthetechnicalarea

cannot sit in the technicalarea

bannedfromthetechnicalarea

TeamDressingRoom

shallstayineither the team dressingroomordopingcontrolroomaccompaniedby a chaperon untilthe names oftheplayersselectedforthedopingtestarecommunicated

bannedfromthe team dressingroom at any time before andduringthe Match in question(canjoin after the finalwhistle)

bannedfromenteringtheteamdressingroomsathalftime if sent offduringthefirsthalfofthematch

bannedfromthe team dressingroom at any time before andduringthe Match in question(canjoin after the finalwhistle)

Stands allowedtositinthestands,providedhisintegrityandsecurity are safeguarded,heisnotpickedfordopingcontrolandisnolongerwearinghisfootballequipment

allowedtositinthestands,but not in the immediatevicinity of the FieldofPlay,providedhisintegrityandsecurity are safeguarded



Team Bus allowedtotakethe team bus

allowedtotake the team bus but not allowedtotalktotheMediauponarrivalordeparture

allowedtotakethe team bus

allowedtotake the team bus but not allowedtotalktotheMediauponarrivalordeparture

APPENDIX 8 | EXPULSIONSANDSUSPENSIONSATCOMPETITIONS


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VenuePlayer Official

Expulsion Suspension Expulsion Suspension

PrizePresentation Ceremony

allowedtotakepartintheprizepresentation ceremony




MixedZone notallowedinthemixedzone

bannedfromthemixedzone

notallowedinthemixedzone

bannedfromthemixedzone

Press Conferences

notallowedtoattendorparticipate in any Match-relatedpressconference

bannedfromallMatch-relatedpressconferences

notallowedtoattendorparticipate in any Match-relatedpressconference

bannedfromallMatch-relatedpressconferences withtheexception of any pre-Match press conference on Matchday-1

OfficialTraining N/A allowedtoattendandparticipate in officialtraining

N/A allowedtoattendandparticipate in officialtraining

MediaActivities notallowedtoundertakeanymediaactivitiesintheStadium

notallowedtoundertakeanymediaactivitiesintheStadium

notallowedtoundertakeanymediaactivitiesintheStadium

notallowedtoundertakeanymediaactivitiesduringthecourse of the Match

DopingControlRoom

eligiblefordopingcontrolandshallstayaccompaniedby a chaperon until75thminute

N/A N/A N/A

ContactandCommunication

notallowedinthe VIP tribune

can sit in an areadesignatedby the AFC

shallnotcommunicate withorcontactanyoneinvolvedin the Match by any means whatsoever

shallnotbepermittedtocommunicate withorcontactany person involvedinthe Match by any means whatsoeverforthedurationofa Match


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APPENDIX 9 | MATCHCEREMONIESFORFOOTBALL

1. Entryofnationalflags(onlyapplicableforNationalTeamCompetitions):

• TeamA’sNationalFlagwillmarchontothefieldfirst,followedbyTeamB’sNationalFlag.


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2. EntryofParticipatingTeamswithAFCFlag:

• AfterNationalFlagsareinPosition,followingtheAFCAnthem,theAFCFlagshallenterthepitch(six[6]flagbearersarerequiredforeachflag)

• FollowedbyAFCGeneralCoordinator(GC)

• FollowedbyReferee(R),AssistantReferees(AR1)&(AR2)+4thOfficials(F)

• Followedby ParticipatingTeams (A)& (B) ledby team captainswith player escorts (ifapplicable)


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3. VIPhandshakeprocedure(ifapplicable):

• DuringtheVIPannouncement,ProtocolOfficerwillescortVIP(s)tothepitch.

• TeamcaptainswillintroduceplayersandRefereewillintroducematchofficialstoVIP(s).

• VIP(s)willstandtheatVIPpositionbelowduringplayingofnationalanthems.

• VIP(s)returntotheVIPTribuneORhandshakewithofficialsatbothteambenches.


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4. Handshakeprocedure:

• RefereesandTeamAdonotmove;

• TeamBmovetowardsTeamA,shakehandswiththeRefereesandTeamA;

• TeamBwillreturntotheiroriginalpositiontoregroupforateamphoto;

• TeamAmovetowardstheRefereesandshakehandswithReferees;

• TeamAreturntotheiroriginalpositiontoregroupforphoto;

• Refereesdonotmove;


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5. TeamEntryforSecondHalf:

• PlayersofbothteamsandRefereesenteratthesametime;

6. Post-Matchhandshake:

After final whistle:

• MatchOfficialsandallplayerstogatheratthecentrecircle;

• Teamcaptainsareresponsibletogettheirplayerstocentrecircle;

• Handshakeceremonytobesimilartothosepriortothematch;

• PlayersofbothteamsandRefereesenteratthesametime.


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APPENDIX 10 | AFCSTANDARDFLAGGUIDELINES

ThesizesbelowaretheAFCstandardFlagguidelines:

Landscape – 3:2 ratio• Large (L) = 3.00m x 2.00m

Portrait – 2:3 ratio

2m3m

LL

L• Extra-Large (XL) = 3.00m X 4.50m

Thetablebelowappliestomarch-inflags(nationalflagsareusedinNationalTeamCompetitionsonly):

Sequence Flags Size Quantity

1 TeamAnationalflag L-Landscape 12 TeamBnationalflag L-Landscape 13 AFCflag XL-Portrait 1


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The tablebelowapplies toflyingflagsat theStadium(nationalflagsareused inNationalTeamCompetitionsonly):

Flags Size Quantity

AFCflag L-Landscape 1Competitionflag L-Landscape 1

TeamAnationalflag L-Landscape 1TeamBnationalflag L-Landscape 1HostCountryFlag L-Landscape 1

TheAFCFlaghangingoppositetotheVIPTribuneshallbeplacedinthecentre:

Incasetherearedouble-headerstwo(2)Matchesinone(1)Stadiumonthesameday,flagsshallbeinterchangedbetweentheMatches.However,ifflaginterchangeisnotpossibleduetotheStadiumstructure,thefollowingflagarrangementshallbeapplied:


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APPENDIX 11 | STANDARDMATCHANNOUNCEMENTSCRIPT

Theannouncementscriptprovidedbelowisastandardtemplate.TheactualannouncementscriptusedforanyMatchshallbepreparedbytheHostOrganisationinaccordancewithanyinstructionsfrom the AFC.

Security Announcement (Pre-Match)

Time Names Announcement Text Note

Welcometo____(Stadium name) Thank you for coming early to avoid creating long lines at the entrance.

Pleasecheckthatyouaresittinginthecorrectseataccordingtoyourticketnumber.

Giantscreengraphicwithtext

SmokingisNOTpermittedinthestadium,exceptindesignatedsmokingareas.

Pleasekeepyourbelongingswithyouatalltimes.

Pleasereturnallfounditemstotheservicedesk.

Toreconnectwithyourchildrenincasetheygetlost,weencourageparentstoregisterthemattheservicedesk.

Pleaseleavethestadiumcalmlybyfollowingtheexitsigns.

TheStewardsandVolunteersaretheretoassistyouinleavingthestadiumsafely.

Pleaseremembertodrinkplentyofwater!


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Pre-Match – Introduction of Teams and Match Officials


T-30 Introductionof match

Ladiesandgentlemen, welcometo____(Stadium name, City name) fortoday’smatchofthe____(Competition Name)between____(Team A Name)and ____(Team B Name)

Giant Screen mustcoordinatewithannounceranddisplaythe match information.

Introductionof Team A

Herearetheteamline-ups,for____(Team A Name). Number____(player number), ____(popular name)

Thesubstitutesare,number____(player number), ____(popular name)

TheHeadCoachis____(Head Coach name), from____(country of origin)

Giant Screen mustcoordinatewithannounceranddisplaytheTeamAPlayers’andHeadCoach Photos andname(ifapplicable)

Introductionof Team B

Herearetheteamline-ups,for____(Team B Name).Number____(player number), ____(popular name)

Thesubstitutesare,number____(player number), ____(popular name)

TheHeadCoachis____(Head Coach name),from____(country of origin)

Giant Screen mustcoordinatewithannounceranddisplaytheTeamBPlayers’andHeadCoach Photos andname(ifapplicable)

Introductionof Match Officials

Therefereeforthismatchis____(name of referee) from____(country of origin)

Theassistantrefereesare____(name of assistant referee 1)from____(country of origin) and____(name of assistant referee 2) from ____(country of origin)

Thefourthofficialis____ (name of Fourth Official)from____(country of origin)

Giant Screen mustcoordinatewithannouncerGiant Screen shalldisplaytheMatchOfficials’name

The above shall be completed within 5-7 minutes


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Pre-Match Ceremony

*AFCGeneralCoordinatorand/orAFCMatchCommissionerwillreconfirmthetimeonamatchby match basis.


Giant Screen shallgoonLIVEbyT-12’

-9* Teams’FlagMarch-in

LIVE-MarchinofTeams’flag

-7*(GCtoQ)

Teams’March-in

Ladiesandgentlemen,let’swelcome theteamsof____(Team A Name) and ____(Team B Name)

AfterTeams’flagareinposition. GC to givetheQ

AFC Anthem

Anthem to be tuneddownslowlyatthesignalofGC

tbc

Introductionof VVIP (onlywheninstructedbyGC)

LadiesandGentlemen,wehavethepleasuretoinvitetheAFCPresident,HisExcellencyShaikhSalmanbinEbrahimAlKhalifaandthedignitariesontothepitchtobeintroducedtotheplayersandmatchofficials.

AFCProtocolwillescorttheVVIPs to the FOP

After tune downAFC anthem

Team *A NationalAnthem

Ladies and Gentlemen, please stand up for the national anthem of ____(Team A Name)

TeamAnationalanthem isplayedimmediatelyafter the announcement

After endof 1st anthem

Team *B NationalAnthem

andnowthenationalanthemof ____(Team B Name)

TeamBnationalanthem isplayedimmediatelyafter the announcement

* National Anthems are played only for National Team Competitions. Host national anthem will always be the second anthem even if they are Team A


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During the Match


GoalScorer

Goalfor____(name of team) byplayernumber____(player number),____(popular name of player)

ImmediatelyaftertheGCgivetheconfirmationofgoalscorer

GiantScreenshalldisplayGraphicforGoal.TVReplayorPhotoofPlayer.

Owngoal Owngoalby____(name of team who scored the own goal)

ImmediatelyaftertheGCgivetheconfirmationteamname(theplayershallNOTbementioned)

GiantScreenshalldisplayMatchResults.

Substitution

Substitutionfor____(name of team);Playernumber ____(player number), ____(popular name of player) replacedbyplayernumber____(player number), ____(popular name of player)

Announceonlywhenplayerscrosstouchlineorapproximately2-3secondsafterthestartof2ndhalf

GiantScreenshalldisplayGraphic for Substitute.PhotoofPlayers.

Additionaltime

Therewillbe____(minutes added) minutesofadditionaltime.

AnnouncewhenFourthOfficialshowtheAdditionalTimeatthetouchline.GiantScreenshalldisplayGraphicforAdditionalTime.

Half-time

Half-timeScore

Ladiesandgentlemen,thehalf-timescoreis____(Team A Name, [score]),____(Team B Name, [score])

Immediatelyafterhalf-timewhistle

75th minute

Number of spectators

Ladiesandgentlemen,theofficialattendancefortoday’smatchis____(number of spectators). Thank you for attending!

Giantscreentoshowthegraphicandtext

Full-time(afterwhistle)

FinalScore

Ladiesandgentlemen,thefinalscoreis____(Team A Name, [score]),____(Team B Name, [score])

Immediatelyafterfinalwhistle


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tbcPlayerofthe Match Award

Ladiesandgentlemen,wehave the honour to present the PlayeroftheMatchAwardto____(popular name of player),playernumber____(player number)from____(team name)forhis/herexcellentperformance in the match.

AtthebeginningofthePoTMawardpresentation

After the PoTM Award

Next Match Information

Ladiesandgentlemen,wethankyouforyourattendancethiseveningandhopeyouenjoyedthematchasmuchaswedid.Thenextmatchtobeplayedhereisbetween____(teams name)at____(time),____(date).Hopetoseeyouagainandgoodnight.

* Host Organisation must ensure that full use can be made of giant screens to display yellow and red cards

Extra Time Announcement


Endofregulartime(ifapplicable)

Extra Time

Ladiesandgentlemen,thematchistiedat____(score-line) after90minutesofplayingtime.Therefore,afteranintervalof5minutes,extratimeconsistingoftwoperiodsof15minuteseachwillbeplayed.Ifthematchisstilltiedafterthisextratime,KicksfromthePenaltyMarkwillbetakentobreakthetieanddeterminethewinner.


Post-Match Announcement


Announce OnlyInLastMatchIn Venue

LadiesandGentlemen,wewouldliketoinvitearoundofapplausefortheVolunteers!


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Moment of Silence / Applause

Time Announcement Text Note

LadiesandGentlemen,wekindlyaskyoutostandtoobserveamomentofsilenceinmemoryof____(reason). Thank you.

OR

LadiesandGentlemen,wekindlyaskyoutotakepartinamomentofapplauseincelebrationof____(reason). Thank you.

GiantScreenshalldisplay“MomentofSilence”.

GiantScreenshalldisplay“MomentofApplause”.

Match Abandonment / Cancellation


Match Abandonment

Ladiesandgentlemen,itisregrettablethatthematchwillbestoppedtemporarilyduetosomeunforeseen circumstances.

Wewillupdateyouwhenthematchwillberesumed.Thankyouforunderstandingandpatience.


Match Cancellation

Ladiesandgentlemen,itisregrettablethatthematchkick-offwillbedelayedduetounforeseencircumstances.

Wewillupdateyouwhenthematchwillstart.Thankyouforunderstandingandpatience.



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Other Announcements


LostChild

Ladiesandgentlemen,wehavealostchildsomewhereintheStadium.Wearelookingforalittleboy/girl,____(age)yearsold,wearinga____ (description of shirt or attire).He/shewaslastseenonthe____(location found). If you haveseenthischildpleasenotifythe nearest member of security.


FoundChild

Wehavefoundalittlegirl/boy,approximately ____(age)yearsold,whotellsushis/hernameis____(child’s name) andthathe/sheisherewithhis/herdaddy/mommytoday.Ifyouarewith____ (child’s name),pleasecometothenearestcustomerservicedesk.


StadiumEvacuation

PleaseproceedCALMLYbutQUICKLYtotheexits–bepatientandcourteousofthosearoundyou.

Giantscreentoshowthegraphicandtext.

FollowinstructionsfromStadiumvolunteers/securityincaseitbecomes necessary to re-route awayfromtheclosestexitforsomereason.

PleaseNote:TheelevatorsandescalatorswillNOTbeoperational.Therefore,fansinVIP/VVIPTribunesshouldmoveCALMLYandQUICKLYto the exit.

OnceOUTSIDEthestadium,ALLfansshouldcontinuetoMOVEAWAYfromthebuildingtoensureproperspaceforEVERYONEtogetsafelyawayfromthestructure.


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APPENDIX 12 | REGISTRATIONOFPLAYERSWHOHAVEACQUIREDA NEWNATIONALITY

No. Documents

1. Theplayermustprovideoneofthefollowingcategoriesofdocuments:

a)

1) LetterfromtheMemberAssociationoftheplayer’spreviousnationalityorcountryofbirthdeclaringthattheplayerhasneverparticipatedinamatch(eitherinfullorinpart)foritsrepresentativeteaminanofficialcompetitionofanycategoryoranytypeoffootball;and

2) Letterfromtheplayerdeclaringthathehasneverparticipatedinamatch(eitherinfullorinpart)foranyrepresentativeteamofanyMemberAssociationinanofficialcompetitionofanycategoryoranytypeoffootball.

b) DecisionoftheFIFAPlayers’StatusCommitteeallowingtheplayertochangeAssociation.

2. Clearcopyofplayer’spassportofthecountrytheplayerwishestorepresent.

3. Clearcopyofplayer’snationalIDcardofthecountrytheplayerwishestorepresent.

4. Ifaplayerseekstorelyupon1(a)above,theplayermustprovideoneofthefollowingcategoriesofdocuments:

a)

1) Evidencethattheirfatherormotherwasbornontheterritoryoftherelevantassociation;and

2) Evidencethatsuchpersonistheirbiologicalparent.

b) Evidencethattheirgrandfatherorgrandmotherwasbornontheterritoryoftherelevantassociation.

c)

1) EvidencethattheplayerhaslivedontheterritoryoftherelevantassociationinaccordancewiththeFIFARegulationsGoverningtheApplicationoftheStatutes;and

2) anyfurtherevidenceasrequiredintheFIFARegulationsGoverningtheApplicationoftheStatutes

d) Evidencethattheplayerwasbornontheterritoryoftherelevantassociation.


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APPENDIX 13 | REGISTRATIONOFPLAYERSWHOHAVEANATIONALITY ENTITLINGTHEMTOREPRESENTMORETHANONE FOOTBALLASSOCIATION

No. Documents

1. Theplayermustprovideoneofthefollowingcategoriesofdocuments:

a)

1) LetterfromtheMemberAssociationoftheplayer’spreviousnationalityorcountryofbirthdeclaringthattheplayerhasneverparticipatedinamatch(eitherinfullorinpart)foritsrepresentativeteaminanofficialcompetitionofanycategoryoranytypeoffootball;and

2) Letterfromtheplayerdeclaringthathehasneverparticipatedinamatch(eitherinfullorinpart)foranyrepresentativeteamofanyMemberAssociationinanofficialcompetitionofanycategoryoranytypeoffootball.

b) DecisionoftheFIFAPlayers’StatusCommitteeallowingtheplayertochangeAssociation.

2. Clearcopyofplayer’spassportofthecountrytheplayerwishestorepresent.

3. Clearcopyofplayer’snationalIDcardofthecountrytheplayerwishestorepresent.

4. Ifaplayerseekstorelyupon1(a)above,theplayermustprovideoneofthefollowingcategoriesofdocuments:

a)

1) Evidencethattheirfatherormotherwasbornontheterritoryoftherelevantassociation;and

2) Evidencethatsuchpersonistheirbiologicalparent.

b) Evidencethattheirgrandfatherorgrandmotherwasbornontheterritoryoftherelevantassociation.

c) Evidencethattheplayerhaslivedontheterritoryoftherelevantassociationforatleastfive(5) years.

d) Evidencethattheplayerwasbornontheterritoryoftherelevantassociation.


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APPENDIX 14 | MEMORANDUMOFUNDERSTANDINGFORAMATEURPLAYERS

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING(For Amateur Players)

INCONSIDERATIONofparticipating in theAFC (Name of Competition),we (Name of Member Association),(Name of Club), (Name of Player) HEREBYUNDERTAKE:

1. tocomplywithalltheobligationsandrequirementsimposedonusundertherelevantCompetitionregulationsandAFCCompetitionOperationsManual;

2. thattheplayer (Name of Player)hasbeenregisteredby(Name of Club) and(Name of Member Association)incompliancewithitsowntransferrulesandtheFIFARegulationsontheStatusandTransferofPlayers;

3. that the player (Name of Player) is registered only with (Name of Club) from the perioddated (insert start date of memorandum) for thedurationof (insert period of memorandum) andexpiringon(insert end date of memorandum);

4. thattheplayer (Name of Player) isNOTcontracted,registeredand/orplayingforanyotherclubintheworldfrom (insert start date of memorandum)until(insert end date of memorandum);

5. that (Name of Club) and (Name of Member Association) shall be responsible forensuringthatallinformationprovidedby(Name of Club) isvalidandaccurate;and

6. to guarantee our due compliance with the obligation, liabilities and requirementsof the relevant regulations and AFC Competition Operations Manual upon whichparticipation in the AFC (Name of Competition)hasgranted tousandour liabilitiesunderthisundertaking.

Datedthis (date) dayof(Month),(Year)

(Member Association name) &SEAL(General Secretary name),GeneralSecretary

Name of PlayerPlayer

(Name of Club) &SEAL(General Secretary name),GeneralSecretary


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APPENDIX 15 | MINIMUMCOACHINGREQUIREMENTS

ForeachCompetition,ParticipatingTeamsshallsubmit theminimumcoachingrequirementsforthe registrationof theirHeadCoach,AssistantCoach,GoalkeeperCoachandFitnessCoachaslistedbelow.

Football• National “A” Team (Men’s & Women’s) & U23 Team (Men’s)

Coaching Position 2021 2022 2023 2024HeadCoach Pro Pro Pro Pro

Assistant Coach A A A AGK Coach Level2 Level3 Level3 Level3

Fitness Coach Level2 Level2 Level2 Level2

• National U20 Team (Men’s & Women’s)Coaching Position 2021 2022 2023 2024HeadCoach A A A A

Assistant Coach B B B BGK Coach Level2 Level3 Level3 Level3


• National U17 Team (Men’s & Women’s)Coaching Position 2021 2022 2023 2024HeadCoach A A A A



• AFC Champions LeagueCoaching Position 2021 2022 2023 2024HeadCoach Pro Pro Pro Pro

Assistant Coach A A A AGK Coach Level2 Level3 Level3 Level3


• AFC CupCoaching Position 2021 2022 2023 2024HeadCoach A A A A




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Futsal• National “A” Team & U20 Team (Men’s)

Coaching Position 2021 2022 2023 2024HeadCoach Level2 Level2 Level2 Level3Asst. Coach Level2 Level2 Level2 Level3GK Coach Level1 Level1 Level1 Level2


• National “A” Team (Women’s)Coaching Position 2021 2022 2023 2024

HeadCoach Level2 Level2 Level2 Level3Asst. Coach Level1 Level1 Level1 Level2GK Coach Level1 Level1 Level1 Level2


• Futsal Club (Men’s)Coaching Position 2021 2022 2023 2024

HeadCoach Level2 Level2 Level2 Level3Asst. Coach Level1 Level1 Level1 Level2GK Coach Level1 Level1 Level1 Level2


Beach Soccer• National “A” Team (Men’s)

Coaching Position 2021 2022 2023 2024HeadCoach Level1 Level1 Level1 Level2Asst. Coach Level1 Level1 Level1 Level2GK Coach Level1 Level1 Level1 Level2


Inaddition to theabove,FitnessCoachesmustalsohavequalifications in sports scienceandareputablebackgroundinthefield.

Wheretheproposedofficialdoesnotmeettheminimumcoachingrequirementsoritsrecognisedequivalent, they must apply for recognition of their coaching competence as per the AFCRegulationsGoverning the Recognition of Experience andCurrent Competence (or any futureequivalentissuedbytheAFC),whichisavailablefordownloadattheAFCWebsite.

For any queries regarding the recognition of coaching experience, please contact the AFCTechnicalDivision.


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APPENDIX 16 | AFCNAMEPOLICY

Four (4) Name Categories

Name Category Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Sample 3

Passport Name

LastName(s)/Surname Kim

AbdullaAbdulrahmanMohamedMarzooq

KarimiDoan Viet Cuong

FirstName(s)/GivenName NamIl Mohammad

Ali

AFCPopularName KimNamIl AbdullaMarzooqi AliKarimi Doan

Cuong

Shirt Name Namil A.Marzooqi Karimi Cuöng

InformationconcerningthefourAFCnamecategories

1. LASTNAME(S)–COMPLETESURNAME:Familynamesusedinofficialdocumentsandpassport.

2. FIRSTNAME(S):Givennameasusedinofficialdocumentsandpassport.

3. AFCPOPULARNAME:Theinternationallyrecognisednameforeverydayuse(media,publicuse)whichalsoappearsontheMatchStartListandotherreports.NoaccentsorumlautsinthePopularName.

4. SHIRTNAME:Eachplayermustbe identifiedonthebackof theshirtbymeansofhisShirtName.TheShirtNamemustcorrespondtotheAFCPopularNameasindicatedontheAFCOfficialListofPlayersandallotherofficialAFCreportsandoutlets.AccentsandumlautsAREpermittedintheShirtName.Eachshirtnamemustbedistinctiveinthesameteamplayinginthe same Competition.


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APPENDIX 17 | PHOTOGRAPHEROPERATIONGUIDELINESFORFOOTBALL

1. Failure toadhereto thisAppendixmayresult in theejection fromaStadiumandrefusalofaccreditationforfutureCompetitions.

2. All photographers requiring access to the Competition must contact the relevant HostOrganisationandcompletethenecessaryapplicationprocedurestocleartheirrequest.

3. AllphotographersrequiringfieldareaaccessmustwearaMediabib.BibsareavailablefromtheHostOrganisationattheentrancetoaStadiuminexchangeforajournalistIDcard.

4. MatchStartListswillbemadeavailableinthemediacentrenolaterthansixty(60)minutesbefore kick-off.

5. AccesstotheFieldofPlayisnotpermittedatanytime,includingbeforeandaftertheMatch.

6. Before the start of eachMatch, photographersmay shoot the line-ups of the ParticipatingTeamsfromthetouchlinebutmustnotentertheFieldofPlay.

7. Once theMatchstarts,photographersmuststaybehind theadvertisingboardsbehind thegoalsandareonlypermittedtochangesidesduringhalf-timeorbetweentheendofnormalplayingtimeandthestartofExtraTime.Whenchangingsidesonhalf-time,photographersshouldpassalongtheoppositesideoftheteambenchesfrombehindtheadvertisingboards.UndernocircumstanceswillphotographersbeallowedtoshootfromeithertouchlineduringtheMatch,exceptwhenseatshavebeenallocatedinanyparticularMatch.

8. The Head Coaches of the Participating Teams shall attend a press conference that willcommenceimmediatelyaftertheMatch.Nophotographer,excepttheofficialphotographerandAFCdigitalcrew,areallowedtoattendthepost-Matchpressconference.

9. TheAFCofficialphotographermayworkfromanyposition,includingtouchlines,butshouldnotmoveduringtheMatch.TheinstructionsprovidedbytheAFC,AFCMediaOfficer,AFCGeneralCoordinatorandAFCMatchCommissionerataStadiumshallbefollowed.

10. PhotographersarerequiredtoobtainthepriorauthorisationoftheAFCbeforesettingupanyremotecameraindesignatedareas.

Photographer Rope Procedure

11. TheHostOrganisationshallensurethattworopes(20meach)areavailableforsmoothconductofthephotographer’sropeprocedureduringteams’march-in.

12. TheHostOrganisationshallbealsoresponsibleforprovidingaminimumofsix(6)volunteers(three[3]oneachside)toholdtheropesinanLshapewhentheteamsmarch-inandclosetheropesformingonestraightlineafterthelastplayerfromeachteamenterstheFieldofPlay.

13. Theropeshouldremaininthestraight-linepositionuntiltheteamcaptainsfinishtheirgroupphotoswiththeMatchOfficials.

14. Afterbeingescortedbyphotomarshalstothecentre,thephotographersmaychangesidesbeforethenationalflagsarebroughtinsidetheFieldofPlay.

15. Theofficialphotographershallnotoccupyanypositioninthemiddleoftheteams’march-inortogetherwiththeHBcamera,insteadofthetopendcornersoftheropes.


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APPENDIX 18 | BROADCASTOPERATIONGUIDELINESFORFOOTBALL

Contents

IntroductionandDefinitions

Part A: Broadcast Designations and Access to Venues1. HostBroadcaster(HB)2. BroadcastPartners(RTV)3. Non-RightsHolders(NRH)4. ElectronicNewsGathering(ENG)Crew5. AccesstoStadiums

Part B: Host Broadcaster and Unilateral Cameras6. Pre-MatchFilming7. Steadicam/HandheldCameras8. Jibs9. In-GoalCameras10. Pitch-LevelCameras11. AerialCameraSystems12. TunnelCamera13. UnilateralCameras

Part C: Microphones14. GuidelinesforMicrophoneUse

Part D: Interviews15. HeadCoachMatchDayArrivalInterview16. MultilateralWorldFeedFlashInterviewsattheEndoftheMatch17. UnilateralFlashInterviews18. MixedZone(MatchdayandMD-1)19. PressConferenceRoom(MatchdayandMD-1)

Part E: Pitch-Side Operations20. HostBroadcasterFloorManager21. Pre/Post-MatchStand-UpInterviewsandPitch-SideReporters

Part F: Video Recordings of Matches by the Team Official Delegation22. VideoRecordings

Schedule ACameraPositioningSummarySchedule BGenericHBCameraPlanSchedule CSteadicam/HandheldCamerasSchedule DPitch-SideHalfwayLineCameraPositioningSchedule E GenericMicrophonePlanSchedule FMatchDayOperationCountdownSchedule G Commentary Positions


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Introduction

TheseBroadcastOperationGuidelinessetsouttheprocedurestobeobservedandadheredtobytheappointedHostBroadcaster,BroadcastPartners,Non-RightsHoldersand/orElectronicNewsGatheringcrewinrelationtotheproductionandbroadcastcoverageofCompetitions.

The requirements andprocedures containedherein serve as aguideline andarebynomeansdefinitiveforallCompetitions.TheAFCreservesallrights,inconsultationwiththeAFCCommercialRightsPartner,todetermineanymattersrelatingtothebroadcastoperationsofeachCompetitionatitsdiscretion.

Definitions

Alldefinedterms,unlessotherwisestatedhereinshallbearthesamemeaningasascribedintheManual.

Ceremonies means without limitation, the opening ceremonies, the presentation ceremonies,awardceremonies,theclosingceremoniesand/orlaunchoftheCompetitionMarks.

Electronic News Gatheringmeans television producers, reporters, and editorsmaking use ofelectronicaudioandvideotechnologiesforgatheringandpresentingnews.

Field Area means,inrespectofaStadium,theareabetweentheboundariesoftheFieldofPlayandthespectators,excludingtheFieldofPlay.

General Coordinator meansthepersonappointedbytheAFC,atitsdiscretion,tomanageandcoordinateallmattersrelatingtotheStadium.

Match DaymeansthedayofaMatch.

Match Day-1 (MD-1) meansthedaypriortoaMatch.

Multilateral World Feed means live and continuous clean television signals of each Match,CeremonyandOfficialFunction includingwithout limitationall timing,computer,statisticaland/orothercomputergraphicsinEnglishasfeaturedtherein,togetherwiththeinternationalsoundonaseparatetrackwithorwithoutEnglishcommentary,establishedforgeneraldistributiontoallBroadcastPartners.

Non-Rights Holder meansanyentitythathasnotbeengrantedtherighttoexploitthebroadcastof the Competition.

Pitch meanstheFieldofPlay.

Programming means the Multilateral World Feed and Unilateral Feed of the Matches, theCeremoniesorOfficialFunctions(orpartsthereof)oftheCompetition.

TMO meanstheTeamMediaOfficerforaParticipatingTeamcompetinginaCompetition.

Unilateral Feed meansadistinctfeed,supplementarytotheMultilateralWorldFeed,establishedbyoronbehalfofaBroadcastPartner(RTV)foritssoleandexclusiveuse.


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1. Host Broadcaster (HB)

1.1. TheHBshallberesponsiblefortheproductionoftheMultilateralWorldFeedofeachMatchandinstallationofthenecessarycamerasand/orbroadcastequipmenttoenabletheuse,accessand/orexploitationoftheMultilateralWorldFeedandbroadcastoftheProgrammingbytheRTVs.

1.2. AnyappointedHBshallobserveandcomplywithall instructions,guidelinesand/orregulations including without limitation, broadcast standards, specifications and/orrequirements,asissuedbyand/oronbehalfoftheAFCandAFCCommercialRightsPartner from time to time.

1.3. TheappointedHB’sstaffshallbeprovidedwithavalidAccreditationCardandprovidedaccesstodesignatedarea(s)withintheStadiumsand/oranyControlledAccessArea(s)for the proper performance and execution of its obligations and duties as HB. AllappointedHBstaffshallusetheirAccreditationCardsand/oranyotherofficialformsofidentificationprovidedbytheAFCincludingwithoutlimitationMediabibsand/orapparels,atalltimes.

2. Broadcast Partners (RTV)

2.1. AnRTVshallhave the right toexhibitand/orbroadcast,andwhereapplicable, sub-licencetherighttoexhibitand/orbroadcasttoathird-partybroadcaster,someoralloftheProgramminginaccordancewiththerightsgrantedtotheRTVunderitsrespectivebroadcastlicenceagreementswiththeAFCandAFCCommercialRightsPartner.

2.2. All RTVs shall access the live feedof eachMatchplayedby joining theMultilateralWorldFeedestablishedbytheHBandshallnotestablishorrequestforanalternativethird-partytoestablishalivefeedoftheProgramming.

2.3. AllRTVstaffshallbeprovidedwithavalidAccreditationCardandprovidedaccesstodesignatedarea(s)withintheStadiumsand/oranyControlledAccessArea(s)andshallusetheirAccreditationCardsand/oranyotherofficialformsofidentificationprovidedbytheAFCincludingbutnotlimitedtoMediabibsand/orapparels,atalltimes.

3. Non-Rights Holders (NRH)

3.1. Anypartywhichisnotgrantedrightstouseand/orexploitthebroadcastingrightstotheCompetition,includingwithoutlimitation,anyindividualsappointedtoaccompanytheParticipatingTeamsand/orParticipatingPlayers(intotal,theNon-RightsHolders),shallnotbeallowedaccesstoanyarea(s)withintheStadiumsand/oranyControlledAccessArea(s)designatedfortheHBand/orRTVs.

3.2. TheAFCmay at its discretion, in certain instances, allow andgrant access toMD-1training sessions, press conferences and/or the mixed zones to NRHs, subject toavailability.

PART A: BROADCAST DESIGNATIONS AND ACCESS TO VENUES


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3.3. AnyNRHthatintendstoattendand/orobtainaccesstoanytrainingsessions,pressconferences,post-matchconferencesandmixedzonesshallberequiredtoapplyforaNRHAccreditationPasswhichmaybeissuedbytheHostOrganisationonbehalfoftheAFC,subjecttothediscretionoftheAFC.NRHswillnotbeallowedtoapplyforanyotherformofaccreditation,includingMediaaccreditation.NRHsmayapplyforaccesstopressconferencesandmixedzonesatindividualMatchestotheAFCdeskatthemediacentrebutaccesswillonlybegivenwheretheRTVshavenottakenallavailableslots.

3.4. NRHsgrantedaccessshallnotbeallowedtocarryand/oruseanyaudioand/orvisualequipmentwithin the Stadiums and/or anyControlledAccessArea(s) for the entiredurationoftheMatch.NRHsshallberequiredtoregisteranddepositanyaudioand/orvisualequipmentat thestoragefacilitiesat thedesignatedstadiummediacentreimmediatelyupontheirarrival.NRHsmaynotshootinsidetheControlledAccessArea(includingthestadiumconcoursearea,themediacentreand/orthespectatorstands)before,duringoraftertheMatch.NRHsshallonlycollecttheirequipmenttoproceedimmediatelytothepressconferenceroomand/ormixedzoneten(10)minutesbeforethescheduledendoftheMatch.NRHsshallobserveandcomplywithallapplicableAFCregulations,instructions,directivesand/orguidelinesrelatingtotheCompetition.

3.5. Any person(s) found in contravention of these rules may have their AccreditationCardrevokedandberequestedto leavetheStadiumand/or itssurroundingvicinityimmediately. All actions relating to non-compliance of these provisions shall bereportedtoandsanctionedbytheAFC.

4. Electronic News Gathering (ENG) Crew

4.1. Electronic News Gathering (ENG) crews shall comprise of not more than three (3)people(thecameraman,aproducer/assistantandareporter)andmayonlyworkonbehalfoftheHB,RTVsortheAFCCommercialRightsPartner.

4.1.1. ENGcrewsshallonlyfilmfromtheENGpositionsdesignatedbytheAFCandAFCCommercialRightsPartner,whichgenerallyinclude:

4.1.1.1. behindthegoallinepitch-sideadvertisingboards(cameramanplusone[1]otherpersononly)and/ordesignatedmaincameraplatformintheVIPstandalongsidetheHBcameras(subjecttotheavailabilityofspace);

4.1.1.2. on the near touchline, behind the photographer’s rope for pre-matchplayerwalk-onsandplayerpresentations;

4.1.1.3. inMatchesthatendinKicksfromthePenaltyMark,ENGcrewscanrelocate to the endwhere the kickswill be taken, subject to theavailabilityofspaceandAFCapproval;

4.1.1.4. the rear of the press conference room (cameraman plus one [1]otherpersononly);and

4.1.1.5. themixedzone(uptothree[3]personsperbroadcasteronly).


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4.1.2. For the avoidance of doubt, the ENG crew shall not film once the cameraleavesorismovingbetweeneachdesignatedposition.

4.1.3. ENGcrewsmayneverentertheFieldofPlay,theteamdressingroomsorthestandsatanytimebefore,duringoraftertheMatch.AnyENGcrewenteringanyoftheprohibitedlocationsshallhavetheirAccreditationCardwithdrawnimmediatelyforthedurationoftheCompetition.

4.1.4. ENG crews shall only be allowed to interview Participating Players and/orParticipatingOfficialsinthemixedzoneaftertheMatch.

4.1.5. WherespaceislimitedtheAFCandAFCCommercialRightsPartnerreservetherighttoprioritiseaccesstotheStadiumforENGcrews.

4.1.6. ENG crews shall be providedwith validAccreditationCards and providedaccess to designated area(s) and shall use their Accreditation Cards and/or any other official forms of identification provided by theAFC andAFCCommercial Rights Partner including but not limited toMedia bibs and/orapparels,atalltimes.

5. Access to Stadiums

5.1. TheHBandRTVsmustbump-inanyOBVansatlatestonMD-1.TheHBandRTVsmaybump-inOBVansandSatelliteNewsGathering(SNG)vans,layorconnectcablesorconnecttopoweronMatchDayswithpriorwrittenapprovaloftheAFC.Theymustbeinthecompound,parked,poweredandcabled,atleasteight(8)hourspriortokick-offoratthetimedeterminedbytheAFC.

5.2. RTVs may not lay their own cables in the Stadium, except within the broadcastcompound,andthenonlyunderthesupervisionoftheAFCCommercialRightsPartner.Cablingmustbeneatly laidalongdesignatedpaths.TheAFCandAFCCommercialRights Partnermay refuse to connect cabling that has not beenproperly laid. RTVsmustreceiveapprovalfromtheAFCCommercialRightsPartnerbeforeconnectingtotechnicalorlocalgridpowerinthebroadcastcompound.

5.3. Thebroadcastcompoundwillbeopenandpoweredfrom08:00(morning)untiltwo(2)hoursaftertheendoftheMatchonMatchDaysand21:00(evening)onnon-MatchDays.RTVsthatwishtoaccessthecompoundatanyothertime(e.g.overnightor intheearlymorning)mustmakeawrittenrequesttotheAFCCommercialRightsPartnervenuemanageratleastforty-eight(48)hoursbeforethetimeaccessisrequired.

5.4. RTVsmustinformtheAFCCommercialRightsPartnervenuemanagerinthebroadcastcompoundwhentheyarrivetostartworkandwhentheyleavethecompoundattheendofeachday.


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6. Pre-Match Filming

6.1. TheHBshallbepermittedtofilm:

6.1.1. insidetheteamdressingrooms,includingfilmingoftheteamequipment,uptotwo(2)hourspriortokick-off;and

6.1.2. thearrivalanddepartureofeachParticipatingTeambusinthebusarrivalarea.

6.2. Nomorethanone(1)HBproductioncameraperParticipatingTeammaybeusedfortheinterviewingofeachheadcoachonarrivalwithone(1)othercamerafilmingtheParticipatingTeambusarrival(cf.PARTD,Article15).

6.3. HB production cameras or RTV crews shall not interview Participating Players orParticipating Officials at any time, including without limitation during the warm-up,otherthanthespecifictimesallocatedtotheHBtoconductanysuchfilming.

6.4. NoformoffilmingorrecordingshallbepermittedonaParticipatingTeambusenrouteto,andfrom,anyStadium,withoutthepriorwrittenapprovaloftheAFC.

7. Steadicam/Handheld Cameras

Filming of Participating Teams and Participating Players: entrance, half-time and exit 7.1. The HB may be granted access to film the Participating Team(s) and Participating

PlayersatdesignatedareaswithintheFieldAreaand/orplayertunnelpriortokick-off,athalf-timeandattheendofaMatch,subjecttoavailabilityofspaceandpriorwrittenapprovaloftheAFC.

7.2. HBSteadicam/handheldcamerasmaybeallowedaccesstofilmontheFieldofPlayattheendofaMatch,subjecttothepriorwrittenapprovaloftheAFC.

7.2.1. Uptotwo(2)HBSteadicam/handheldcamerasmayfilmwithintheFieldArea,playertunneland/orFieldofPlay,subjecttothepriorwrittenapprovaloftheAFC;and

7.2.2. all HB Steadicam/handheld cameras shall be manned by designatedcamera assistants to ensure the safety and operations of any cameracable(s)(ifcabled).

Camera movement for Extra Time and Kicks from the Penalty Mark7.3. Duringtheintervalsattheendofnormalplayingtime,betweentheperiodsofExtra

TimeorattheendofExtraTime(iftheMatchistobedecidedbyKicksfromthePenaltyMark), no Steadicam/handheld camera is allowed onto the Field of Play with theexceptionassetoutbelow:

PART B: HOST BROADCASTER AND UNILATERAL CAMERAS


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7.3.1. one(1)Steadicam/handheldcameraeachsideoftheteambenchesmaycometotheinnerorouteredgeofthetechnicalareatoshoottheParticipatingTeampreparationsduringtheintervals;

7.3.2. notmorethanone(1)Steadicam/handheldcameramaybegrantedaccessontotheFieldofPlaytocoverthecointossintheeventthatamatchistobedecidedbyKicksfromthePenaltyMark;

7.3.3. one (1) Steadicam/handheld camera operator with an assistant shall bepermittedtoaccesstheFieldofPlayattheendofExtraTimeshouldtheMatchbedecided throughKicks from thePenaltyMark.TheSteadicam/handheldcameraoperatorand itsassistantmustbepositionedon theoppositesideofthePitchfromwheretheKicksfromthePenaltyMarkwilltakeplaceatthehalfwayline.

7.3.4. TheSteadicam/handheldcameraoperator shall takeup thepositionat theouter edge of the centre circle behind the Participating Players and shallonlybepermitted to repositionbetweeneach kick from thepenaltymark.TheoperatorshallnotmovepositiononcetheParticipatingPlayerentersthepenaltyarea.

Field of Play access: Pre-Match Events7.4. Uptotwo(2)HBSteadicam/handheldcamerasmayaccesstheFieldofPlaypriorto

kick-offforpurposesofproducingbroadcastcoverageoftheParticipatingTeams’line-up,singingoftherespectivenationalanthems(ifapplicable),thecoin-tossand/oranyotherspecialAFCceremonyorpresentation(“Pre-MatchEvents”),subjecttothepriorwrittenapprovaloftheAFC.

7.5. TheHBshall:

7.5.1. recordand/orproducebroadcastcoverageofthePre-MatchEventsfromthedesignatedarea(s)providedbytheAFCandundertakeallreasonablestepstoensurethatitdoesnotimpedeand/orperformanyactionswhichmayimpedeoraffecttheviewofMedia(includingphotographers)atthePre-MatchEvents;

7.5.2. exittheFieldofPlayimmediatelyupontheconclusionofthePre-MatchEvents.

7.6. Ingeneral,theHBwillberequiredtofilmthestartingline-upoftheParticipatingTeams,ParticipatingPlayersand/orMatchOfficialsduringtheplayingofthenationalanthem(ifapplicable)priortothecommencementoftheMatch.

7.7. Thefilmingofthestartingline-upshallbeconductedasfollows:

7.7.1. to film the starting line-up of the first Participating Team from left to rightmoving towards the centre of the line-up where the Match Officials arepositioned;

7.7.2. to reposition theSteadicam/handheld camera (where required) and filmthe starting line-up of the second Participating Team from right to leftmoving towards the centre of the line-upwhere theMatchOfficials arepositioned;and


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7.7.3. to reposition the Steadicam/handheld camera to film the exchange ofhandshakesbetweenbothParticipatingTeamsandMatchOfficials.

7.8. TheHBmayusetheHBSteadicam/handheldcameratofilmattheoutsideoftheFieldofPlayuptosixty(60)minutespriortothecommencementoftheMatchsubjecttothepriorwrittenapprovaloftheAFC.

Field of Play access: During Normal Play7.9. During the course of a Match, the HB shall ensure that the Steadicam/handheld

camerasusedandoperatedalongthenearsidetouchlinesofeitherhalfoftheFieldofPlayshall:

7.9.1. not interferewith theMatchand/orParticipatingPlayersorMatchOfficials’movements,includingwithoutlimitationtherefereeandassistantreferees’,onthePitch;

7.9.2. notbeusedtofilmthetechnicalareas,orbepositionedtomovebetweenthetechnicalareasandthetouchline;

7.9.3. operateatasafedistancefromthetouchlineandtheteambenchesandnotimpededforaprolongeddurationthelineofsightfromthefourthofficialandtheteambenchestotheFieldofPlay;

7.9.4. operate at a safe distance from the corner area to ensure that it does notinterferewiththemovementsofanyParticipatingPlayertakingacornerkick;

7.9.5. be manned at all times by a camera operator, and where the Steadicam/handheldcamerasare cabled, anadditional cableassistantmust assist thecameraoperatoratalltimes;and

7.9.6. onlyoperateuptothestartoftheadvertisingboard,whenoperatingaroundthe corner.


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Field of Play access: End of the Match7.10. Uptotwo(2)Steadicam/handheldcamerasmayaccesstheFieldofPlayattheendof

eachMatchprovidedalwaysthatanysuchuseshallnotinterferewithanyParticipatingPlayers’ and/orMatchOfficials’movement on the Field of Play, to operate in closeproximity to theParticipatingPlayers, inorder tocapture theemotionof theendoftheMatchand,whererelevant,tofollowtheParticipatingTeamonanylapofhonouraroundtheFieldofPlay.

7.11. TheHBshallnotconductanyinterviewswithParticipatingPlayersand/orMatchOfficialsattheendofaMatchandanyfilmingmadeatsuchtimeshallonlycontainParticipatingPlayers’and/orMatchOfficials’movementsontheFieldofPlay.

7.12. The HB shall safeguard the safety of the Participating Players, Match Officials andtelevisionproductionpersonnelwhenoperatingSteadicam/handheldcamerasby:

7.12.1. usingonlycamera-mountedmicrophonesduringfilming;

7.12.2. usingSteadicam/handheldcamerason theFieldofPlayonlyafter thefinalwhistleofeachMatchanduponreceivingconfirmationfromtheAFCandtheAFCCommercialRightsPartner;

7.12.3. operatingSteadicam/handheldcamerasalongwithassistants,whoshallberesponsibleforactingastheeyesandearsofthecameraoperatorandfortheplacementofcameracablestoensurethesafetyofallthosearoundthem.Nomorethanone(1)assistantmayaccompanyacameraoperatorontotheFieldofPlay;and

7.12.4. followinganyspecialinstructionsfromtheAFCtoensurethattheSteadicam/handheld cameras at no time cause any safety or security issues. Either orbothSteadicam/handheldcameracrewsshallimmediatelyexittheFieldAreaifdirectedbytheAFCatanytimepriorto,during,orafter,aMatch.

7.13. Up to two (2) Steadicam/handheld camerasmay enter the Field of Play during thetrophyceremonyattheendofthefinalMatchoftheCompetition,byarrangementwiththeAFCandunderitsdirection.

During MD-1: Official Training7.14. TheHBmayuseSteadicam/handheldcamerasforselectedMD-1coverage,toshoot

ParticipatingTeamarrivals,FieldofPlayinspectionandofficialtraining,subjecttothepriorwrittenapprovaloftheAFC.

7.15. TheHB shall not conduct any interviews during the filming of anyMD-1 coverage,exceptforwithinthespecifiedmixedzone.

Number of Personnel for Steadicam/Handheld Camera Operation7.16. The two (2)crewsoperating theHBSteadicam/handheldcamerasshall compriseof

maximumtwo(2)personnelpercamera(cameramanandcablerigger),iftechnicallynecessary.


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7.17. Thesecrewmembersshallobserveandcomplywithallinstructionsand/orregulationsof the AFC in relation to the access and production of broadcast coverage of theCompetitions.

8. Jibs

8.1. TheHBshallberesponsibleforthemanagementofallHBtelevisionproductionjibsincludingwithout limitation, in relation to the operation and positioning of the jibsduringMatches.

Jib positioning: during Matches8.2. TheHBmustensurethatthejibcamerasateachendoftheFieldofPlay:

8.2.1. shallbelocatedbehindthegoalpostsandoperatedbyone(1)ortwo(2)persons;

8.2.2. shallbepositionedbehindthePitch-sideadvertisingboardswhicharelocateddirectlybehindthegoalposts.Atnopointduringitsoperationshallanyjibcamera come into contact and/or interferewith thegoal structure, netting,and/or movement of the ball, Participating Players and/or Match OfficialsduringtheMatch;

8.2.3. shall notmoveany closer to theFieldofPlayother than from thepositionadvisedbytheAFC;and

8.2.4. shall remain stationary during any penalty kicks awarded during a MatchunlesstheballisintheotherhalfoftheFieldofPlay.

Jib position: Opening and Closing Ceremonies8.3. TheHBacknowledgesthatajibcameramayberequiredtoproducebroadcastcoverage

ofanyCeremoniesoftheCompetitionandshallprovidetheAFCwiththeassistancenecessaryforthebroadcastofsuchCeremonies,ifsorequired.TheAFCreservestherighttodeterminetheexactpositionofthejibcamerapriortothecommencementofany ceremony.

9. In-Goal Cameras

9.1. The HB shall be responsible for the management of all in-goal cameras includingwithout limitation, the installation, operation and maintenance of such camerasthroughouttheCompetition.

9.2. TheHBshallensurethatallin-goalcameras:

9.2.1. arepositionedinthetopcornerofthebackofthegoalnet;

9.2.2. areattachedto thesupportstructureof thenetting (suchasropes,poles)orinstalledonan independentpoleor tripodstructure,providingbothcameraandtripodarebeyondthestretch-limitofthenet,andpositionedinsuchawaysoastonotaffect,inanywaywhatsoever,theflightoftheballorthemovementorsafetyoftheParticipatingPlayersandMatchOfficialsduringtheMatch;


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9.2.3. areenclosedinanindependentcasingorhousing,whichshallbeconnectedtothegroundandthereartensioninglineofthenet;

9.2.4. donotrequireanyadjustmentoncetheMatchhascommenced.Accessmayberequiredtothesecamerasathalf-timeformaintenance;and

9.2.5. arenotinstalledwithanymicrophones.

10. Pitch-Level Cameras

10.1. TheHBshallensurethatthepositioningofPitch-levelcamerasshallbeasascribedintheHBcameraplansetoutinScheduleBtothisAppendix.

Pitch-Centre Position in Relation to Team Benches and Fourth Official Bench10.2. TheexactpositioningofthePitch-levelcamerasisofvitalimportanceforthebroadcast

ofMatchesduetotheirproximitytotheteambenchesandfourthofficialbench.TheHBshallensurethatallpersonnelinthedesignatedtechnicalarea(s)shallbeprovidedwithaclearanduninhibitedviewoftheFieldofPlay.

10.3. TheHostBroadcastershallensurethatthePitchcentrecamerashall:

10.3.1. belocatedtothesideofthefourthofficialbench;

10.3.2. notimpedeand/orinterferewiththeParticipatingOfficials’and/orParticipatingPlayers’viewoftheFieldofPlay;

10.3.3. notinterferewiththemovementoftheassistantreferee(s)whoarestationedatthenearsidetouchlineoftheFieldofPlay;

10.3.4. notaffecttheentranceand/orexitoftheParticipatingPlayers,flowofpeoplemovementintheareaand/orencroachuponanytechnicalareasdesignatedforMatchOfficials;and

10.3.5. notaffecttheentranceand/orexitoftheParticipatingPlayers,flowofpeoplemovementand/orencroachuponanyarea(s)designatedfortheTeamOfficialDelegationsandMatchOfficials.

10.4. AnypositioningofthePitch-LevelCameraotherthanasprovidedforaboveshallbesubjecttothepriorwrittenapprovaloftheAFC.


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11. Aerial Camera Systems

11.1. TheHBshallberesponsible for theoperationandmanagementofallaerialcamerasystems(e.g.Spidercam).ThefollowingconditionsshallapplyinrelationtotheuseofsuchsystemsonMatchDayandMD-1.

General Guidelines11.2. All aerial camera systemmounts,wires andcables shallbe installedaccording to a

scheduleprovidedtotheAFCbytheAFCCommercialRightsPartnerandapprovedinwritingbytheAFC.

11.3. Themountingandfunctionalsystemoftheaerialcamerasystemshallnotbechangedormodifiedonceinstalledandapprovedbytherelevantauthorities.

11.4. Installation of the camera shall be approved and certified by the relevant safetyauthoritiesandStadiummanagement.

Coverage of Match and MD-1 Official Training11.5. TheHBshallensurethat:

11.5.1. theaerialcamerasystemisnotoperatedwherethewindspeedisrecordedatarateof6+orhigherontheBeaufortscale;

11.5.2. theaerial camerasystemoperatesataminimumheightof twenty-one (21)metresabovetheFieldofPlayforallMatches,andten(10)metresabovetheFieldofPlay forallMD-1official training, inordertoavoidany interferencewiththerunofplay;

11.5.3. thecameramayoperateataheightoffive(5)metresoutsideoftheFieldofPlayduringtheMatch;

11.5.4. the camera shall be located out of range (on the touchlines) for goalclearances;and

11.5.5. thecameramayoperateataheightoffive(5)metresontheFieldofPlayandfive(5)metresoutsidetheFieldofPlayforthedurationofanycoolingbreaksthroughouttheMatchand/orMD-1officialtraining.

Pre-Match, Half-Time, Post-Match11.6. TheHBmayoperatetheaerialcameraataminimumheightoffive(5)metreswhen

filming in thestandsorFieldofPlaysurroundingsandaminimumheightoffive (5)metreswhencoveringwarm-ups,half-timeandpost-Match.

11.7. Detailedcoordinationisrequiredtoaccommodatetheneedsofspectators,Ceremoniesandsecurity.

Kicks from the Penalty Mark11.8. TheHBmayoperatetheaerialcameraataminimumheightoften(10)metresabove

theFieldofPlaytofolloweachParticipatingPlayerfromthecentrecircleashewalkstoplacetheballpriortotakinghiskick.


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12. Tunnel Camera

12.1. TheHBshallberesponsiblefortheoperationsandbroadcastcoverageofanytunnelcameraused.ThetunnelcamerashallencompassthefilmingofParticipatingPlayersfrom both Participating Teams gathered in the player tunnel prior to entering andleavingtheFieldofPlayduringkick-off,half-timeandfull-time.

12.2. Anyremotelycontrolledcameraandassociatedmicrophoneshallbeinstalledunderthetunnelrooforviaanappropriatemountingandinsuchawaysoastonotinterferewithanymatchceremonies,theMatchand/orParticipatingPlayers’orMatchOfficials’movements.TheplacementofthetunnelcamerashallbedeterminedbytheAFCinaccordancewiththetunnellayoutandaccordingtotheteamline-upposition.

12.3. Uptoone (1)mannedTVproductioncamera team ispermitted forfilming inside the“gatheringarea”oftheplayertunnelatthefixedpositionadvisedbytheAFCpriortothecommencementoftheMatchtofilmthecheckingofthestudsbytheMatchOfficials.

12.4. AtunnelcameracanonlybeusedjustbeforetheplayersentertheFieldofPlayforthepre-Matchwarm-up,forthestartofthefirstandsecondhalvesandwhentheyleavetheFieldofPlayafterthewarm-up.TheycannotbeusedtoshowtheParticipatingPlayers,Participating Officials and/or Match Officials returning to the dressing room, eitherduringoraftertheMatch.

13. Unilateral Cameras

13.1. RTVsmaypositionunilateralcamerasduringthematch,subjecttotheavailabilityofspace:

13.1.1. onthemaincameraplatform;

13.1.2. indesignatedareasbehindthegoals;

13.1.3. inbroadcaststudios;

13.1.4. incommentarypositions,whentheiroperationwillnotaffectanyotherparty;and

13.1.5. anyotherpositionssubjecttothepriorwrittenapprovaloftheAFC.

13.2. Additionally,RTVsmaypositionunilateral camerasbeforeandafter theMatch,aftermakingpriorarrangementswiththeAFCandAFCCommercialRightsPartner:

13.2.1. nearthecornerflagsforpre/post-Matchunilateralstand-ups;

13.2.2. atthedesignatedflashinterviewpositionaftertheMatch;and

13.2.3. atthepressconferenceand/ormixedzone.

13.3. RTVsmaynotmovecamerasduringtheMatchexceptbypriorarrangementwiththeAFCandAFCCommercialRightsPartnerathalf-time,theendofnormalplayingtime,orthestartofExtraTime.RTVsmaynotpositionunilateralcamerasinanyotherlocationatany time.RTVsmustsubmitacameraplan to theAFCCommercialRightsPartnerdetailingtheirproposedcamerapositions,whichmustbeapprovedinwritingbytheAFCbeforetheRTVstartsoperations.


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14. Guidelines for Microphone Use

14.1. TheHBshallensurethatallFieldofPlaymicrophones,particularlythose insensitiveareas (i.e.onSteadicam/handheldcameras)areused insuchamanneras tocollectambientsoundsonlyinordertocapturetheaudioandvisualexperienceoftheMatch,withoutencroachingonanyoftheParticipatingPlayers’and/orMatchOfficials’privacy.

14.2. ThepositioningofallFieldofPlaymicrophonesisdetailedinthegenericmicrophoneplaninScheduleEtothisAppendix.Ingeneral,theHBshallensurethat:

14.2.1. themicrophoneswillbeplacedinfrontofthePitch-sideadvertisingboards,betweentheboardandFieldofPlayinsuchawayastoallowclearviewofthesponsorbrandingontheboards;

14.2.2. nomicrophones will be placed inside the technical area around the teambenches;

14.2.3. themicrophonesshallnotbepermittedtobeattachedtothegoalposts,nortoanypersonsdirectlyinvolvedinaMatch, includingwithoutlimitationanyParticipatingPlayersand/orMatchOfficials;

14.2.4. roamingmicrophonesarestrictlyprohibitedfromuseatalltimes;and

14.2.5. the microphones will have a minimum of two (2) metres distance fromtouchlines.

14.3. All microphone placements and positioning shall be reviewed during the Field ofPlay inspection by theGeneral Coordinator and/orAFCMatchCommissioner,AFCMarketingOfficerandtheAFCCommercialRightsPartnervenuemanager.

14.4. AFCorCompetitionbrandedwindshieldsand/ormicrophonecubesshallbeusedatallpre/post-Matchinterviews.TheAFCreservestherightatitssolediscretiontopermittheuseof RTVbrandedwind shields and/ormicrophone cubes forpre/post-Matchunilateralinterviews,uponrequestfromanyRTV.

PART C: MICROPHONES


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15. Head Coach Match Day Arrival Interviews

15.1. TheHBshallcarryoutheadcoacharrivalinterviewsateveryMatch.

15.2. Interviewsshallbeconductedimmediatelyuponthearrivalof theParticipatingTeamatspecificareasdesignatedbytheAFCandunderthesupervisionoftheAFCMediaOfficer.

15.3. Onlyone(1)HBproductioncameramaybeusedforconductingtheinterview.

15.4. Interviewsshallbemaximumninety(90)secondsindurationandconductedinEnglishor themother tongueof theParticipatingTeamorheadcoach.Where the interviewis conducted in a languageother thanEnglish, theParticipatingTeamshallprovidetranslation.

16. Multilateral World Feed Flash Interviews at the End of the Match

16.1. TheHBshallconductflashinterviewsattheendoftheMatchwithParticipatingPlayersand/orParticipatingOfficialsatspecificareasdesignatedby theAFC,subject to thefollowingconditions:

16.1.1. allpersonnelandequipmentshallbeinplacetoavoidanydelayinconductingtheproposedinterviews;

16.1.2. all interviews shall be conducted in English or the mother tongue of theParticipatingTeamorinterviewee.ThereisnorequirementfortheParticipatingTeamtoprovidetranslation;

16.1.3. eachinterviewshallnotexceedninety(90)secondsindurationandshallbein frontofaCompetitionbackdrop,asproducedandprovidedbytheAFCCommercialRightsPartner;

16.1.4. theMultilateralWorld Feed flash interview positions shall be located neareithercornerflagonthesideofthePitchwheretheteambenchesarelocatedoratasuitablelocationdeterminedbytheAFC;

16.1.5. therewillbeone (1)designatedMultilateralWorldFeedflashpositionandanyadditionalpositionsprovidedshallbepre-approvedinwritingbytheAFCuponrequestthroughtheAFCCommercialRightsPartner;

16.1.6. Multilateral World Feed flash interviews may be conducted by a RTV ofthe nationality of a Participating Team taking part in the Competition orrespectiveMatch;

PART D: INTERVIEWS


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16.1.7. there will be one (1) interview (head coach or player) conducted witheach Participating Team (the relevant head coach or player shall bepart of the “head coach andup to3players” eachParticipatingTeam isrequiredtoprovideforflashinterviewssubjecttotherelevantCompetitionregulations);

16.1.8. all such interviews shall be carried out in front of a relevant backdrop, ifspecifiedbytheAFCand/ortheAFCCommercialRightsPartner;and

16.1.9. the AFC Commercial Rights Partner shall provide the list of individualsrequestedbytheRTVsforflashinterviewsnolaterthanten(10)minutesbeforetheendoftheMatch.TheHBandtheRTVsshallnotapproachParticipatingPlayersorParticipatingOfficialsdirectlytorequestinterviews.

17. Unilateral Flash Interviews

17.1. RTVswith liveunilateralproductionsat theStadiummayconductflash interviewsattheendoftheMatchwithParticipatingPlayersand/orParticipatingOfficialsatspecificareasdesignatedbytheAFC,subjecttothefollowingconditions:

17.1.1. allpersonnelandequipmentshallbeinplacetoavoidanydelayinconductingtheproposedinterviews;

17.1.2. all interviews shall be conducted in English or the mother tongue of theParticipatingTeamorinterviewee.ThereisnorequirementfortheParticipatingTeamtoprovidetranslation;

17.1.3. eachinterviewshallnotexceedninety(90)secondsindurationandshallbein frontofaCompetitionbackdrop,asproducedandprovidedbytheAFCCommercialRightsPartner;

17.1.4. theunilateralflash-interviewpositionsshallbelocatedneareithercornerflagonthesideofthePitchwheretheteambenchesarelocatedoratasuitablelocationdeterminedbytheAFC;

17.1.5. eachRTVmayconductamaximumoffour(4)sequentialinterviews(theheadcoachanduptothree[3]ParticipatingPlayers)witheachParticipatingTeam(theheadcoachorplayerwhoattendedthemultilateralflashinterviewsshallalsobe requested to attend interviewsof RTVs aspart of the “head coachandupto3players”eachParticipatingTeamisrequiredtoprovideforflashinterviewssubjecttotherelevantCompetitionregulations);

17.1.6. the AFC Commercial Rights Partner shall provide the list of individualsrequestedbytheRTVsforflashinterviewsnolaterthanten(10)minutesbeforetheendoftheMatch.TheHBandtheRTVsshallnotapproachParticipatingPlayersorParticipatingOfficialsdirectlytorequestinterviews;


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17.1.7. all such interviews shall be carried out in front of a relevant backdrop, ifspecifiedbytheAFCand/ortheAFCCommercialRightsPartner;and

17.1.8. allRTVpersonnelshallpositionthemselvesbehindthetouchlineadvertisingboardorleavetheFieldAreauponconclusionoftheUnilateralflashinterview.

18. Mixed Zone (Match Day and MD-1)

18.1. TheMixedZonewillbelocatedbetweentheteamdressingroomsandtheParticipatingTeambuses.TheAFCshallprovidepriorityaccesstothemixedzonetoRTVs.Ifspaceisavailable,theAFCandtheAFCCommercialRightsPartnermayatitsdiscretionprovideaccesstoNRHs.

Entrances and Exits18.2. Therewillbethree(3)entrancesandexitsintothemixedzone:

18.2.1. for Participating Players andParticipatingOfficials to enter themixed zonefromtheteamdressingroomarea;

18.2.2. forParticipatingPlayersandParticipatingOfficials toexit themixedzonetotheirteambus;and

18.2.3. forMediatoenterandexitthemixedzone.

18.3. TheyshallonlybeaccessedwithavalidAccreditationCard.

Layout18.4. TheParticipatingPlayersandParticipatingOfficialsshallpassalongacorridorthrough

themixedzone,whereintheMediawillbeabletospeaktothemoverabarrier.

18.5. The mixed zone will be divided into separate sections for representatives fromtelevision,radioandthewrittenpress.

18.5.1. TheParticipatingPlayersandParticipatingOfficialsshallpassthroughtheareadesignatedforrepresentativesfromtelevisionfirst;

18.5.2. ParticipatingPlayersandParticipatingOfficialsarerequiredtopassthroughthemixedzonebutarenotobligedtogiveanyinterviews;

18.5.3. Adesignatedarea,withsuitablelightingandbackdrops,shallbeprovidedforallRTVsinthemixedzone.

18.6. OnlyRTVsandadmittedNRHsmayconductvideointerviewsinthemixedzone.OtherMediamayconductrecordedaudiointerviewsonly.


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19. Press Conference Room (Match Day and MD-1)

19.1. AcameraplatformwithaviewofthetoptableshallbeassignedforusebytheHBorMedia.TheAFCCommercialRightsPartnerwillgivepriority for access to thepressconferencetotheHBandtheRTVs.Ifspaceisavailable,theAFCCommercialRightsPartnermayatitsdiscretiongiveaccesstotheNRHs.

19.2. ApublicannouncementsystemwithaudiodistributionviaasplitterboxatthecameraplatformshallbeinstalledbytheHostOrganisation.

19.3. Thetoptablewillbesuitablylittoprovideforclarityinfilmingand/orbroadcast.

19.4. OnlyRTVsandadmittedNRHsmayshootvideointhepressconference.

19.5. ThebackdropstothepressconferencesmaybeasprovidedbytheAFCand/ortheAFC Commercial Rights Partner and may change depending on the party beinginterviewed;


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PART E: PITCH-SIDE OPERATIONS

20. Host Broadcaster Floor Manager

20.1. TheHBfloormanagershall:

20.1.1. bepresentatalltimesduringtheon-airproductionand/orrehearsal;

20.1.2. overseetheoperationoftheHBcamerasinsensitiveareas(dressingrooms,teamarrivals,interviewsandtunnel)andshallbeinconstantcommunicationwiththeHBmatchdirector;

20.1.3. beonthegroundandavailabletoliaiseandcoordinatewiththeAFCandAFCCommercialRightsPartnerVenueManager;

20.1.4. betheinitialpointofcontactforanytechnicalorpersonnelissueswiththeHBcrewfortheAFCandpassontheinformationtotheHBmatchdirectorandhisproductionteamintheOBvan;

20.1.5. liaise with theAFCMediaOfficer and theAFCCommercial Rights Partnervenuemanager regardingpost-Match interviews and is responsible to cuethestartoftheseinterviews;

20.1.6. liaisewith theGeneralCoordinator and/orAFCMatchCommissioner and/orAFCMarketingOfficerduringtheMatchtoensurethattheAFCissatisfiedwiththeallocationoftouchlinecameras,pitchcentrecamerasandcameramenmovements,ifnecessary;

20.1.7. be the point of contact for theAFC in relation to decisions about coolingbreaksandshallcommunicatethisinformationtotheHBmatchdirector;and

20.1.8. remainatafixedpositionatthediscretionoftheAFCthroughoutthedurationof the Match.

20.2. UndernocircumstancesshallanymemberoftheHBcrewapproachthefourthofficialto obtain information regarding substitutions, cautions and injury time during theMatch.TheHBfloormanagershallcoordinatewiththeAFC,attheAFC’sdirection,toobtain such information.

21. Pre/Post-Match Stand-Up Interviews and Pitch-Side Reporters

Pre and Post match Stand-Up interviews21.1. RTVs,comprisingofuptothree(3)persons,mayconductstand-upinterviewsnearthe

cornerflagand/orbehindthegoal linePitch-sideadvertisingboards,subject to thepriorconsentoftheAFCandbookingapositionwithAFCCommercialRightsPartner.AnyguestmustbeaccreditedforaccesstotheFieldofPlay.


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21.2. Theareawillbeavailable forusebyRTVsduringpre-Matchwarm-up.The interviewshallbefinishedfifteen(15)minutespriortokick-off.

21.3. Thefollowingindividualsshallnotbeinterviewedduringanypre/post-Matchstand-upinterview:

21.3.1. anyParticipatingOfficialsthatareregisteredtositontheteambench;and

21.3.2. anyParticipatingPlayerslistedinthestartingline-up,assubstitutes,orthataresuspendedfortheMatch.

21.4. One(1)Pitch-sidereporterplusone(1)assistantmaymakelivevoicereportsduringtheMatchfromthepositionbehindthegoallinePitch-sideadvertisingboard(attheunilateralcamerapositions).

21.5. The Pitch-side reporter shall not have any direct communication with any of theParticipatingOfficialsand/orParticipatingPlayersduringtheMatch.

21.6. ThePitch-sidereportershallberequiredtoremainseatedandimmobileatall timesduringtheMatch.AtnotimemayaPitch-sidereporterapproachtheteambenchand/oranyindividualsduringwarm-up.

21.7. ThePitch-sidereportershallberequiredtouseaheadsetmicrophoneonly.Nootherequipment(suchasadeskorcamera)exceptforasmallmonitorbyarrangementwiththeAFCCommercialRightsPartnerandwith thepriorapprovalof theAFCshallbeallowedinthisareaduringtheMatch.


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PART F: VIDEO RECORDINGS OF MATCHES BY THE TEAM OFFICIAL DELEGATION

22. Video Recordings

22.1. The AFC reserves the sole and exclusive right to produce, exploit and furtherdistribute any content and/or filming for any commercial and non-commercialpurposes, including but not limited to documentaries and online video content,relatedtotheCompetitionand/ortheParticipatingTeam,ParticipatingPlayersand/orParticipatingOfficials.

22.2. TheParticipatingTeamshallensurethatnomemberofitsTeamOfficialDelegationoranythird-partiesproduce,exploit,and/orfurtherdistributeanyfilmmaterialrelatingtotheCompetitionortheparticipationofaParticipatingTeamintheCompetition,foranypurposeswithoutpriorwrittenconsentoftheAFC.

22.3. ParticipatingTeamsshallbepermittedtomaketheirownrecordingsofMatchessubjecttothefollowing:

22.3.1. onlymembersoftheTeamOfficialDelegationmaymakesuchrecordings;

22.3.2. onlyone (1) cameraperParticipatingTeammaybeused (unlessotherwiseprovidedforintherelevantCompetitionregulations);

22.3.3. onlylightweight,amateurequipmentmaybeused,notthetypeofprofessionalequipmentusedbyprofessionalbroadcasters;

22.3.4. during filming, the Participating Official making the recording must wearthetechnicalfilmingbibdistributedbyAFCMediaOfficeratthestartoftheCompetition.Onlyone(1)suchbibwillbedistributedtoeachParticipatingTeam.ItmustbereturnedwhentheParticipatingTeamiseliminatedfromtheCompetition;

22.3.5. theParticipatingOfficialmustmakecontactwith theAFCMarketingOfficerandAFCMediaOfficerbeforetheMatchtolocateasuitableposition;

22.3.6. no other recording is allowed, including without limitation, in the teamdressingrooms,mixedzone,atpressconferencesoranyotherlocationorforanyreasonotherthanlistedabove;and

22.3.7. filming ispermitted for technicalanalysispurposesonlyasopposedtoanygeneraldocumentationofthestayinthehostcountryandtheCompetition.

22.4. Under no circumstances shall recordings or images taken in the Stadium or otherControlled Access Area be publicly distributed or otherwise used for any typeof commercial or non-commercial exploitation, either before, during or after theCompetition.AnyabuseofvideofootageconstitutesaseriousviolationoftheMediaRightsandwillbesanctionedbytheAFC.


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SCHEDULE A – Camera Positioning Summary

• Main cameras: Themain cameras need tobepositioneddirectly on the halfway line at asuitableheightwithinthemainstand.Thecamerasneedtohaveaclear,unobstructedviewoftheFieldofPlayatalltimes.

• Pitch-side halfway line camera: Thecamerawillbefixedonthehalfway linenext to thefourthofficial.

• Offside cameras: Locatedinthemainstandfacingthesixteen(16)metrelineateachendofthePitchonthesamesideoftheStadiumasthemaincameras.Thesecamerascanbelocatedhigherinthemainstandthanthemaincameras.

• Pitch level cameras behind the goal line:Cameraswillbelocatedbehindtheadvertisingboards that run parallel to the goal lines at each end of the Pitch.The exact location andnumberofcamerasinthisareaisdecidedonaMatchbyMatchbasis,withthelocationsbeingconfirmedonMD-1.

• Pitch level cameras along the by line:CamerascanbelocatedinafixedlocationatPitchlevelonthesamesideasthemaincamerasaslongastheydonotobstructtheviewoftheFieldofPlayforthefourthofficialandortheteambenches.ThecamerasshouldalsobefarenoughbackfromthePitchtoensurethatthereisnodangertoParticipatingPlayers.

• Steadicams/handheld cameras: SteadicamsandhandheldcamerascanbeusedonthesamesideofthePitchasthemaincameras,withoneoperatingoneachhalfofthePitch.Thiswillbeoperatedbyone(1)cameraman,ifcabled,one(1)cableassistant.Thecamerasmustnotencroachinfrontoftheteambenches,shouldnotinterferewiththeassistantrefereerunningthelineandshouldnotblockthelineofsightfromthefourthofficialtotheFieldofPlay.

• Pitch level Steadicam/handheld cameras outside of play: Up to two (2) Steadicams orhandheldcamerasareallowedontotheFieldofPlaytocovertheplayerswalkingon,teamline-ups,anthems,VIPHandshakesandthecointoss,pluspost-Matchreactionsandcelebrations.

• Tunnel camera: A single handheld camera is allowed into the tunnel prior to the teamswalkingoutbeforethestartoftheMatch,half-timeandfull-time.ThecameramustnotimpedetheParticipatingPlayers,ParticipatingOfficialsorMatchOfficials.

• Stand camera behind goals: Acameracanbeinstalledinthestanddirectlybehindeachgoal,withthecameralocateddirectlyinlinewiththepenaltymarksateachend.Thepenaltymarkclosesttothecamerashouldbevisibleabovethecrossbarofthegoal.

• Beauty shot: Whereaccessissuitableafixedcameracanbelocatedatahighpoint intheStadiumtoallowapanoramicshotofthecompletevenue.

• Reverse pitch level cameras:Acameraorcamerascanbe locatedbehindtheadvertisingboardsontheoppositesideofthePitchtothemaincamerastoallowforadifferentperspectiveandcoverageoftheteambenches.

• Reverse stand level camera:Camerascanbeplacedwithinthestandoppositetothemainstand.


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Team A Team B

43

21 5

Referees

SCHEDULE B – Generic HB Camera Plan

SCHEDULE C – Steadicam/Handheld Cameras

ENG

ENG

JT7

HB10

HB14

HB8

CC3

HB3

LE5

JT1

HB13

HB19JT6

CC2ENG

ENG

HB11

HB15

HB9

CC4

JT5

HB12

CC5

4R

HB16 HB6 HB7 HB17HB1 HB2 LE1

HB4JT2CC6 HB5 CC7 LE3

HB13

LE2

HB20 Spidercam

TEAM BENCHTEAM BENCH

As the teams walk out, Steadicam/handheld camera is off the Field of Play

1. Steadicam/handheldcameraenterstheFieldofPlayastheteamslineupforTeamAanthem.2. Steadicam/handheldcamerawalksdownTeamAline-upandstopsatthereferees.3. Steadicam/handheldcamerarepositionstotheendofTeamBline-up,readyforTeamBanthem.4. Steadicam/handheldcamerawalksupTeamBline-upandstopsatthereferees.5. Steadicam/handheldcamerarepositionsto1tocoverhandshakesbeforeleavingthePitch.

Note: If Team A is hosting, process is the same but Steadicam/handheld camera starts with Team B line-up shoot. The procedure shall differ on a Match-by-Match basis


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SCHEDULE D – Pitch-Side Halfway Line Camera Positioning

Team A Team B

4

3

21 5

5

Referees

AA

B

As the teams walk out, both Steadicam/handheld cameras are off the Field of Play

1. Steadicam/handheldcameraAenterstheFieldofPlayastheteamslineupforTeamAanthem.2. Steadicam/handheldcameraAwalksdownTeamAline-upandstopsatthereferees.3. Steadicam/handheldcameraArepositionsattheendofTeamBline-up,readyforTeamBanthem.4. Steadicam/handheldcameraAwalksupTeamBline-upandstopsatthereferees.5. Steadicam/handheldcameraAleavestheFieldofPlaydirectly.

Simultaneously,Steadicam/handheldcameraBenterstheFieldofPlaytocoverhandshakes.

Note: If Team A is hosting, the procedure is the same but Steadicam/handheld camera A starts with Team B line-up shoot.

Players Tunnel

Team Bench B

Team Bench A

4th Official

Thecamerashallbepositionedasabove,sharingthehalfwaylinewiththefourthofficialbench.Incaseofanydisputewithregardtotheposition,theAFCMatchCommissionershallmakethefinaldecisioninconsiderationoftheavailablespaceandlayoutofthefield.


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SCHEDULE E – Generic Microphone Plan

SCHEDULE F - Match Day Operation Countdown

Time Task Location

Upto2hrstoKick-off TeamDressingRoomFilming TeamDressingRooms- 90 min TeamBusArrivalFilming Teamdropoffarea- 90 min HeadCoachArrivalInterview Teamdropoffarea- 15 min Pre/PostStand-ups–completeby FieldofPlay- 10 min PlayersTunnel Tunnel0 Kick-off FieldofPlay+ 80 min FlashInterviewPreparation FieldofPlay+ 90 min Flashinterviews FieldofPlay

Post-Match Press Conference Press Conference+ 100 min MixedZoneInterviews MixedZone


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SCHEDULE G – Commentary Positions

TheHostOrganisationshallprovidePitch-facingroomsinthemainstandateachrelevantStadiumto be used as enclosed commentary positions, which shall be equipped with air-conditioner/heater,adeskforthree(3)persons,chairsandpower.

Non-enclosedcommentarypositionsarepositionsforthree(3)personslocatedwithinthemediatribunewhichareallocatedbytheAFC.Eachpositionisseparatedbyapartitionscreenorgangwayandhasaccesstosharewirelessinternetandpower.

Allcommentarypositionsshallhaveeasyaccessto/fromthebroadcastcompound,FieldofPlay,mixedzone,pressconferenceroomandmediacentre.


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APPENDIX 19 | MINIMUMTICKETALLOCATION

1. ComplimentaryTickets

1.1. Host Organisations shall provide the following Complimentary Tickets, for eachCompetitiontotheAFCand/orAFCCommercialRightsPartner:

1.1.1. fifty percent (50%) of the VVIP Tribune (including without limitation, royalboxes,skyorhospitalityboxesandsuites,oranyothertypeofsuite)foreachMatch;and

1.1.2. VIP(includinganyhostingservices,ifavailable),ZoneAandZoneBTicketsforeachMatch,asfollows.

AFC Asian Cup

Match VIP Zone A Zone BOpeningMatch 120 1,000 500

GroupStage*/Roundof16 100 800 300QuarterFinals 100 900 300

SemiFinals/Final 120 1,000 500

*excludingtheopeningmatch

AFC Champions League

Match VIP Zone A Zone BGroupStage 60 450 300

Roundof16/QuarterFinals 60 500 350SemiFinals 80 500 350Finals 100 600 400

AFC Cup

Match VIP Zone A Zone BGroupStage 40 250 200

KnockoutStage* 40 250 200ZonalFinal(West)/Inter-ZoneFinals 50 250 200

Final 80 300 200

*excludingZonalFinal(West)andInter-ZoneFinals

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Final Round

Match VIP Zone A Zone BAllMatches 100 600 400


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AFC U23 Asian Cup

Match VIP Zone A Zone BGroupStage/QuarterFinals 60 450 300SemiFinals/3rd/4thPlace

Playoff/Final 80 500 350

AFC Futsal Asian Cup


AFC Futsal Club Championship


Other Competitions


2. PurchasableTickets

2.1. Host Organisations shall provide the AFC Commercial Rights Partner with theopportunitytopurchaseTicketsatface-valueforeachMatch.

2.1.1. ZoneAandZoneBTicketsforeachMatch,asfollows:

AFC Asian Cup

Match Zone A Zone BOpeningMatch 1,150 2,000

GroupStage/Roundof16 340 600QuarterFinals 540 1,000

SemiFinals/Final 1,150 2,000

AFC Champions League

Match Zone A Zone BGroupStage 130 200

Roundof16/QuarterFinals 130 200SemiFinals 330 600Finals 400 600


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AFC Cup

Match Zone A Zone BGroupStage 120 100

KnockoutStage* 120 100ZonalFinal(West)/Inter-ZoneFinals 130 100

Final 140 200

*excludingZonalFinal(West)andInter-ZoneFinals

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Final Round

Match Zone A Zone BAllMatches 350 500

AFC U23 Asian Cup

Match Zone A Zone BGroupStage/QuarterFinals 120 200

SemiFinals/3rd/4thPlacePlayoff/Final 140 200

Other Competitions

Match Zone A Zone BAllMatches 110 100

TheAFCreservestherighttorequestforanyTicketsinadditiontothosesetoutherein.


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APPENDIX 20 | TICKET ZONING PRINCIPLES

ALL TICKETS WITHIN A ZONE MUST BE GROUPED IN A CONTINUOUS BLOCK

• VVIPhostingbyHostOrganisation• Highestnon-saleabletickets• IncludeshostingareawithF&Bservices

• Situatedanywhereexceptbehindthegoalsorinthecorefanareas

• Best seats in the house • Situatedonthemainstandandasmuchaspossiblelevelwiththecentre linewithclearviewontheentirepitch

• Mustbebetweenthetwo(2)penaltyareas• Includeshostingwhenexisting/available

• Situatedbetweenthepenaltyareasinprincipleandnofurtherthan thegoallines

• Asmuchaspossiblelevelwiththehalfwayline• Mainstand,covered(roof)andlowertierasa1stoption• Oppositestandprovideditiscoveredasa2ndoption• StopsatthesameheightastheVVIParea(onthemainstand)

* Tickets within a zone may be a combination of different existing categories.

VVIP

VIP

ZONE A*

ZONE B*


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APPENDIX 21 | ACCREDITATION POLICY

1. OnlyindividualsinpossessionofavalidpermitshallbegrantedentrytotheStadium.Validpermitsshallinclude:

1.1. Tickets;

1.2. Accreditation Cards and, when necessary (i.e. access to Control Access Areas),supplementaryaccreditationdevices(SADs);and

1.3. otherpermitsasdeterminedbytheAFCorHostOrganisation.

2. Ifanindividualcannotproduceavalidpermit,theyshallberefusedentryandmaybeescortedfromtherespectiveControlledAccessArea.

3. It is the responsibility of the Host Organisation and their stewards, Stadium safety andsecuritymanagement staff and public authorities to ensure that only those personswithauthoritytobeinsidetheStadium,includingmembersofthepublic,officialsandstaff,arepermittedintotheStadium.

4. WhererestrictedaccesszoneswithinaControlledAccessAreahavebeenestablished(e.g.officialareas,theFieldofPlay,themediacentreetc.),stewardsorotherappropriatesecuritystaffshallbestationedatthedesignatedareatoenforceandcontrolaccessinaccordancewiththeestablishedaccreditationandStadiumzoningplan.

5. AccreditationshallbeissuedbytheAFCortheHostOrganisationtoindividualswithspecificfunctionsataCompetitionorOfficialFunction.

6. Accreditation shall, as far as possible, be forgery-proof and provide protection againstmultipleuse.

7. Accreditationisnon-transferable.

8. Permits shall restrict access to specific, clearly marked areas and specified ControlledAccess Areas.

9. Thenumberof “accessallareas”passesshallbekept toanabsoluteminimumandaccessrightsmustbebasedonworkingrequirements.

10. AccreditationdoesnotpermittheholdertoattendaMatchasaspectatorortooccupyanyseatintheStadiumthatwouldnormallybeassignedtoaTicket.

11. A background/criminal checkmay be performed by the Host Organisation as part of theaccreditationprocesswherenecessary.


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12. Provision must be made for the withdrawal (on a temporary or permanent basis) ofaccreditationiftheholderisactinginamannerthatmayprejudicethesafetyandsecurityofothers,acriminalacthasbeencommittedorsuspectedbytheholder,theholder’sactionsareprejudicingthesmoothrunningof theeventor theholderhasbreachedtheStadiumcodeofconduct.

13. Subjecttotheagreedsecurityconceptandapprovedaccreditationplans,identitycardsheldbymembersofthepoliceandotherofficialagencies(includingfireandambulanceservices)thatallowthemtocarryoutoperationaltasksattheStadiumshallalsoberegardedasvalidpermits,providedsaidmembersareinuniformandclearlyidentifiable.

14. Policeofficersandmembersofothersecurityagencieswearingplainclothesshallbeissuedwithappropriateaccreditationforthetaskstheyareperforming.

Access Rights: Accreditation Zones

Zone 1 Field Area

pitch,teambenches,fourthofficial’sbench,tunnelandaccesstofieldofplay,photographers’andcameramenpositions.

Zone 2Competitions Area

team/refereedressingrooms,medicalanddopingcontrolrooms,AFCandHostOrganisationoffices,corridors(withaccesstodressingrooms)

Zone 3Public Areas

generalpublicentrance,publicsanitaryfacilities,publicpointsofsale,concessionareas,firstaid,commercialdisplayandspectatorseats

Zone 4Operations Areas

allroomsnotinzone2(ITroom,PAannouncerbooth,police/firebrigaderooms,electricalgenerator,medicalfacilities)andstorageareas

Zone 5VVIP/VIP Areas

VVIP/VIPreceptionandlounge,VVIP/VIPseatsandVVIParea

Zone 6Media Area

Mediaseats,mixedzone,pressconferenceroom,radioandTVcommentarypositionsandobserverseats

Zone 7Media Centre

Mediaworkingarea,Mediacateringarea,Mediabriefingarea,photographers’areaandMediaservices

Zone 8Broadcast Area

TVcompound,radioandTVstudios,cameraplatforms

Zone 9Hospitality hospitalityareas

Disclaimer: The above is a standard zoning applicable to Competitions. The zoning that will be applied for each Match and/or Competition shall be determined by the AFC and/or Host Organisation. Otherwise, competitions areas in general will be divided into official areas (OA) and Field of Play (FOP).


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AD and Zoning Activation Times

Day AD Enforcement

Accreditation Zoning Activation SADs Activation

Match days An AccreditationDevice is requiredtoaccess the Stadiumatany time

Start: 4 hours before kick-off(roamingsecurityinallaccesscontrolpointsandroomstobelocked,accessiblebyrelevantpersonsviaaccesskeys)

Finish: 2hoursafterfinalwhistle(oruntiltheendofactivitiesintherelevantoperationalareasuchasthemixedzoneanddopingcontrolroom,whichevercomeslater)

Start: 2 hours before kick-off

Finish: 2 hours after finalwhistle(oruntiltheendofactivitiesintherelevantoperationalareasuchasthemixedzoneanddopingcontrolroom,whichevercomeslater)

Non-Match days

Zoning Activation (Zones 1 & 2)1hourbeforethefirsttrainingsession/pre-Matchpressconference(whicheverisearlier)until1hourafterthelastteam’strainingsession/pre-Matchpressconference(whicheverislater)

No activation

Access Boards

Access boards shall be set up within the Venues to display relevant information required foraccreditation and access control. They shall be positioned at accreditation sensitive pointsthroughout the Controlled Access Area in any official venue of an Official Function. The HostOrganisation shall be responsible to set up the access boards, which shall be checked by theAFCMatchCommissionerandAFCSafetyandSecurityOfficerbeforethecommencementofanyOfficialFunction.

Theaccessboarddisplaysinformationonwhichzones(andSADs,whereapplicable)areneededtoenteranarea,andthetimewhencontrolofSADsisactivated.Inaddition,oneveryMatchdaytherespectiveMatchnumber(sampleoftheSAD)shallbedisplayedontheboard.


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APPENDIX 22 | AFC MEDICAL GUIDELINES AND POLICIES

PART A: AFC GUIDELINES – FOOTBALL PARTICIPATION IN EXTREME CONDITIONS: HEAT, COLD AND HAZE

Football,themostpopularsportisplayedthroughouttheyearwithexposuretovariousextremeweather conditions. Limited scientific data and ethical issues that hamper research have notdetermined threshold levels or specific guidelines for safe participation in sports in extremeenvironments. Some studies have been conducted in football with the support of F-MARC.Participation inextremeenvironmentsmayhavedetrimentaleffecton thehealthofplayersandimpairtheirperformance.However,sportspecificguidelinesneedtobeinplacetoprotectplayersineachsport.TheAFCMedicalCommitteerecommendsthefollowingguidelinesforparticipationinextremeenvironmentalconditions.

1. Hot Environment

Ambient temperature andhumidity, durationof exposure and intensity of physical activity,physicalstateofplayerandotherrelatedriskfactors,ifadequateprecautionarymeasuresarenottaken,mayexposeplayerstoheatrelatedinjuries–heatstroke,heatexhaustionandheatcramps.These conditions are rare in footballbutmore importantly arepreventableby theintroductionofcoolingbreaksduringMatches.NoincidenceofheatstrokehasbeenreportedduringFIFA/AFCcompetitions.

Decision Process1.1. ThedecisiontointroducecoolingbreaksduringaMatchshallbebasedontheWetBulb

GlobeTemperature(WBGT)readingsatninety (90)andsixty (60)minutesprior tothecommencementoftheMatch.IftheWBGTreadingsare32°C(thirty-twodegreesCelsius)andabove,coolingbreaksmaybeintroducedafterconsultationwiththeAFCGeneralCoordinatorand/orAFCMatchCommissionerand the referee.This informationmustbecommunicatedtoeachParticipatingTeamand/orteamdoctoraswellastherelevantauthoritiessuchasMedia,HostOrganisationetc.Eachbreakperhalf (i.e.at30thand75thminute)shallcompriseofthree(3)minutes.Duringthisstoppagetime,playersmayrehydrateandsoakthemselveswithcoldwettowelsprovidedbytheHostOrganisation.

Preventive Measures1.2. ParticipatingTeamsshallberesponsiblefor:

1.2.1. monitoringplayerswhohavepasthistoryofheatrelatedinjuries;

1.2.2. monitoringplayerswithmedicalconditions(e.g.blooddisorders);

1.2.3. monitoringplayersonmedications;

1.2.4. modulating the iron-field activities (adviseplayers to limit runningwith theball,morepassingduringthematch);

1.2.5. setting strategies for hydration (encourage players to keep hydratingthemselvespriorandduringmatch);and


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1.2.6. advisinggoodsleepanddiet.

HostOrganisationObligation1.3. TheHostOrganisationshallberesponsibleforproviding:

1.3.1. two (2) cooler boxes (one for each team) with adequate quantities of iceduring each half of thematch for coolingbreaks (i.e. 30th and75thmin.).Teamsmayusetheirowncoolingitems,iftheysorequire;

1.3.2. facetowelssoakedinicecoldwaterforplayersofeachteam(i.e.11x2=22and4forreferees)foreachcoolingbreak;

1.3.3. additional cold bottled water for players and referees for each coolingbreak;and

1.3.4. emergencymedicalservicesasbelow:

1.3.4.1. heat stroke diagnostic equipment and treatment logistics areavailable (rectal temperature thermometer; medications [anti-convulsion]);tubandtepidwatersprayetc.

1.3.4.2. amedicalteamconversantwithtreatmentofheatrelatedinjuries.

References:• F-MARC; FIFA Football Emergency Medicine Manual• Clinical Sports Medicine, Brukner & Khan, fourth edition; Read chapter 58 page 1,132–1,142;

Exercise in the heat;• Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports; volume 20, supplement 3, October

2010; Exercise in Hot Environments: From basic concepts to field applications• Hydration and Sweating responses to hot-weather football competitions; SS Kurdak, SM

Shirreffs, RJ Maughan, KT Ozgunen, C. Zeren, S. Korkmaz, Z. Yazici, G. Ersoz, MS Binnet, J. Dvorak• Living, training and playing in the heat challenges to the football player and strategies for

coping with environmental extremes; RJ Maughan, SM Shirreffs, KT Ozgunen, SS Kurdak, G. Ersoz, MS Binnet, J.Dvorak

• Hyperthermic-related challenges in aquatics, athletics, football and triathlon• BJSM 2012 volume 46 issue 11, M. Mountjoy; JM Alonso; MF Bergeron; J. Dvorak; S. Miller; S

Migliorini; DG Singh• IOC Consensus statement on thermoregulatory and altitude challenges for high-level athletes;

BJSM 2012 volume 46 issue11;• F-MARC Football Medicine Manual 2nd Edition. Chapter 2.6 Environmental Factors


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2. Cold Environment

Coldshouldnotbeabarriertofootballparticipationifallriskfactorsareadequatelyevaluatedandappropriatepreventiveactionsaretaken.Hence,coldrelatedinjuries,mainlyhypothermia(core body temperature 35.0˚C [thirty-five degrees Celsius] and below) can be prevented.Mildhypothermiamayresultinshiveringandlossofmusculoskeletalcoordination.Heatcanbe lost through conduction, convection, radiation andevaporation.Bodyheat is lostmorerapidly via wet conditions (conduction) andwind chill (convection / evaporation). There isnospecificscientificdatatodemonstratethethresholdtemperaturetostopfootballactivity.However, wind chill factors, clothing, with or without rain/snow fall together with groundconditionsareadditionalfactorstakenintoconsiderationtodeterminewhethertocontinueordiscontinuefootballactivity.Officialsmayuseawindchillchartasaguide.Playerswillfindcoldacclimatisationmoredifficulttoachieveandlesseffectivetosustainnormalbodytemperatureorpreventingcoldrelatedinjuriesthanheatacclimatisation.Mostfootballactivitiesormatchestakeplacearound-10˚C(minustendegreesCelsius)orathighertemperatures.

Decision Process2.1. Sixty(60)minutesbeforethecommencementofthematch,theAFCMedicalOfficer

shalltakenoteoftheambienttemperatureandwindchill.Iftemperaturereadingsare-15˚C(minusfifteendegreesCelsius)andbelow,theAFCMedicalOfficershalladvicetheAFCMatchCommissionerandtherefereeof thepossibilityofpostponementoftheMatch and shall inform the teamdoctors and themedical team toobserve theplayerscarefully.Iftemperaturereadingsare-25˚C(minustwenty-fivedegreesCelsius)apostponementoftheMatchshouldbestronglyadvised.ThedecisionoftherefereeshallbefinalinaccordancewiththeLawsoftheGame.


2.2.1. ensuring theplayershaveappropriateclothingwith insulationand/orwindshieldliner(wearingit inseveral layers)andprotectofficialsandplayersonthebenchfromcoldweather/wind(i.e.warmclothing/windbreakers);


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2.2.2. monitoring of players susceptible to hypothermia (previous episodes andespecially lean players and cold intolerance). Children and adolescentsareatagreater riskdue to thegreaterbodysurface tomass ratioand lowsubcutaneousfat;

2.2.3. monitoringofplayerswithmedicalconditions(e.g.ExerciseInducedAsthma[EIA]/asthma,diabetes,hypothyroidism,coldinducedurticaria);

2.2.4. encouragingdrinkingoffluidstopreventdehydration;

2.2.5. encouragingplayers tohave adiet rich in carbohydrates (pre-participationincreaseincarbohydratereservesisessential);

2.2.6. encouragingplayerstokeepmovingonthefieldandcheckinggoalkeeper’smovements;

2.2.7. beingawareoftheplayersonmedication;

2.2.8. knowing the individual risk factors (age, body composition, medicalhistory, fatigue)andadditional risk factors forhypothermiasuchas injuries,dehydration;and

2.2.9. immediatelyafteranyfootballactivity,removingwetclothesandencouraginghotshowers,saunaetc.

HostOrganisationObligations2.3. TheHostOrganisationshallberesponsibleforproviding:

2.3.1. trainedteamofemergencymedicalpersonnel(familiarwithtreatmentofcoldrelatedinjuries)totreathypothermiawithpassiveandactivere-warming,frostbite(extremelyrare);and

2.3.2. medical supplies and equipment for treatment (e.g. hypothermia, EIA,hypoglycaemiaetc.)

References:• FIFA Football Emergency Medicine Manual 2ndEdition• Clinical Sports Medicine, Brukner & Kahn, fourth edition; chapter 59 page 1,146 -1,157• Prevention of Cold Injuries during Exercise; Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise: November

2006 - Volume 38 - Issue 11 - pp 2012-2029; doi: Castellani, John W.; Young, Andrew J.; Ducharme, Michel B; Giesbrecht, Gordon G;Glickman, Ellen; Sallis, Robert E.

• Cappaert TA, et al, NATA position statement: environmental cold injuries. Journal of Athletic Training 2008; 43:640-658

• NCAA Guideline 2a; Cold stress and exposure. 2010-11; ports Medicine Handbook (21st Edition)

• Rich BSE, et al. Management of on-site emergencies, In: McKeag D Moeller JL, eds ACMS’s Primary Care Sports Medicine, 2nd Edition Philadelphia, PA:LLW’ 2007:155-164


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3. Haze – Air Pollution

Noscientificstudieshavebeenconductedonthesafetyofeliteathletesinextremeairpollution(haze).Limitedscientificstudies (environmentalhealth)arepublishedand information fromhealth authorities provides some measure of direction. Air pollutants measured includesulphurdioxide, nitrogendioxide, carbonmonoxideand suspendedparticulatemattersoflessthan10μm(tenmicrons),mostlyindustrialwaste,vehicularemissionsandopenburning(forest fires).Withworldwide climatic changes, haze isbecominga commonphenomenonespecially inAsia andMemberAssociations are concerned about the safety andhealth ofplayers. From an organisational point of view, suspension of Matches lead to additionalfinancial commitments, broadcasting rights, travel rescheduling, ticketing etc. Furthermore,severeadversehealtheffectshavebeenreportedwhenexposedtohaze,suchassmartingofeyes,flu,sneezing,drythroat,drycough,asthmaandallergicreactions.Theshorttermorlong-termeffectsofexposurehavenotbeenwelldocumented.

Air Pollution Index (API or PSI) — hazeparticulatematter consists of smoke, dust,moistureandvapoursuspendedinairthatimpairvisibilityandaffecthealth.Mostcommoncontributorisopenburningfromdomesticandforestfires,motorvehiclesandindustrialwasteintotheatmosphere.TheairqualityismeasuredusingPSI—PollutionStandardIndexorAirPollutionIndex(API)andprovidesinformationonhealthhazards.TheAPIorPSIlevelsdeferfromcountrytocountryandhencethereisnocommonconsensus.Thefollowingaretheguidelines:

PSI/API Upto50 51–100 101–200 201–300 >300 Good Moderate Unhealthy Veryunhealthy Hazardous

Decision Process3.1. Asweather changes from time to time, it is important thatAir Pollution Index (API)

readingsbetakenat120minutesand60minutesbeforethekick-offoftheMatch.TheAFCMedicalOfficershallcontacttheweatherauthoritiesfortheAPIreadings. If theAPIreadingsare200andabove,theAFCMedicalOfficershallreporttotheAFCMatchCommissionerandtherefereewithaviewtopostponethematch.Thedecisionoftherefereeshallbefinal.


3.2.1. ensuringthatplayersdrinkplentyoffluids;

3.2.2. monitoring players that have history of asthma, exercise inducedbronchospasm,playerswithhistoryofallergies;

3.2.3. watchingoutforplayersthatmaynotperformoptimallyduringtheMatch;

3.2.4. maintaininggoodhygieneandstayindoors;and

3.2.5. administrationoffluvaccine.


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3.3.1. anemergencymedicalteam/trainedinsuchemergencies;

3.3.2. accesstoarespiratoryphysician,ifpossible-anexpertindealingwithsuchemergencies;

3.3.3. additionalmedicalpersonnel;and

3.3.4. adequateemergencymedicalsuppliesandequipment.

References:• http://app2.nea.gov.sg/anti-pollution-radiation-protection/air-pollution/haze/health-advisory-

for- haze#sthash.2BQTpmU4.dpuf• The Link between Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices in Relation to Atmospheric Haze Pollution

in Peninsular Malaysia; Laura De Pretto , Stephen Acreman, Matthew J. Ashfold, Suresh K. Mohankumar, Ahimsa Campos-Arceiz ; 2015 http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0143655

• Air Pollution Exposure and Physical Activity in China: Current Knowledge, Public Health Implications, and Future Research Needs Jiaojiao Lü 1, Leichao Liang 1, Yi Feng 1, Rena Li 1,2,* and Yu Liu 1,* Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2015, 12, 14887-14897; doi:10.3390/ ijerph121114887


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PART B: AFC POLICY AND PROTOCOL ON HEAD CONCUSSION

4. HeadConcussion

Concussionisdefinedasacomplexpathophysiologicalprocessaffectingthebrain,inducedby traumatic biomechanical forces. Several common features that incorporate clinical,pathologicalandbiomechanicalinjuryconstructsthatmaybeusedindefiningthenatureofaconcussiveheadinjuryare:

• concussionmaybecausedbyadirectblowtothehead,face,neck,orelsewhereonthebodywithanimpulsiveforcetransmittedtothehead;

• concussiontypicallyresultsintherapidonsetofshort-livedimpairmentofneurologicalfunctionthatresolvesspontaneously;

• concussionmayresultinneuropathologicalchanges,buttheacuteclinicalsymptomslargelyreflectafunctionaldisturbanceratherthanstructuralinjury;

• concussionresultsinagradedsetofclinicalsyndromesthatmayormaynotinvolvelossofconsciousness;and

• noabnormalityonstandardstructuralneuroimagingstudiesareseeninconcussion.

ProtocolandDecisionProcessduringtheMatch4.1. A Participating Player who experiences a suspected concussion during a Match

mustundergoanexaminationby the teamdoctor inaccordancewith theprotocolsestablishedbytheAFCMedicalCommitteeand/ordocumentedintheFIFAFootballEmergencyMedicineManual.Therefereemaytemporarilysuspendplayuptothree(3)minuteswheneveran incidentof suspectedconcussionoccurs.The refereemayonlyallowtheinjuredParticipatingPlayertocontinueplayingwiththeauthorisationoftheteamdoctor,whomusthaveevaluatedtheplayerandconcludedthattheplayerisnot exhibiting signs or symptoms of concussion.Theteamdoctorwillhavethefinaldecisionbasedonhis/herclinicalexaminationandisforbiddentoallowaParticipatingPlayertocontinueplayingifconcussionissuspected.

4.2. AFC recommends that Participating Teams follow the return to play protocol set forth in the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5) foranyplayerwhohassufferedconcussion.SCAT5recognisesthatthetimeframeforreturntoplaymayvary,includingbasedontheplayer’sageandhistory,andthatdoctorsmustusetheirclinicaljudgementinmakingdecisionswithrespecttoreturntoplay.

Referee to take action

based on decision by the Team Doctor

Team Physician

Decision to be relayed

to the Referee

Team Physician SCAT5 –

3mins

Referee to stop the play – 3

mins

Head Concussion


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Mechanism, signs or symptoms associated with closed head injury

Any Positive

Any Symptoms?

NO

NO NO

NO YES

REMOVE fromActivity and

monitor

Monitor for more Subtle symptoms:Headache/pressure | Neck pain | Light and/or noise sensitivity |

Not feeling right /”foggy feeling” | Loss of concentration | Confusion/Sadness/Drowsiness | Emotional Irritable | Dizziness

YES

Is SCAT5 Baseline for Player Available?

YES

Significant Change?

Perform SCAT5 Assessment

Compare to baseline Assessment

ALS Transport to ED

Release and advise with concussion sheet as per SCAT5

Evaluate for signs and symptoms of head injury: - Loss of consciousness - Altered level of consciousness - Seizure/convulsions - Amnesia - Nausea/Vomiting - Loss of balance - Vision problems

* The above is the visual flow of the management and treatment of head concussion.


4.3.1. emergencymedicalpersonneltrainedinthemanagementoftraumaticheadconcussion for cases in which theymay be called-upon to assist the teammedicalpersonnel(teamdoctorand/orteamphysiotherapist)onassessmentandtreatment(ifrequested);

4.3.2. emergencypersonnelfamiliarwiththeSCAT5protocol;and

4.3.3. on-pitch medical equipment available for treatment and management ofheadconcussion (spinalboardwithhead rest, immobilisation suppliesandmedications).


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APPENDIX 23 | AFC COMPETITIONS

AFC National Team Competitions

No. Final Competition Preliminary Competition1 AFCAsianCup(Finals) AFCAsianCup(Qualifiers)2 AFCU23AsianCup(Finals) AFCU23AsianCup(Qualifiers)3 AFCU20AsianCup(Finals) AFCU20AsianCup(Qualifiers)4 AFCU17AsianCup(Finals) AFCU17AsianCup(Qualifiers)5 AFCSolidarityCup6 AFCWomen’sAsianCup(Finals) AFCWomen’sAsianCup(Qualifiers)7 AFCWomen’sU20AsianCup(Finals) AFCWomen’sU20AsianCup(Qualifiers)8 AFCWomen’sU17AsianCup(Finals) AFCWomen’sU17AsianCup(Qualifiers)

AFC Club Competitions

No. Final Competition Preliminary Competition

1 AFCChampionsLeague(GroupStageandKnockoutStage)

AFCChampionsLeague(PreliminaryStageandPlayoffStage)

2 AFCCup(GroupStageandKnockoutStage)

AFCCup(PreliminaryStageandPlayoffStage)

AFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Competitions

No. Final Competition Preliminary Competition1 AFCFutsalAsianCup(Finals) AFCFutsalAsianCup(Qualifiers)2 AFCFutsalClubChampionship3 AFCU20FutsalAsianCup(Finals) AFCU20FutsalAsianCup(Qualifiers)

4 AFCWomen’sFutsalAsianCup(Finals) AFCWomen’sFutsalAsianCup(Qualifiers)

5 AFCBeachSoccerAsianCup(Finals) AFCBeachSoccerAsianCup(Qualifiers)

ASIAN FOOTBALL CONFEDERATIONAFC House, Jalan 1/155B, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

T: +603 8994 3388 l F: +603 8994 2689

AFC Competition Operations Manual (Edition 2021)

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