FAW National FUTSAL – Cup

THE FAW NATIONAL FUTSAL CUP DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES CONCERNING PITCH OFFENCES

As set out in the schedule hereto for Players associated with Clubs playing teams in the FAW National Futsal Cup.

SEASON 2023/2024

1. REPORTING OF OFFENCES BY MATCH OFFICIALS

(a) Caution Offences

Referees must submit a report to the Football Association of Wales within 2 (two) hours after the kick off time of the match stating the offence and giving a description using the procedures set by the Association from time to time.

(b) Sending-off Offences

Referees must submit a report to the Football Association of Wales within 2(two) hours after the kick off time of the match stating the offence(s) and giving a description of the incident(s) using the procedures set by the Association from time to time.

(c) If a Referee omits to show the appropriate card when taking action against a player or team official, this will not nullify the caution or sending-off offence. However, the attention of the Referee will be drawn to the correct procedure.

2. CAUTION OFFENCES

A player or team official who has been cautioned in any match will be notified through their club by this Association using the systems and procedures set by the Association from time to time of:-

(a) the offence reported by the Referee;

(b) the total number of cautions recorded against the player or team official under these procedures during the current Season; and

(c) any punishment resulting from the accumulation of these cautions. Any such punishment will take effect regardless of whether or not the notification of it from this Association is received before it is due to take effect in accordance with these Disciplinary Procedures.

An administration fee of £12.00 will be charged to the player or team official through the club for the cost of processing each report.

3. SENDING-OFF OFFENCES

A player or team official who has been sent-off in a match under the provisions of Law 12 of the Futsal Laws of the Game will be notified through their club by this Association of:-

(a) the offence reported by the Referee;

(b) That the player or team official will be subject to the agreed standard punishment (see Section 6 for players or Section 7 for team officials). Any such punishment will take effect regardless of whether or not the notification of it from this Association is received before it is due to take effect in accordance with these Disciplinary Procedures.

An administration fee of £12.00 will be charged to the player or team official through the club for the cost of processing each report.

4. CLAIMS OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY

(a) In the case of a claim of alleged mistaken identity concerning a player or team official cautioned or sent-off in a match, the club, on behalf of the individual, must:-

(i) By 2.00pm of the next Business Day following the day of the match submit in writing via fax (029 20 435876) or e-mail (discipline@faw.co.uk) to the Football Association of Wales their intention to submit a claim and the particulars upon which the claim is founded.

(ii) By 2.00pm on the second Business Day following the day of the match, submit to the Football Association of Wales written statements and evidence (including video/DVD where available) in support of the claim together with the relevant fee as set out in Appendix 1. A signed statement by the player or team official reported by the referee that they were not responsible for the offence reported and identifying specifically the name of the person responsible must be included. Where possible a written statement from the player or team official responsible for the offence should also be supplied.

(b) Should a club have two matches with no, or insufficient Business Days in between, a Claim of Mistaken Identity shall be notified and lodged with the Football Association of Wales in accordance with the following procedure:-

(i) Where there are no Business Days between two matches, written notification of the club’s intent to make a claim must be faxed (029 20 435876) or e-mailed (discipline@faw.co.uk) to the Football Association of Wales prior to the commencement of the second match.

(ii) Where there is just one Business Day between two matches, the timetable for notification as set out in 4(a)(i) hereabove, will still apply.

(iii) The submission of statements, evidence and the applicable fee must be lodged with the Football Association of Wales by 2.00pm on the second Business Day as set out in 4(a)(ii) hereabove.

In respect of these specific circumstances, a player or team official will be eligible to play and/or participate in the second match, if, and only if, notification as set out in 4(b)(i) or 4(b)(ii) hereabove is appropriately submitted. A club will not be permitted to withdraw a claim once written notice to do so has been sent via fax or e-mail to the Football Association of Wales and therefore attention should be paid to 4(d)(ii) herebelow, in respect of claims which are believed to be frivolous or an abuse of process.

(c) Should a player or team official play and/or participate in a match without the appropriate notification having being lodged as set out hereabove, the Football Association of Wales will prefer an appropriate charge of misconduct against the club and player or team official concerned for playing and/or participating whilst under suspension.

(d) The decisions available to the Disciplinary Panel considering a Claim of Mistaken Identity are as follows:-

(i) The claim is rejected - the player or team official reported by the referee serves the standard punishment as set out in this Memorandum.

(ii) The claim is rejected and considered frivolous and/or an abuse of process - the Disciplinary Panel will have the discretion to increase the match suspension to up to twice that of the standard punishment.

(iii) The claim is successful - the standard punishment as set out in this Memorandum is transferred from the record of the player or team official reported by the referee to the appropriate identified offender.

(e) Irrespective of the decision reached, the Disciplinary Panel shall have the discretion to either retain or return the fee submitted and if considered appropriate, make an order of costs against the claimant(s).

(f) A club failing to lodge a claim for mistaken identity may be charged with misconduct by the Football Association of Wales if there is evidence that the club sought to gain an advantage by remaining silent on the matter.

(g) It is important to note that the time limits set out above are strict. Only complete claims submitted before the relevant deadlines will be considered by the Football Association of Wales.

(h) The decision of the Disciplinary Panel in relation to a Claim of Mistaken Identity is final and binding on all parties and not subject to appeal.

5. CLAIMS OF WRONGFUL DISMISSAL

(a) A player or team official and their club may seek to limit the disciplinary consequences of the dismissal of a player or team official from the pitch by demonstrating to this Association that the dismissal was wrongful.

(b) A Claim of Wrongful Dismissal may be lodged only for offences which result in a sending-off, except for two cautions leading to a dismissal.

(c) The club, on behalf of the player, must:-

(i) By 2.00pm of the next Business Day following the day of the match submit in writing via fax (029 20 435876) or e-mail (discipline@faw.co.uk) to the Football Association of Wales their intention to submit a claim and the particulars upon which the claim is founded.

(ii) By 2.00pm of the second Business Day following the day of the match submit written statements and evidence (including a video/DVD of the incident where available) in support of the claim together with the relevant fee as set out in Appendix 1.

(d) A Disciplinary Panel will be convened as soon as is practically possible to decide the matter on any relevant documentary and video/DVD evidence submitted. The Disciplinary Panel considering a Claim of Wrongful Dismissal is concerned with only the question of whether any sanction of a suspension from play is one which should be imposed in view of the facts of the case. It must be noted that in accordance with the Futsal Laws of the Game, the match referee’s decision is final and the player’s or team official’s dismissal from the pitch will remain on the record of the player or team official and the club. The offence will remain the subject of the administration fee and the club will accrue the appropriate number of penalty points for the sending-off. Consequently, the club, player or team official and match official(s) will not attend the meeting of the Disciplinary Panel when the matter is considered.

(e) Should a club have two matches with no, or insufficient Business Days in between, a Claim of Wrongful Dismissal shall be notified and lodged with the Football Association of Wales in accordance with the following procedure:-

(i) Where there are no Business Days between two matches, written notification of the club’s intent to make a claim must be faxed (029 20 435876) or e-mailed (discipline@faw.co.uk) to the Football Association of Wales prior to the commencement of the second match.

(ii) Where there is just one Business Day between two matches, the timetable for notification as set out in 5(c)(i) hereabove, will still apply.

(iii) The submission of statements, evidence and the applicable fee must be lodged with the Football Association of Wales by 2.00pm on the second Business Day as set out in 5(c)(ii) hereabove.

In respect of these specific circumstances, a player or team official will be eligible to play and/or participate in the second match, if, and only if, notification as set out in 5(e)(i) or 5(e)(ii) hereabove is appropriately submitted. A club will not be permitted to withdraw a claim once written notice to do so has been sent via fax or e-mail to the Football Association of Wales and therefore attention should be paid to 5(g)(ii) herebelow, in respect of claims which are believed to be frivolous or an abuse of process.

(f) Should a player or team official play and/or participate in a match without the appropriate notification having being lodged as set out hereabove, the Football Association of Wales will prefer an appropriate charge of misconduct against the club and player or team official concerned for playing and/or participating whilst under suspension.

(g) The decisions available to a Disciplinary Panel when considering a Claim of Wrongful Dismissal are as follows:-

(i) The claim is rejected - the player or team official serves the standard punishment as set out in this Memorandum.

(ii) The claim is rejected and considered frivolous and/or an abuse of process – the Panel will have the discretion to increase the match suspension beyond the standard punishment as set out in this Memorandum.

(iii) The claim is successful - the standard punishment as set out in this Memorandum is withdrawn and Section 6(f) or Section 7(f) (as the case may be) will not be invoked in relation to this dismissal if the player or team official is sent-off again following the offence.

(h) Irrespective of the decision reached, the Disciplinary Panel shall have the discretion to either retain or return the fee submitted and if considered appropriate, make an order for costs against the claimant(s)..

(i) It is important to note that the time limits set out above are strict. Only complete claims submitted before the relevant deadlines will be considered by the Football Association of Wales.

(j) The decision of the Disciplinary Panel in relation to a Claim of Wrongful Dismissal is final and binding on all parties and not subject to appeal.

6. PUNISHMENTS FOR PLAYERS

(a) Caution Offences

(i) If a player accumulates two (2) recorded cautions in the FAW National Futsal Cup under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association between the opening day of the playing season and the last day of the same season, the player will be suspended automatically with immediate effect for a period covering ONE (1) Match.

(ii) If a player accumulates four (4) recorded cautions in the FAW National Futsal Cup under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association between the opening day of the playing season and the last day of the same season, the player will be suspended automatically with immediate effect for a period covering ONE (1) Match.

(iii) If a player accumulates six (6) recorded cautions in the FAW National Futsal Cup under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association between the opening day of the playing season and the last day of the same season, the player will be suspended automatically with immediate effect for a period covering ONE (1) Match.

(iv) If a player accumulates eight (8) recorded cautions in the FAW National Futsal Cup which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season, the player will be suspended automatically with immediate effect for a period covering ONE (1) Match. The player shall also be required to attend a meeting of a Disciplinary Panel to consider any additional sanction(s). The same procedure will apply for every further two (2) cautions recorded against a player.

(v) Any period of suspension arising from the accumulation of cautions shall commence with immediate effect. The suspension shall cover all National Futsal Cup matches only until such time as the player’s club's recognised FAW National Futsal Cup team has completed the number of matches appropriate to the punishment in Approved Competitions (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2023/2024 Season, subject to section 6(h). The terms of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see section 10 of these regulations).

The player must serve the suspension with the futsal club at which the player holds a valid registration with.

(vi) The player must serve the suspension with the futsal club at which the player holds a valid registration with.

(vii) Any period of suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of a season must be served at the commencement of the next following season.

(viii) Any player found to have intentionally received a caution in way to manipulate the commencement of any suspension will be charged under Section E of the Rules and be suspended for a minimum of two (2)  matches and be subject to a fine.

(b) Players Sent-off Under Law 12 (7)

A player who is dismissed from the pitch for a second cautionable offence after having received a caution will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from all FAW National Futsal Cup until such time as the player has missed his/her club's next 1 (ONE) recognised match in Approved Competitions (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2023/2024 Season, subject to section 6(h). The terms of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see section 10 of these regulations).  

The player must serve the suspension with the futsal club at which the player holds a valid registration with.

(c) Players Sent-off Under Law 12 (4) and (5)

A player who is dismissed from the pitch for denying a goal or an obvious goal scoring opportunity by physical means or by handling the ball, will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from all FAW National Futsal Cup matches until such time as the player has missed his/her club’s next 1 (ONE) recognised match in Approved Competitions (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2023/2024 Season, subject to section 6(h). The terms of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see section 10 of these regulations).  

The player must serve the suspension with the futsal club at which the player holds a valid registration with.

(d) Players Sent-off Under Law 12 (6)

(i) A player who is dismissed from the pitch for using offensive, insulting or abusive language/gestures, not towards a Match Official, whether they have previously been cautioned in the match or not, will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from all FAW National Futsal Cup until such time as the player has missed his/her club’s next 2 (TWO) recognised matches in Approved Competitions (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2023/2024 Season, subject to section 6(h). The terms of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see section 10 of these regulations).

The player must serve the suspension with the futsal club at which the player holds a valid registration with.

(ii) A player who is dismissed from the pitch for using offensive, insulting or abusive language/gestures towards a Match Official, whether they have previously been cautioned in the match or not, will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from all FAW National Futsal Cup until such time as the player has missed his/her club’s next 3 (THREE) recognised matches in Approved Competitions (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2023/2024 Season, subject to section 6(h). The terms of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see section 10 of these regulations).

 

The player must serve the suspension with the futsal club at which the player holds a valid registration with.

(e) Players Sent-off Under Law 12 (1) (2) and (3)

A player who is dismissed from the pitch for Violent Conduct, Serious Foul Play or Spitting at an opponent or any other person whether they have previously been cautioned in the match or not, will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from all FAW National Futsal Cup until such time as the player has missed his/her club’s next 3 (THREE) recognised matches in Approved Competitions (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2023/2024 Season, subject to section 6(h). The terms of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see section 10 of these regulations).

The player must serve the suspension with the futsal club at which the player holds a valid registration with.

(f) Additional Sendings-off

Players dismissed from the pitch for a second time in the same Season, in addition to the automatic suspension applicable to the offence, will be suspended for one extra match.

A player dismissed for a third time in the same Season will be suspended for an extra two matches, and so on.

(g) Measurement of Suspension

All suspensions from Futsal League Competitions will remain separate and only applicable to that specific league competition. Therefore, any suspension imposed under these procedures will only be applicable to the League Competition in which the player received their suspension.

The only exception to this is where a player receives a suspension (as set out in these Procedures) from a friendly match. This must be measured by the players next match(es) in League Competitions

(h) Outstanding Suspensions

Any period of suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of a season must be served at the commencement of the next following season with the futsal club at which the player is registered with and measured by the players club’s matches in the FAW National Futsal Cup. Should a player transfer to a new club, the suspension will transfer with the player and will be served at the new club in the same, or equivalent, League competition as determined by the FAW.

(i) FAW Rule 38

In special cases where:-

(i) a match official's report indicates a serious breach of the Futsal Laws of the Game, or

(ii) a player commits an act of misconduct and/or a sending-off offence under Law 12 (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) or (6) of the Futsal Laws of the Game whilst on the pitch which is not seen by the match officials but caught on video;

the Football Association of Wales reserves the right to prefer an appropriate charge of misconduct against the player in accordance with one or more of the provisions under FAW Rule 38.

When dealing with a case under 6(i)(i) hereabove, the Disciplinary Panel may take into account any automatic punishment imposed under the Procedures.

When dealing with a case under 6(i)(ii) hereabove, confirmation by the match officials that they did not see the incident in question shall be conclusive evidence of that fact.

(j) Payment To Players Under Suspension

Clubs must not pay a player more than their basic wage during the period of a suspension.

(k) Clubs Imposing Fines

Clubs may fine players for on-pitch offences but must notify the Football Association of Wales, without delay, the details of the fine in each case.

(l) Re-Arranged Matches

A FAW Disciplinary Panel shall have discretionary power to rule that a match shall not count towards the completion of a suspension if it is satisfied that the game has been arranged by the futsal club with a view to enabling the player to complete their suspension and thus qualify them to play in a specific match. The decision of the Disciplinary Panel in relation to re-arranged matches is final and binding on all parties and not subject to appeal.

(m) Collection of Administration Fees

It will be the responsibility of the club to collect the £12.00 administration fee from the players concerned. Clubs will have 31 calendar days to make the payment for each player’s £12.00 administration fee as and when the caution or sending-off report is submitted on COMET. Should the club fail to make the payment of the £12.00 administration fee within 31 calendar days, then the player will become ineligible from playing in any Association Football and Futsal match until payment is received. The administration fee must be paid on the COMET system, or any other system as prescribed by the Association from time to time.

At the end of the season each club will be required to clear all the £12.00 administration fees on their COMET account by no later than 1^st June 2024. A failure to do this will result in an automatic suspension from All Football and Futsal Related Activity for the whole club as and from 2^nd June 2024. This suspension will only be removed once payment has been made in full. As soon as the payment is received by the FAW, the club will automatically have this suspension removed with immediate effect.

7. PUNISHMENTS FOR TEAM OFFICIALS

(a) Caution Offences

(i) If a team official accumulates two (2) recorded cautions in the FAW National Futsal Cup which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season, the team official will be suspended automatically with immediate effect for a period covering ONE (1) Match.

(ii) If a team official accumulates four (4) recorded cautions in the FAW National Futsal Cup which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season, the team official will be suspended automatically with immediate effect for a period covering ONE (1) Match.

(iii) If a team official accumulates six (6) recorded cautions in the FAW National Futsal Cup which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season, the team official will be suspended automatically with immediate effect for a period covering ONE (1) Match.

(iv) If a team official accumulates eight (8) recorded cautions in the FAW National Futsal Cup which is under the direct disciplinary jurisdiction of this Association any time during the season, the team official will be suspended automatically with immediate effect for a period covering ONE (1) Match. The team official shall also be required to attend a meeting of a Disciplinary Panel to consider any additional sanction(s). The same procedure will apply for every further two (2) cautions recorded against a team official.

(v) The terms of a suspension resulting from the accumulation of cautions will be as set out under the category of a TOUCHLINE SUSPENSION (see Section 10). 

(vi) The team official must serve the suspension with the club at which the team official committed the suspension offence.   

(vii) Any period of suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of a season must be served at the commencement of the next following season.

(viii) Any team official found to have intentionally received a caution in way to manipulate the commencement of any suspension will be charged under Section E of the Rules and be suspended for a minimum of two (2)  matches and be subject to a fine.

(b) Sending-Off resulting in a One Match Suspension

Any team official dismissed from the Technical Area for one of the reasons listed below will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from all FAW National Futsal Cup matches until such time as the team official has missed his/her club's next ONE (1) recognised match in Approved Competitions (See Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2023/2024 Season, subject to section 7(h). The terms of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see Section 10). 

• delaying the restart of play by the opposing team e.g. holding onto the ball, kicking the ball away, obstructing the movement of a player
• receiving a second caution in the same match
• using unauthorised electronic or communication equipment and/or behaving in an inappropriate manner as the result of using electronic or communication equipment

The team official must serve the suspension with the club at which the team official committed the suspension offence. 

(c) Sending-Off resulting in a Two Match Suspension

Any team official dismissed from the Technical Area for one of the reasons listed below will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from all FAW National Futsal Cup matches until such time as the team official has missed his/her club's next TWO (2) recognised matches in Approved Competitions (See Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2023/2024 Season, subject to section 7(h). The terms of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see Section 10). 

• deliberately leaving the technical area to:

i. show dissent towards, or remonstrate with, a match official
ii. act in a provocative or inflammatory manner
ii. enter the opposing technical area in an aggressive or confrontational manner

• using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures
• entering the pitch to:

i.  confront a match official (including at half-time and full-time)
ii. interfere with play, an opposing player or a match official

The team official must serve the suspension with the club at which the team official committed the suspension offence.

(d) Sending-Off resulting in a Three Match Suspension

Any team official dismissed from the Technical Area for one of the reasons listed below will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from all FAW National Futsal Cup matches until such time as the team official has missed his/her club's next THREE (3) recognised matches in Approved Competitions (See Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2023/2024 Season, subject to section 7(h). The terms of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see Section 10). 

• deliberately throwing/kicking an object onto the pitch
• aggressive behaviour (including spitting or biting) towards any other person
• violent conduct

The team official must serve the suspension with the club at which the team official committed the suspension offence.

(e) Sendings Off not detailed

(i) Any team official dismissed from the Technical Area for a reason not set out in section 7(b), (c) & (d), will be suspended automatically with immediate effect from all FAW National FutsalCup matches until such time as the team official has missed his/her club’s next ONE (1) recognised match in Approved Competitions (see Appendix 2) during the period covered by its opening match and final match of the 2023/2024 Season, subject to section 7(h). The terms of the suspension will be as set out under the category of a MATCH SUSPENSION (see Section 10). 

(ii)  The dismissal will then be subject for review by a Disciplinary Panel of the Football Association of Wales. The Disciplinary Panel shall have the power to determine:

(a)   A one Match Suspension as set out in 7(e)(i) shall suffice and there should be no further suspension; or

(b) That the standard one Match Suspension as set out in 7(e)(i) is insufficient and the Panel will have the power to increase the Match Suspension.

(iii) The club or team official will not be permitted to submit any evidence for the Disciplinary Panel’s considerations and the matter will be considered solely on the match official(s) sending-off report. Should a club require a Disciplinary Panel to consider the validity of the suspension resulting from the sending-off, then they must submit a Claim of Mistaken Identity and/or a Claim of Wrongful Dismissal as set out in Sections 4 and 5. In this procedure set out in 7(e), the Disciplinary Panel will only confine themselves to the level of sanction imposed from the dismissal.

(iv) Should a club lodge a Claim of Mistaken Identity then the same Disciplinary Panel will consider the sanction.

(v) Should a club lodge a Claim of Wrongful Dismissal and the claim is rejected as set out under section 5(g)(i) & (ii) and the sending-off is subject to section 7(e), then the same Disciplinary Panel will consider the sanction.

(vi) The decision of the Disciplinary Panel in relation to this procedure is final and binding on all parties and not subject to appeal.

(f) Additional Sendings-off

Team officials dismissed from the Technical Area for a second time in the same Season in the same Cup Competition, in addition to the automatic suspension applicable to the offence, will be suspended for one extra match.

A team official dismissed for a third time in the same Season will be suspended for an extra two matches, and so on.

(g) Measurement of Suspension

All suspensions from Cup Competitions will remain separate and only applicable to that specific Cup Competition. Therefore, any suspension imposed under these procedures will only be applicable to the League Competition in which the team official received their suspension.

(h) Outstanding Suspensions

Any period of suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of a season must be served at the commencement of the following season and is measured by the club’s matches in the same Cup Competition. Should a team official register at a new club, the suspension will transfer with the team official and will be served at the new club in the same, or equivalent, League competition as determined by the FAW.

(i) FAW Rule 38

In special cases where:-

(i) a match official's report indicates a serious breach of the Futsal Laws of the Game, or

(ii)  a team official commits an act of misconduct and/or a sending-off offence as set out in the Futsal Laws of the Game whilst on the pitch and/or in the Technical Area which is not seen by the match officials but caught on video;

the Football Association of Wales reserves the right to prefer an appropriate charge of misconduct against the team official in accordance with one or more of the provisions under FAW Rule 38.

When dealing with a case under 7(i)(i) hereabove, the Disciplinary Panel may take into account any automatic punishment imposed under the Procedures.

When dealing with a case under 7(i)(ii) hereabove, confirmation by the match officials that they did not see the incident in question shall be conclusive evidence of that fact.       

(j) Clubs Imposing Fines

Clubs may fine team officials for on-pitch offences but must notify the Football Association of Wales, without delay, the details of the fine in each case.

(k) Re-Arranged Matches

A FAW Disciplinary Panel shall have discretionary power to rule that a match shall not count towards the completion of a suspension if it is satisfied that the game has been arranged by the club with a view to enabling the team official to complete their suspension and thus qualify them to participate in a specific match. The decision of the Disciplinary Panel in relation to re-arranged matches is final and binding on all parties and not subject to appeal.

(l) Collection of Administration Fees

It will be the responsibility of the club to collect the £12.00 administration fee from the team officials concerned. Clubs will have 31 calendar days to make the payment for each team official’s £12.00 administration fee as and from the date of the match. Should the club fail to make the payment of the £12.00 administration fee within 31 calendar days, then the team official will become ineligible from participating in any Association Football and Futsal match until payment is received. The administration fee must be paid on the COMET system, or any other system as prescribed by the Association from time to time.

At the end of the season each club will be required to clear all the £12.00 administration fees on their COMET account by no later than 1^st June 2024. A failure to do this will result in an automatic suspension from All Football and Futsal Related Activity for the whole club as and from 2^nd June 2024. This suspension will only be removed once payment has been made in full. As soon as the payment is received by the FAW, the club will automatically have this suspension removed with immediate effect.

8. DISCIPLINARY ACTION ON CLUBS FOR MISCONDUCT BY THEIR PLAYERS AND TEAM OFFICIALS   

(a) The FAW will prefer a charge of misconduct under FAW Rule 38.1.1 against a Futsal club if four or more of the club’s players are either cautioned or sent off in the same match. The club may be required to appear before a FAW Disciplinary Panel and shall be liable to be warned and/or fined. In addition, the Panel shall be entitled to make an order as to costs against the club.

In accordance with the FIFA Futsal Laws of the Game, the decisions of the Match Official shall be final and will not be reviewed by the FAW Disciplinary Panel.

(b) The Football Association of Wales reserves the right to prefer a charge against a futsal club at any time during the season arising from pitch offences committed by players of the club.

9. SUSPENSIONS IMPOSED UNDER THESE REGULATIONS

(a) Unless otherwise ordered by a FAW Disciplinary Panel, Appeals Panel or Independent Arbitration Panel, the terms of the suspensions imposed under these entire regulations will be as set out under the category of a Match Suspension (see clause 10). The only exception is where a team official receives a suspension for an accumulation of cautions. In this instance, the category of suspension will be a Touchline Suspension (see section 10).

(b) Any suspension imposed may only be served whilst the player holds a registration with a futsal club. Should a player transfer or register for a new club prior to the commencement of the suspension or during the period of the suspension, the player will not be eligible to play for their new club until such time as the new club with which the player has transferred to has completed the required number of matches in Approved Competitions.

(c) Any suspension imposed on a team official may only be served whilst the team official holds a registration with a football club. Should a team official transfer or register for a new club prior to the commencement of the suspension or during the period of the suspension, the team official will not be eligible to participate for their new club until such time as the club with which the team official committed the offence has completed the required number of matches in Approved Competitions.

(d) Any period of suspension imposed under these ‘Regulations’ shall be from the FAW National Futsal Cup only.

10. DEFINITIONS

i.   BUSINESS DAY

Any day of the week except a Saturday or Sunday or public bank holiday in Wales.

ii.  MATCH SUSPENSION

A Match Suspension is a ban on taking part in a match and on attending it in the area immediately surrounding the field-of-play. A Match Suspension may be imposed on a player or an official.

The area immediately surrounding the field-of-play includes:-

1.  The field-of-play.

2.  The dressing rooms and their immediate area.

3.  The tunnel and/or private way leading from the dressing rooms to the field-of-play.

4.  The dugouts, benches and technical areas.

5.  The prohibited area in the vicinity of the touchline and goal lines.

The player or official under a Match Suspension is prohibited from contact with match officials, players and club officials, as well as giving any media interviews, before, during and after the match.

A Match Suspension does not prohibit a player or official from attending or taking part in a Closed Friendly Match or a club organised private training session. However, a player or official is prohibited from attending or taking part in an Open Friendly Match, except for a player or team official receiving a suspension from an accumulation of cautions or a sending-off in an FAW Cup Competition who will not be suspended for Open Friendly Matches.

A club who permits a player or an official to attend any ground whilst serving a Match Suspension will be responsible for ensuring the terms of the suspension are adhered to.

iii.  TOUCHLINE SUSPENSION

A Touchline Suspension is a ban from any immediate contact with players, club officials and match officials participating in a match for the duration of the match. A Touchline Suspension may be imposed on a player and an official. A Touchline Suspension prohibits an individual from:-

1.  Attending the dugouts and technical areas before, during and after the match.
2.  Entering the field-of-play and the prohibited area in the vicinity of the touchline and goal lines.
3.  Coaching or issuing instructions for the duration of the game.
4.  Engaging the match officials whilst they are on the field-of-play or in the tunnel and/or private way leading from the dressing rooms to the field-of-play.

The player or official under a Touchline Suspension is permitted to attend the team changing room pre-match, at half-time and post-match. Furthermore, the individual is permitted to approach the match officials pre-match or post-match whilst they are in their dressing room and provided the match officials are agreeable to the approach.

The FAW is aware that due to the nature of many grounds, the individual under a Touchline Suspension may stand behind the perimeter barrier surrounding the field-of-play but still remain sufficiently close enough to the field-of-play to allow them to continue coaching or issue instructions to the coaching / technical staff. This will be considered as a breach of the Touchline Suspension and will result in the Football Association of Wales preferring charges of misconduct against the club and player or official who is under the suspension.  

Where a stand exists within the ground, the Football Association of Wales requires the player or official to sit in the stand away from the field-of-play.

For the duration of the game, a player or official under a Touchline Suspension is NOT PERMITTED to communicate with the coaching / technical staff via radio or other electronic communication and is prohibited from having personal contact with any such persons.

APPENDIX 1

Fees applicable when making a Claim of Mistaken Identity or a Claim of Wrongful Dismissal

The following fees are defined by FAW Rule 43.2.3

For teams playing in:	£ Fee payable (inclusive of VAT)
The FAW Futsal Cup	150.00

 

APPENDIX 2

APPROVED COMPETITIONS

For those clubs whose Team play in the FAW Futsal Cup)

League:
The FAW National Futsal Cup