Regulations of Bangladesh Premier League 2013-14

Sunday, 22 September 2013 10:15
Print

 

 

CONTENTS

 

Definitions

 

Section 1: Representation

1.                  The Bangladesh Football Federation

 

2.                  Participating Clubs

3.                  Security Safety

 

 

Section 2: Technical Regulations

4.                  Matches played in accordance with the Laws of the Game

5.                  Duration of Matches  

6.                  Cancellation of Matches  

7.                  Abandonment of Matches  

8.                  Refusal to play  

9.                  Stadiums (Stadia)  

10.              Team Bench and Technical Area

11.              Warming up

12.              Official Training Sites

13.              Footballs  

14.              Match Schedule

15.              Referees  

16.              Competition System  

17.              Technical Rules of the Competition

 

 

Section 3: Entries for Competition

 

 

18.              Eligible Teams

 

19.              Duties and Obligations

 

20.              Withdrawal, penalty for failing to play and replacement

 

 

Section 4: Team’s Official Delegation: Officials & Players

 

21.              Size of Delegation Attending Matches

 

22.              Eligibility of Players

 

23.              Stages of Registration of Players

 

24.              Documentation of Registration of Players

 

25.              Principles for Registration of Players

26.              Registration Window

 

 

 

27.              Match Starting List

 

28.              Registration of Officials

 

29.              Documents for Registration of Officials

 

30.              Principles of Registration of Officials

 

Section 5: Media

 

31.              General requirements  

32.              Media  

33.              Media Access Areas  

34.              Training Session

35.              Press Conferences  

36.              Mixed Zone

37.              Interviews

38.              Audio/Video Recording of Matches

 

Section 6: Equipment/Kit

39.              Equipment Regulations

 

40.              Sleeve Patches

 

 

Section 7: Ticketing

 

41.              Policy

42.              Complimentary Tickets

 

Section 8: Medical and Doping Control

 

 

 

43.              Medical Personnel

 

44.       Anti Doping

 

Section 9: Disciplinary Laws and Procedures

 

45.              Disciplinary measures and appeals

 

46.              Players and Officials cautioned or dismissed from the field of play

 

47.              Indiscipline or Violent Conduct by players and/or officials

48.              Fixed Match

 

49.              Protest

 

50.              Arbitration

 

Section 10: Administration

 

51.              Awards

 

 

 

 

52.              Special Provisions

 

53.              Matters not provided for

 

54.              Ratification

 


 

 

Appendixes

 

Appendix 1:      Club Regulations.

Appendix 2:      Club Registration Form.

Appendix 3:      Player Registration Form.

Appendix 4:      Local Transfer Certificate (LTC).

Appendix 5:      Team Sheet/ Start List.

Appendix 6:      Duties of Match of Commissioner.

Appendix 7:      Referees Report.

Appendix 8:      Referees Assessor Report.

Appendix 9:      Match Commissioner Report.

Appendix 10:    Code of Conduct.

Appendix 11:    FIFA Regulation (Release of players to Association Teams).

Appendix 12:    Participating Team Agreement (PTA).

Appendix 13:    Player Contract Form.

Appendix 14:    Official Registration Form.



DEFINITIONS

 

The terms in Capital letters used in these Regulations (as hereinafter defined) shall have the following meaning(s):

 

Accommodation                                  Hotels or any other locations providing accommodation to                     guests for the Competition.

 

Accreditation or Accredited                The giving of authority to a person or a group of persons, involving certification, which allows the accredited person(s) to undertake specified activities within the Controlled Access Areas.

 

AFC                                                    Asian Football Confederation.

 

Appeal Committee                              The committee responsible for deciding appeals against any of the Disciplinary Committee’s decisions.

 

BCL                                                     Bangladesh Championship League.

 

 BFF                                                    Bangladesh Football Federation.

 

BFF Committees & Sub Committees Committees & Sub Committees including the BFF Executive Committee, BFF Professional Football League Committee,  Disciplinary Committee, Appeals Committee,

Referees Committee, Technical Committee, Finance Committee, Marketing Committee, Competitions Committee and such other committees & Sub Committees of the BFF as advised by BFF from time to time.

 

BFF Delegation                                  Any officials appointed by BFF, including but not limited  to  the  Head  of  Delegation,  Head  of Administration, General Coordinator, Match Commissioner, Referee  Instructor/Assessor, Referee, Assistant  Referees,  Fourth  Official,  Media  Officer, Security Officer, Medical Officer and Technical Study Group Officer.

 

BPL                                                     Bangladesh Premier League

 

BFF Professional Football League    The BFF Professional Football League Committee Committee                                     consisting of a Chairman, Deputy Chairman and

                                                            members whose duties are to organize and manage                                                                    Bangladesh Premier League on behalf of the BFF                                                                      including making  decisions  on  any  matters  related  to                                                  these Competitions;  to  arrange  the  groups,  venues  and                                                     dates for competitions and matches and delegate, if                                                                   necessary,  the  organization  of  the  same  to any Member                                                       or  Committee;  to  appoint  officials  for  its competitions;                                                         to  recommend  to  the  Executive Committee amendments                                                  or alterations to the Rules, Regulations  and  Instructions                                                       for  competition  and matches;  to  submit  reports  on                                                   competitions  and matches to the Secretariat.

 

BFF Headquarters                              BFF House, Dhaka, Bangladesh

 

BFF Logo(s)                                        The official logo of BFF, and/or such other official logo, which shall be the only marks used by BFF.

 

BFF Website                                                    www.bffonline.com

 

Best Category Ticket                          The best tickets available in the best category seats entitling the ticket holder to sit in the sector immediately adjacent to the VIP area whether in or directly opposite Area to the main stand.

 

Broadcast Affiliates                            Any entity, including the Host Broadcaster, which has acquired from BFF directly or from BFF’s Marketing Partner any rights in respect of the Broadcast Rights of the Competition.

 

Broadcast Rights                                 The right to broadcast the Competition and the right of access to the Stadia to the exclusion of all others, for the purposes of producing a live television and/or radio signal and/or recordings of the Competition in any form of audio and/or audio-visual medium and the right to license the right to exhibit such live signal and/or recordings and/or part thereof by any and all forms of television and/or radio and/or any media now existing or as may be developed in the future, including, all forms of terrestrial, cable and satellite television,  IPTV,  broadband  (fixed  and/or  wireless), Internet and Interactive Television on a world-wide basis.

 

Competition                                        Bangladesh Premier League which shall include the Matches as set out in the Match Schedule, activities on the field of play (other than matches), opening ceremonies, presentation or closing ceremonies, press conferences or official functions connected therewith.

 

Competition Data                               Any and all information related to the Competition, including  Fixture  Lists,  Image  Rights,  information and/or  statistics  about  the  Participating  Members and/or Participating Players, information and/or  statistics  about  their  participation  and/or performance  in  the  Competitions,  match  analysis, referee  decisions,  and  any  other information  in relation to the Competition.

 

Competition Marks                             Any   and   all   current   and   future   competition Trademark’s and/or logos, copyrights and/or designs whether or not registered or applied for and whether registered in part or in whole including any and or present  and  future  names,  designations,  symbols, logos or identifying music or sounds of BFF or the Competition, the  BFF Fair Play name and device mark, the official logo, the Competition Trophy and other artistic and autographic representations in one, two or three  dimensional  proportions used by or in Association with the Competition.

 


Competition Website                           The  official  website  in  relation  to  a  Competition operated exclusively by BFF with a dedicated URL registered, owned and maintained by BFF, at BFF’s sole expense, for use exclusively by BFF.

 

Complimentary Tickets                       Tickets which are supplied without charge.

 

Controlled Access Areas                     The locations of the Matches and other events, such as (without limitation) Stadia and their fences and perimeters, the aerial space above the Stadia, and all other  locations  associated  with  the  Competitions, including the media centers, international broadcast centers,  Official  Training  Sites,  designated  official hotels (including but not limited to the official hotels for the Participating Club Associations), hospitality and  VIP  areas  and  facilities,  other  areas  to  which admission is regulated by the accreditation system, and surrounding and adjacent areas to the locations described above.

 

Commercial Affiliates                         Any  entity  to  which  BFF  directly or  indirectly has granted  or will grant  any aspect  of  the  Commercial Rights  in  respect  of  the  Competition,  including  but not  limited to  Official Sponsors, Official Supporters, Official Licensees and Official Media Partners.

 

Club Licensing                                    Refers to the participating club’s National Club Licensing Regulations and the BFF Club Licensing Regulations.

 

DFA                                                    District Football Association.

 

Disciplinary Committee                      The committee to deal with all disciplinary matters as governed by the BFF Disciplinary Code.

 

Financial Obligation                           Undertaking from the Club to meet its Financial Requirements.

 

FIFA                                                   The Federation International de Football Association.

 

Force Majeure                                    Any event affecting the performance or any provision of this Agreement arising from or attributable to acts, events, omissions or accidents which are beyond the reasonable control of a party, and shall include but not be limited to abnormally inclement weather, flood, lightning, storm, fire, explosion, earthquake, structural damage, epidemic or other natural disaster, failure or shortage  of  power  supplies,  war,  terrorist  action, military operations, riot, crowd disorder, strike, lock- outs or other industrial action, or civil commotion.

Host Broadcaster                                The  organization  appointed  by  BFF  directly  or indirectly to ensure and provide the production of the broadcast signals of the Matches and other events of the  Competition,  and  the  provision  of  all  related services in accordance with the Broadcast Rights.

 

IFAB                                                    ‘International Football Association Board’ – the Game of                                                                      football as regulated by the Laws of the Game.

 

ITC                                                      International Transfer Certificate.

 

Levy                                                    The amount of money payable to BFF.

 

LTC                                                     Local Transfer Certificate.

 

Match(es)                                            Each football match(es) in its entirely (including extra time)  of  the  Competition,  and including  any delayed,  deferred Matches  and/or replays.

 

Match Schedule                                   The published schedule containing details of the Competition (which details shall include but not be limited to the names of the clubs, Venues, Stadia, and details of the Match kick-off times).

 

Media                                                  All members of the written press, on-line editors, photographers, television news crews and the representatives of the Broadcast Rights Holders entitled to media accreditation as determined by BFF.

 

Neutral Venue                                     Where the match is being played as a neutral venue and appointed to assist to organize stage and host the competition.

 

Official                                                Office bearers and members of various committees, sub-committees, managers, coaches, trainers, match commissioners, referees, asst. referees, referee assessors, medical officers and staffs of Bangladesh Football Federation and Bangladesh Premier League participating clubs.

 

Official Functions                               Any official event organized in connection with the Competitions, including but not limited to press conferences, official dinners or lunches and banquets.

 

Player Status Committee                    The committee to monitor compliance with transfer regulations of players.

 

Participating Players                          Those players registered and participating in the competition and any other players under the authority of BFF during the Competition.

 

Regulations                                         Those regulations controlled and published by BFF to be used in connection with the Competition.


 

Regulations                                         Those regulations controlled and published by BFF to be used in connection with the Competition.

 

SAFF                                                   South Asian Football Federation.

 

Sponsorship Rights                              An association with the Competition and/or BFF (subject to the special provisions regarding the development of BFF Logo as set out in this Agreement and/or the BFF Guidelines) by any combination of Commercial Rights, including title sponsor of the Competitions or any of them such as “Bangladesh Premier League” sponsored / presented by Company A” and/or such other designation as mutually agreed by the parties.

 

Stadia                                                  The official stadia (or any stadium) and  the  airspace and surrounding areas for the Matches, whether under the  control  of the  Hosting Team  or otherwise, used  for  the  Matches,  including without limitation parking facilities, VIP and hospitality areas, concourses, concession areas, fencing and entrances.

 

Team’s Official Delegation             The Participating Club’s Official Delegation will comprise of a maximum of 33 (thirty three) players (including foreign players) and a maximum of 9 (nine) officials who are named in the Final Registration for the Competition.

 

Training Sites                                      Training   sites   designated   by   the   Home Clubs for use by the away teams throughout   the duration   of   the Competition.

 

Ticketing                                             All operational measures to provide tickets to all spectators of every Match and for Official Functions of the Competition allowing them to enter the Stadia and for a Venue. Ticketing shall include the management of operation necessary for the production, sale, distribution, delivery and payment of the tickets of the Competition.

 

Venues                                                 The immediately surrounding area in which the Stadia are located and all the venues of BPL will be approved by BFF.

 

For the purposes of this Regulation and provided the context so permits:

 

(a)                The singular shall include the plural and vice versa.

 

(b)               The masculine gender shall include the feminine and vice versa.

 

(c)                Reference to persons shall include any legal person or corporation.

 

References to BFF shall where the context permits include its successors and permitted assigns and, in relation to the availability of the Commercial Rights, its respective members, BFF and Professional Football League committee.


SECTION 1: REPRESENTATION

 

1.                  The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF)

 

1.1              The BFF stages the Bangladesh Premier League (hereafter the “Competition”) for senior men’s professional club teams (as per eligibility) once every year according to BFF Calendar.

1.2              Any rights associated with the Competition, which has not been granted by these Regulations and/or specific agreements to a Participating Club in the Competition, belong to BFF.

1.3              The current BFF Statutes, all BFF Regulations, Guidelines, Circulars and Codes are binding for all parties participating and involved in the preparation, and organization of the Competition. Any reference in these Regulations to the BFF Statutes refers to the Statutes valid at the time of entry and to all relevant BFF Regulations, Guidelines, Circulars and Codes.

1.4              Clubs are not authorized to represent BFF or the Competition without BFF’s prior written approval.

1.5              BFF will appoint match officials including Match Commissioner (See Appendix 6), Referee Instructor/Assessor, Referee, General Coordinator, Media Officer (hereafter the “BFF Organizing Team”) for each match of the Competition for the purpose of match organization.

1.6              All Players and Officials registered for participation in this Competition shall undertake to ensure their presence at the BFF Awards ceremony if they are nominated for an award. Any player or official failing to do so shall be referred to the BFF Disciplinary Committee.

1.7              The Bangladesh Football Federation has the absolute authority to decide which clubs shall play in the Bangladesh Premier League. In the current season (2013-14) the top 8 (eight) teams of the BPL league table of 2012-13 season and top 2 (two) teams of the BCL league table of 2012-13 season i.e. total 10 (ten) teams shall be eligible to participate.

 

2.                  Participating Clubs

 

2.1              The obligations and responsibilities of the Participating Clubs are stipulated in the Participating Team Agreement (PTA) (See Appendix 12), its annexes and amendments, Club Licensing Regulations and other BFF regulations, guidelines and circulars and any other agreements reached between BFF and the Participating Clubs.

2.2              Each club taking part in the Competition shall ensure, as a condition of its participation in the Competition that every member of its delegation (players and officials) complies with the Participating Team Agreement to be issued by BFF.

2.3              The eligible club shall complete the Participating Team Agreement in full and also responsible to ensure that the original copy of the Participating Team Agreement submit to the BFF Secretariat not later than the entry deadline communicated to the Club. If the Participating Team Agreement does not reach the BFF Secretariat by the entry deadline, the participation of the eligible Club will be cancelled.

2.4              Participating Team Agreement (filled and signed by authorized official along with official seal) submitted to the BFF Secretariat by email, fax and courier post will be valid and taken into consideration.

2.5              The clubs selected by the Bangladesh Football Federation to participate in the Bangladesh Premier League shall comply with the club regulations (See Appendix 1) and Club Licensing Regulations established/adopted by the Bangladesh Football Federation or which are published by BFF. Failure of a club to comply with these regulations prior to the start of the season may render the club ineligible to participate in the Bangladesh Premier League. Failure of a club to comply with these regulations during a season shall result in sanctions to be determined by Bangladesh Football Federation or BFF Professional Football League Committee, including possible exclusion from the Bangladesh Premier League for the subsequent season / seasons.

2.6              All clubs selected by the Bangladesh Football Federation to participate in the Bangladesh Premier League shall register their clubs with the Bangladesh Football Federation on the official entry form supplied by the Bangladesh Football Federation. This entry form is enclosed to these rules as Appendix 2. Below are its specifications:

 

·  Club Name (including sponsors inclusion). BFF must approve the club name and sponsors.

·  Club Address, telephone number, fax number and e-mail address for official communication.

·  Name, title and home address of officers responsible for management of the club.

·  Name, address and contact details of Club Media Officer.

·  Club logo, emblems and colors (first & second choice of colours for jerseys, shorts and socks). BFF must approve the club logo, emblem and colors.

·  Club home stadium.

·  Club training facilities.

·  Name and coaching qualifications of Head Coach and Assistant Coach.

·  Outline Club budget for the season.

·  Commitment by club officials that the Club shall fully observe the rules of the Bangladesh Premier League, comply with the club regulations, accept and obey the authority of the Bangladesh Football Federation and provide a guarantee that the club shall meet its financial obligations for the season.

 

2.7              The Club must appoint one staff as designating ‘Coordinator, Professional Football League’ (having basic English and IT knowledge) who will coordinate with the BFF Competitions Department regarding all concerned matters.

 


 

 

3                    Security and Safety

 

 

3.1              Home teams are responsible for devising, planning and implementing adequate  security and safety for the Competition at every relevant location (covering all Controlled  Access Areas) which shall cover for  all relevant persons  at  all times, including but  not  limited to  the following:

 

·           All participating Club’s players and official

·           BFF Match Officials

·           Media

·           Commercial Partners  

·           Fans and spectators

 

3.2       A detailed and highly relevant security plan shall be issued in the form of a binding declaration on all parties involved and shall include but not be limited to the  stadium and  its vicinity, the  training  grounds  and  also hotels of visiting club and BFF match officials. This security plan shall be based on the principles outlined in the FIFA Safety Guidelines.

3.3       In the interests of the safety of players, away teams, match officials and BFF officials, Home Club must provide access to the field of play that guarantees the safe entry and exit of these persons.

3.4       Home Club may be subject to disciplinary measures if appropriate security arrangements are not provided. Sanctions may include fines and suspensions.

3.5       Each match shall be managed by the home club to the standard specified by BFF. Each home club shall have a General Coordinator / Event Manager in charge on match day. Absence of the General Coordinator / Event Manager at the stadium on any home match will result in disciplinary action against him.

 


 

SECTION 2: TECHNICAL REGULATIONS

 

4.                  Matches played in accordance with the Laws of the Game

 

4.1              All Matches shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game laid down by the International Football Association Board and published by FIFA.

4.2              In case of any discrepancy in the interpretation of the Laws of the Game, the English version shall prevail and is authoritative.

4.3              Only 3 (three) substitutes listed on the Match Starting List may take part in the Match. A player who has been substituted out may take no further part in the Match.

4.4              If there are fewer than 7 (seven) players on either of the teams, the Match shall be abandoned. In this case, the BFF Professional Football League Committee (and if required the BFF Disciplinary Committee) shall decide on the consequences.

4.5              A club must report to the Match Commissioner at least one and a half hour before the start of the match.

 

5.                  Duration of Matches

                               

Each Match shall last 90 (ninety) minutes, comprising of two periods of 45 (forty-five) minutes, with an interval of 15 (fifteen) minutes in between from the whistle ending the first period to the whistle starting the second period.

                                        

6.                  Cancellation of Matches

 

6.1       If the Match cannot commence on time due to Force Majeure or any other incidents such as, but not limited to, the field is not fit for play, weather conditions, floodlight failure, etc. the following procedures must be followed:

 

i.                     The Match must first be delayed for a minimum of 30 (thirty) minutes, unless the Referee decides that the Match can commence earlier, before a decision to reschedule the Match is taken.

ii.                   At the discretion of the Referee, another delay of a maximum of 30 (thirty) minutes shall be allowed if in his opinion this extra period of delay will allow the Match to commence. Otherwise, at the end of this second 30 (thirty) minutes period, the Referee must declare the Match to have been cancelled.

iii.                  In the case of a cancelled Match, the BFF or the Professional Football League Committee of BFF shall decide within 2 (two) hours of the Referee’s decision to cancel the Match whether the Match can be rescheduled, taking sporting and organizational considerations into account, or whether any other action and decision is needed to continue with the Competition. Any disciplinary sanctions resulting from the cancelled Match shall remain in force.

 

6.2              No appeals may be lodged against decisions stated in Art. 6.1).

 

7.                  Abandonment of Matches

 

7.1              If the Match is stopped by the Referee before the end of normal time or during any extra time because of any Force Majeure or any other incidents such as, but not limited to, the field is not fit for play, weather conditions, floodlight failure, etc. the following procedures must be followed:

 

i.                     The Match is automatically suspended for the duration of 30 (thirty) minutes to allow conditions to improve sufficiently to restart the Match, unless the referee decides that the Match can be resumed earlier.

 

ii.                   At the discretion of the Referee, another suspension of a maximum of 30 (thirty) minutes shall be allowed if in his opinion this extra period of suspension will allow the Match to be resumed. Otherwise, at the end of this second 30 (thirty) minutes period, the Referee must declare the Match to have been abandoned.

 

iii.                  In the case of a cancelled match, the BFF or the Professional Football League Committee of BFF shall decide within two (2) hours of the Referee’s decision to cancel the match whether the match can be rescheduled, taking sporting and organizational considerations into account, or whether any other action and decision is needed to continue with the Competition. Any disciplinary sanctions resulting from the cancelled match shall remain in force.

 

iv.                 In the case a match is abandoned as a result of force majeure for any reason after it has already kicked off, the match shall recommence with the same score at the minute at which play was interrupted rather than being replayed in full.

 

The following principles shall apply to the recommencement of the match:

 

                     the match shall recommence with the same players on the pitch and substitutes available as when the match was initially abandoned;

 

                     no additional substitutes may be added to the ‘Match Starting List’;

 

                     the teams can make only the number of substitutions to which they were still entitled when the match was abandoned;

 

                     players sent off during the abandoned match cannot be replaced;

 

                     any sanctions imposed before the match was abandoned remain valid for the remainder of the match;

 

                     the kick-off time, date (foreseen for the following day) and location shall be decided by the BFF or the Professional Football League Committee of BFF;

 

                     any matters requiring further decision shall be treated by the BFF or the Professional Football League Committee of BFF.

 

7.2              No appeals may be lodged against decisions stated in Art. 7.1).

 

8.                  Refusal to Play          

If it is not possible to start the match in time or to continue after the start due to the refusal of either one or both participating teams, the referee at his discretion waiting up to 15 (fifteen) minutes shall declare the match abandoned. The Disciplinary Committee of BFF based on the report of the referee and match commissioner shall take action against the club/clubs concerned as per the BFF Disciplinary Code.­

 

9.                  Stadiums (Stadia)

 

9.1              The Stadium for the matches in the Competition shall be

 

1.         Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka /

2.         Birshrestha Shahid Shipahi Mohammed Mostofa Kamal Stadium, Kamalapur, Dhaka /

3.         Sheikh Fazlul Haque Mony Stadium, Gopalganj /

4.         Bhasha Shahid Salam Stadium, Feni /

5.         M. A. Aziz Stadium, Chittagong and any other venues decided by BFF or the Professional Football League Committee of BFF.

 

9.2              Home Team will ensure that no Matches and/or other activities are held at the Stadium(s) nominated for the Matches at least 3 (three) days prior to the Competition, unless written permission has been given by the BFF. Unless specified or directed by BFF otherwise, the Stadia shall be made available for use for the Competition as of 7 (seven) working days prior to the first Match of the Competition until 1 (one) day after the last Match of the Competition.

9.3              The facilities (stadia) used for all Bangladesh Premier League matches must meet the standards set out by BFF in the regulations for clubs (See Appendix 1). BFF or BFF Professional Football League Committee has the authority to reject any proposed match venue if it does not meet the required standard.

9.4              In particular, the venue must have a good quality playing surface and dimension according to the FIFA standard.

9.5              The stadium for each match shall provide a safe and secure environment for players, coaches, referees, match officials, the media and fans. The home club is responsible for all safety and security matters. BFF and local District Football Association shall provide all assistances in this matter.

9.6              Home Club should ensure that the field of play is in good playable conditions.

9.7              The  BFF  Match  Commissioner  will inspect  the  stadium  prior  to  the match day and ensure that  all arrangements are in accordance with the Laws of the Game. If the conditions of the Field of Play including the dimension of goal and field are not met by the Laws of the Game, the BFF Match Commissioner will issue instructions for the hosting club to rectify.

9.8              However, if prior to the match kick-off time, Art. 9.7) is still not complied with, the Home Club shall forfeit the match Victory and the resultant 3 (three) points will be awarded to the opposing team as well as the score         of 3 - 0.

 

10.              Team Bench and Technical Area

 

10.1          Only 7 (seven) officials and 9 (nine) substitute players, from the registered 9 (nine) officials and 33 (thirty-three) players, are allowed to sit on the substitute bench. Registration of the following 2 (two) officials on each match day are mandatory:

i.          Team Manager / Assistant Manager

ii.          Head Coach

 

Apart from the 2 (two) officials above, the participating teams may register up to 7 (seven) more officials out of the following officials:

 

i.          Assistant Coach                                    vi.   Equipment Manager

ii.          Goalkeeper Coach                               vii.  Security Officer

iii.         Media Officer                                       viii. Trainer

iv.         Interpreter                                            ix.   Masseur

v.         Doctor / Physiotherapist                        x.    Fitness Coach

 

10.2          The names of all the officials and players and their function must be listed on the match starting list.

10.3          All officials and players on the team bench must wear their accreditation card at all times. The accreditation cards shall always be available for inspection prior to the start of the match.

10.4          All persons on the bench must wear kits that are contrasting with the kit of the players and referees on the pitch. These kits must comply with the AFC Equipment Regulations.

10.5          Office bearers (President, Senior Vice President, Vice President, General Secretary, Treasurer, Members of the BFF ExCo) of Bangladesh Football Federation are not eligible to be registered as an official for the Team Bench.

 

11                Warming up

 

11.1          The Participating Clubs shall be entitled to warm up on the field of play before the Match if the weather permits.

11.2          During actual play, a maximum of 6 (six) players from each team may warm up at the same time but without a ball (except for the goalkeeper), behind the goal closest to their substitutes’ bench or in a space determined by the Match Commissioner. The players may be assisted by 2 (two) officials from the team bench.

 

12                Official Training Sites

 

12.1          Official Training Sites in good condition shall be made available to the Away Team at least 3 (three) full days prior to every Match of the Competition which will be ensured by Home Team.

12.2          These official training sites are reserved by Home Team for training and shall not be used for other matches and events as from 3 (three) days prior to every match in the competition, unless written permission has been obtained from the BFF.

 

13                Footballs

 

The balls chosen for the competition shall confirm with the Laws of the Game and bear one of the following standard qualities:

§                     FIFA APPROVED,

§                     FIFA INSPECTED or

§                     INTERNATIONAL MATCH BALL STANDARD.

 

14                Match Schedule

 

14.1          All matches are played according to the BFF Calendar which shall be approved by the Professional Football league Committee of BFF.

14.2          The matches of the club / clubs participating in the AFC and FIFA matches during the progress of the League shall be re-scheduled by the Professional Football League Committee of BFF with the approval of Bangladesh Football Federation. Players as will be required to participate in the national football team shall be governed by FIFA regulations (See Appendix 11).

14.3          No fixture can be postponed except by Professional Football League Committee of BFF or on the day of the fixture by the referee, as defined in Law 5 of the Laws of the Game.

14.4          Any club which fails to fulfill a scheduled fixture shall be deemed to have forfeited that fixture by the score line of 3 (three) goals to 0 (zero) and shall be liable to further sanctions to be determined by BFF or BFF Professional Football League Committee.

14.5          The Professional Football League Committee of BFF has the authority to reschedule postponed matches at the end of each leg which is defined as ‘Buffer Match Day’ in BFF Calendar. All clubs shall fulfill (postponed) fixtures at the time rescheduled by the Professional Football League Committee of BFF. Clubs shall be informed about the rescheduled match at least 1 (one) day before the match.

14.6          All Matches shall be played according to the dates, stadium and kick off times as set by the BFF or the Professional Football League Committee of BFF.

 

15                Referees

 

15.1     BFF or BFF Professional Football League Committee shall appoint a referee, 2 (two) assistant referees and a fourth official to every match in the Bangladesh Premier League. BFF or BFF Professional Football League Committee has the sole and complete authority in this regard.

15.2     The referees shall be appointed from a panel of referees who have attended the Advanced Referees Course and have passed the full FIFA Fitness Test conducted by the Referees Committee of BFF prior to the commencement of the league shall be nominated to this panel. Protest against the allotment of the match officials by any participating club of the Bangladesh Premier League is not allowed in any way.

15.3     Every referee (and where necessary the assistant referees and fourth official) shall submit a written report (See Appendix 7) to BFF within 12 (twelve) noon of the following day of each Bangladesh Premier League match, notwithstanding the fact that the following day may be a Friday, a Saturday or a public holiday. All cases of misconduct of players, officials or spectators must also be reported. This report shall contain all relevant details of the match including goals, scorers, substitutions, cautions, expulsions and incidents, both on the field of play, in the stadium and in the dressing room area.

15.4     BFF may appoint a Referee Assessor to each Bangladesh Premier League match to assess the performance of the referee, assistant referee and fourth official. The Referee Assessor shall make an official report to BFF (See Appendix 8). These assessments shall be used by BFF to determine referee appointments.

15.5     BFF shall pay each referee, assistant referees and fourth official match fees. If a match is postponed, after the arrival of the referee and his assistants at the venue, a payment of 50% of the match fees shall be made.

 

16                Competition System

 

The format of the Bangladesh Premier League is a three-round league format. Each team shall play every other participating team 3 (three) times in the competition: once at its designated home venue, once at the designated home venue of each of its opponents and once at the designated neutral venue decided by BFF.

 

17                Technical Rules for the Competition

 

17.1          The winning team in a match shall be awarded 3 (three) points with the losing team receiving no point. If the match ends in a draw, each team shall receive 1 (one) point. The number of goals scored and conceded by each team shall also be recorded.

17.2          At the end of the season, the ranking of the teams shall be determined by:

17.2.1  The number of points won;

17.2.2  i)          In situations where there is equality of points for 2 (two) teams for the champion and bottom positions, there shall be play-off match(es) to determine the positions. Both the teams concerned shall play one home and one away match. The team scoring the greater aggregate of goals in the two matches will be regarded as winner. If both the teams score the same number of goals over the two legs, the away goals shall be counted as double. If the number of away goals scored is also equal, extra time of two periods of 15 (fifteen) minutes each shall be played at the end of the second leg. The extra-time period is an integral part of the second-leg match. Thus, if there is no result in the extra-time, kicks from the penalty mark, in accordance with the Laws of the Game, shall be taken to determine the winner.

ii)         In situations where there is equality of points for more than 2 (two) teams for the champion and bottom positions, there shall be play-off match or matches to determine the positions. The format and all details of such a play-off match or matches shall be determined by the BFF Professional Football League Committee.

17.2.3  i)          To determine all other positions of the league, goal difference (the total number of goals scored in all matches minus the total number of goals conceded) shall determine the ranking in case of equality of points;

ii)         Where there is equality in both the number of points and goal difference, the total number of goals scored shall determine ranking of the concerned teams.

iii)         If there is equality in the 3 (three) ranking criteria above for the teams concerned, then the positions of the concerned teams shall be determined by counting the number for the total yellow and red cards received (Yellow Card = 1 point, Two Yellow Cards = Red Card = 2 points, Direct Red Card = 3 points, Yellow Card + Direct Red Card = 4 points), the club gained the lowest number being at the top and the club gained the highest number being at the bottom.

iv)        If there is equality in all 4 (four) ranking criteria above for the teams concerned, then the positions of the concerned teams shall be determined by toss of coin.

17.3     The 1 (one) bottom ranking team of the table of 2013-14 season shall be relegated to the Bangladesh Championship League for the season 2014-15 and 2 (two) top ranking teams of Bangladesh Championship League 2013-14 shall be promoted to the Bangladesh Premier League for the season 2014-15.

 

17.4     All the matches of Bangladesh Premier League shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game laid down by the International Football Association Board and published by FIFA. Bangladesh Football Federation reserves the right to exclude any club from each edition of the Bangladesh Premier League under any of the following situation:

 

17.4.1    If any club is found to have breached contract with the players, coaches and any other appointed officials.

17.4.2    If any club found to be in the fault of violation of any provisions / regulation of the Bangladesh Premier League.

17.4.3    If any club is found to have not taken proper care of the visiting team with regard to security, training facilities, etc.

17.4.4    If any club is found to have failed to submit the financial statements to BFF within specified time.

17.4.5    If any club is found to have violated the direction and instruction provided by BFF.

17.4.6    If any club is found giving walk-over in any match.

 

 


 

SECTION 3: ENTRIES FOR COMPETITION

 

18                Eligible Teams

 

The Senior Men’s Team of Participating Clubs shall be eligible to participate provided all other terms of these Regulations have been met.

 

19                Duties and Obligations

 

On entering the Competition, the Clubs shall automatically undertake:

 

19.1          Each club selected to participate in the Bangladesh Premier League shall pay an entry fee of BDT 10,000 (Ten thousand taka only) to BFF. The amount of such entry fee shall be determined annually by BFF or BFF Professional Football League Committee. The entry fee must be deposited to BFF as per the instruction of BFF.

19.2          Each home club shall solely be responsible for the cost of the venue for its home matches, the cost of its office accommodation and the cost of its coaches, players, officials and employees. Each club shall provide the projected income and expenditure statement to BFF ensuring to cover all their expenses for the season 2013-2014, prior to the start of the league. If BFF is not satisfied that a club can meet these requirements, it has the right to exclude such a club from the Bangladesh Premier League. Every club shall submit its audited profit or loss account to BFF within one month after the end of each season.

19.3          To accept that all the administrative, disciplinary and refereeing matters connected with the Competition shall be settled by BFF in compliance with these Regulations or the decisions of relevant BFF Committee(s):

19.3.1    To field their strongest team throughout the Competition;

19.3.2    To observe the principles of Fair Play;

19.3.3    To be responsible for the behavior of their players, officials, members, supporters and any person carrying out duties on their behalf throughout the Competition from their arrival until their departure;

19.3.4    To accept all the arrangements made by the BFF;

 

19.4          To attend and participate in all official activities and events such as Team Manager’s Meeting, Press Conferences, other Media & Marketing activities, etc. organized by BFF in accordance with guidelines and / or instructions in circulars issued by BFF regarding, in particular, Media access to Teams. Failure to attend the Team Managers’ Meeting, Press Conference and other official function in the Competition will result in the Clubs being fined BDT 15,000 (Fifteen thousand taka only);

19.5          To accept the use and/or sub-license by BFF of any of the records, names and images of the Club (including its mark), players and officials, including any still and moving representation thereof, which must appear or be generated in connection with the Participation of the Participating Clubs and its Players and Officials in the Competition.

19.6          No change of club colors is permitted during a season. The home team must wear its first color. When a clash of colors occurs, the away team must change to the alternative jersey. All the teams in all the matches shall bring both of its colors to the stadium and the breach of this regulation will result in disciplinary action against the team concerned.

19.7          Throughout the Competition  and for each match to which he is registered, each player shall wear  the  same  number  allocated  to  him  on  the  BFF Official Registration Form for Players from 1 ~ 99 submitted to BFF during the preliminary registration.  The same player may not use different shirt numbers in different matches. New registered player(s) in the 2nd registration window shall use New Jersey number. 

 

20                Withdrawal, penalty for failing to play and replacement

 

20.1          Participating Clubs shall play in all of their matches in the Competition.

20.2          Participating Clubs will withdraw prior to, or are excluded from playing in the Competition, may be replaced by another Club. BFF Committees concerned shall make the relevant decision, including a change in the Competition system and the Technical Rules for the Competition if necessary.

20.3          If a Participating Club withdraws after entering the Competition, except in cases of Force Majeure recognized by the BFF Professional Football League Committee, or if it refuses to continue to play or leaves the stadium before the end of the Match,  or if the club fails to register minimum 22 (twenty-two) players the Participating Club shall:

20.3.1    Be considered to have withdrawn from the Competition;

20.3.2    Have all its matches cancelled and considered null and void (all points, goals scored and goals against will not be counted and taken into consideration when deciding the ranking);

20.3.3    Be required to pay compensation for any and all damages or losses suffered by the other Participating Clubs, the BFF and BFF’s Commercial and TV partner(s). The amount of compensation will be determined by the BFF Executive Committee or BFF Professional Football League Committee;

20.3.4    Be disqualified from taking part in the next edition of the Competition;

20.3.5    Be referred to the BFF Disciplinary Committee for additional sanctions and fines depending on the gravity of the situation, then to BFF Executive Committee for final decision;


 

 

20.3.6    Return to the BFF any financial stipends that had been paid to them by BFF throughout the Competition or forfeit the right to the same;

20.3.7    BFF Executive Committee may extend the suspension depending on the gravity of the situation and/or damages.

 

The BFF Professional Football League Committee shall take whatever action it deems necessary in cases of Force Majeure. 




SECTION 4: TEAM’S OFFICIAL DELEGATION: OFFICIALS & PLAYERS

 

21                Size of Delegation Attending Matches

 

Each Participating club is entitled to an Official Delegation of a maximum of 33 (thirty-three) players (including maximum 7 foreign players) and 9 (nine) officials who must be registered by the clubs as per Article 21-30, from them a maximum of 20 (twenty) players (including maximum 4 foreign players) and maximum 7 (seven) officials of each team will be receiving full access to the official Competition areas including the field of play and other Controlled Accessed Areas in every match day.

 

22                Eligibility of players

 

22.1          A player is eligible to play in the Competition provided he fulfills all the following conditions:

 

He is duly registered with the BFF by the Participating Clubs according to the provisions of these Regulations. Each player’s registration is only valid until the end of the football season, the date of which shall be determined annually by BFF. Where a player is contracted by a club for a longer period, the player must be registered at the start of each season.

 

22.2          A player is deemed ineligible if:

 

22.2.1    There is a violation of Art. 22.1);

 

22.2.2    He is fielded despite being served a suspension;

 

22.2.3    BFF finds that the document(s) submitted during registration is/are false.

 

22.3        Contracts between clubs and professional players may be for a maximum of 5 (five) years. However, the contract must be signed by the concerned player at BFF House in presence of an Officer of BFF whenever a contract is more than 1 (one) year

 

22.4          In the event there is a dispute pertaining to the status of a player, the case will be referred to BFF Player Status Committee.

 

23                Stages of Registration of Players

 

There are 2 (two) stages of player’s registration:

23.1          Registration to determine a squad of a minimum of 22 (twenty-two) players and up to a maximum of 33 (thirty-three) players (including maximum 7 foreign players);

23.2          Start List to identify the starting 11 (eleven) and up to 9 (nine) substitute players for each Match during the Competition.

 

24                Documentation of Registration of Players

 

24.1          For the registration of players for the Competition, players must be registered using the ‘Bangladesh Premier League – Official Registration Form for Players’ (See Appendix 3) with the supporting documents in accordance with Art. 24.2) by the deadline announced by BFF.

24.2          Documentations for the registration of players are, but not limited to, the following:

 

·                    Official Registration form (mandatory) for Players;

·                    Passport-size colored photo 4 copies (taken within 3 months prior to the submission of the registration);

·                    Copy of valid passport containing full name, passport number, date of birth, date of issue, date of expiry and nationality (group passport will not be accepted); OR, Copy of National ID; OR, Copy of Birth Certificate;

·                    Original Copy of Players Contract (See Appendix 13);

·                    Signed ‘Code of Conduct’.

 

24.3          BFF reserves the right to request for additional documents than those stipulated in Art 24.2) above.

 

25                Principles for Registration of Players

 

25.1          Participating Clubs can register no less than 22 (twenty-two) players and no more than 33 (thirty-three) players (including maximum 7 foreign players) for the Competition. BFF shall provide a registration card (affixing photograph) for each player eligible to play.

25.2          If a Participating Club fails to register a minimum of 22 (twenty-two) players, the team will be considered to have withdrawn in accordance with Art. 20.3).

25.3          Throughout the every Stage of the competition each player shall wear the same number allocated to him on the BFF Official Registration Form for Players submitted to BFF during the registration window. Jersey number 1 shall be reserved for the Goalkeeper.

25.4          Participating Club must register a minimum of 3 (three) goalkeepers in their Registration for the players without any condition.

25.5          Each column in the BFF Official Registration Form for the Players must be completed with correct information.

25.6          Players with missing documentations will not be eligible for registration. All eligible players will be issued with official eligibility cards (Accreditation Card). Should the card have been misplaced, the teams shall be required to pay BDT 1,000 (One thousand taka only) as the production fee for every card lost, to replace it.

25.7          In case any Participating Club found guilty of violating Art. 24.2), the sanction will be pronounced in accordance with BFF Disciplinary Code.

25.8          Should the BFF Secretariat not receive the BFF Official Registration Form with all required document by the deadline announced by BFF, the Participating Club shall be automatically disqualified from the Competition and be considered to have withdrawn in accordance with Art. 20.3).

25.9          Player Registration shall be completed within the Player Registration Window. For 2013-14 season, a club shall submit to BFF the list of a maximum of 7 (seven) registered foreign players within the deadline determined by the Professional Football League Committee of BFF and a maximum of 4 (four) foreign players from the list may be fielded in a match. The transfer and registration of foreign players shall be governed by electronic International Transfer Certificate (ITC) through the application of web based FIFA Transfer Matching System (TMS). The registration of players must be on the official registration form attached to these rules (See Appendix 3).

 

26.       Registration Window

 

26.1     There shall be 2 (two) Player Registration Windows to be determined by BFF or BFF Professional Football League Committee; first registration window is from 26th August 2013 to 20th October  2013 for local players and from 24th August 2013 to 15th November 2013 for international players and second registration window will commence as per the BFF Calendar.

26.2     BFF shall be deemed to have received the registration form for a player when it has been received by BFF in accordance of (Art 24); either in its original form or by fax followed by the original one and has been stamped with the official stamp (giving time and date) of BFF. The decision of BFF on the time of receipt of all registration forms shall be final, proof of submission is not proof of receipt. BFF shall charge BDT 1,000 (One thousand taka only) per registration to cover the administrative cost. The charge for foreign player’s registration shall be as per the existing provision of BFF.

 

26.2.1  Before the expiry of existing contract with the club, the transfer of a local player’s registration from one club to another must be in writing on the official transfer form (hereinafter known as the ‘Local Transfer Certificate’ or ‘LTC’). This form is attached as Appendix 4. In such cases, BFF shall not re-register a player with a new club unless the registration form is accompanied by a valid LTC. The LTC shall be issued by the player’s former club. Such transfer of a local player’s registration can only occur during the two registration windows (Art 26.1).

26.2.2  BDT 25,000 (Twenty-five thousand taka only) shall be paid to the immediate former amateur club as compensation from where a player will seek transfer to join a club of the professional league. However, BDT 50,000 (Fifty thousand taka only) shall be paid by the professional club to the immediate former club or District Football Association as compensation if the transfer is done within 2 (two) years from the date of first registration of the concerned player.

 

26.2.3 Professional club shall complete their Player Transfer according to the Rules and Regulations of the Professional Player Contract (See Appendix 13).

 

26.3     For players who have played outside Bangladesh immediately prior to their registration in the registration window periods, BFF must receive an International Transfer Certificate (ITC) before the player can be registered with the BFF and be eligible to play in the Bangladesh Premier League.

26.4     A player can only be registered for one club.

26.5     If any team gets scratched in the first phase of the league the scratched team shall be eligible to sell players in the second transfer window and similarly the players of the scratched team shall be eligible to seek transfer in the second transfer window for other club of their choice with prior permission.

26.6     If any discrepancy arises about the status of any player shall be dealt by the Player Status Committee of BFF and an appeal may be lodged to the BFF Professional Football League Committee within 5 (five) days of the date of imposition of the original sanction against the decision of the Player Status Committee of BFF.

26.7     The maximum number of temporary transfers of registration (loan) allowed to any club in a season shall not exceed 3 (three).

26.8     The following measures and penalty will be followed by the Player Status Committee of BFF if any player is found guilty of receiving money from more than 1 (one) club in order to play for them for the upcoming football season(s):

·                    A time limit of 72 (seventy-two) hours will be given to the concerned player to amicably solve the issue with the concerned clubs failing which the player shall immediately be suspended for 1 (one) year.

·                    The player will be eligible to take part in the Competition in case of resolving the matter amicably within the stipulated 72 (seventy-two) hours time limit.

·                    If the player fails to amicably solve the issue he will have to refund trough BFF all the money taken from the concerned club(s) within 1 (one) week, the date of which will be started from the date of suspension of the concerned player.

·                    If the player fails to refund the money to the concerned club(s) within the 1 (one) week time limit he will be suspended for another 1 (one) year.

·                    If any club is found guilty in any way for the above matter, disciplinary sanction shall be imposed to the concerned club(s) depending on the gravity of the offence.


 

27.       Match Starting List

 

27.1          Participating Clubs must mark the team captain & goalkeepers on the ‘Player Selection List’. On match days, each club shall provide a team sheet, consisting of ‘Officials on the Bench’ list with the names of 7 (seven) officials (including team boy or masseur) who shall be entitled to sit on the bench and ‘Player Selection List’ with the names of 11 (eleven) players who will start the Match and other 9 (nine) players who are designated as substitutes (inclusive of a maximum of 4 foreign players), to the BFF Match Commissioner at least 90 (ninety) minutes before the kick-off of the Match. The official Bangladesh Premier League team sheet (See Appendix 5) must be used for this purpose.

 

27.2          After the ‘Match Starting List’ has been completed and signed by both teams and returned to the BFF Match Commissioner, and if the Match has not yet kicked-off, the following instructions apply:

 

27.2.1    If any of the 11 (eleven) players listed on the Match Starting List selected to start the Match are not able to start the Match for any reason, they may be replaced by any of the substitutes listed on the Match Starting List. During the Match, 3 (three) players may still be replaced;

27.2.2    The replaced players shall no longer be eligible to participate in the match.

 

28.              Registration of Officials

 

Each Member / Official entering the Competition shall submit to BFF Secretariat, via fax or courier, the ‘BFF Official Registration Form for Officials’ and the supporting documents in accordance with Art. 29-30 by the deadline announced by BFF.

 

 

29.              Documents for Registration of Officials

 

29.1          For the registration of officials for the Competition, officials must be registered using the ‘Bangladesh Premier League 2013-14’ – Official Registration Form for Officials’ (See Appendix 14).

29.2          Documentations for the registration of Officials are, but not limited to, the following (unless already previously submitted to BFF):

·                    Official Registration form for Officials;

·                    Passport-size colored photo 2 Copies (taken within 3 months prior to the submission of the registration);

·                    Copy of valid passport containing full name, passport number, date of birth, date of issue, date of expiry and nationality (group passport will not be accepted); OR Copy of National ID;

·                    Certificate/Qualifications based on his/her function:

Ø                  Head coach and Assistant Coach: Individual’s coaching certificate or coaching license;

Ø                  Doctor: Medical Qualification.

29.3          BFF has the right to ask further documentations for the clarification of the eligibility of the officials other than documentations listed in the Art. 29.2).

 

30                Principles of Registration of Officials

 

30.1          The Participating Clubs can nominate a maximum of 9 (nine) officials for the registration from which a maximum of 7 (seven) officials are allowed to sit in the substitute bench.

30.2          Each column in the ‘BFF Official Registration Form for the Officials’ shall be filled up with correct information.

30.3          Officials with missing documentations will not be eligible for registration. All eligible Officials will be issued with Accreditation card. Should the card have been misplaced, the clubs shall be required to pay BDT 1,000 (One thousand taka only) as the production fee for every card lost, to replace it.

30.4          It is responsibility of the clubs to ensure that all the forms and supporting documents in accordance with Art. 29 are sent in good time and reach BFF Secretariat in Dhaka before the deadline announced by BFF. Proof of submission is not proof of receipt.

30.5          Club may replace or add any of its officials on any grounds until 5 (five) days before the first Match of the Competition provided all necessary documents have been submitted as per Art. 29. Further, the Accreditation Card of the replaced official must be returned to the BFF before the Accreditation Card of the new official can be produced. The new official is not considered part of the Team’s Official Delegation until he/she receives his/her Accreditation card. 




SECTION 5: MEDIA

 

31                General Requirements

 

The Participating Clubs are encouraged to link the BFF website (www.bffonline.com) to its own website respectively upon entry to the Competition.

 

32                Media

32.1          Where required, the Home Teams will be responsible for the production of media bibs for photographers, TV and ENG crews under supervision by BFF. The Home Team will be responsible for their distribution before and collection after the match.

 

32.2          All reasonable security measures must be put in place, at the cost of the Home Teams, to protect the commentary area, camera positions and the equipment of the broadcasters.

 

33                Media Access Areas

 

33.1          No representatives of the written press or radio journalists are allowed on the field of play or the area between the boundaries of the field and the spectators.

33.2          Only those photographers who have the approval from BFF Media wing, TV cameramen of the Host Broadcaster and the main visiting broadcaster and the personnel required to operate the electronic television cameras of the Host Broadcaster are allowed in the area between the boundaries of the field of play and the spectators, where they will carry out their work in the specific locations assigned to them.

33.3          The team dressing-rooms are strictly off limits to representatives of the Media before, during and after the Match.

33.4          Bangladesh Football Federation shall ensure the Host Broadcaster and all Broadcast Affiliates have free access to the Stadia from 2 (two) days prior to match day until 1 (one) day after the Match, in order to access the technical issues of each match and to assemble and construct the relevant infrastructure required for the execution of the Broadcast Rights.

33.5          The BFF is responsible for ensuring that Broadcast Rights are protected and that no broadcaster and/or video or ENG camera crews are allowed access to the stadium without the prior written permission of BFF.

 

34                Training Session

 

All Training Sessions must be opened to the Media. Should the Participating Clubs wish to close its Training Session to the Media, it shall open for at least the first 15 (fifteen) minutes of the training.


 

35                Press Conferences

 

35.1          The Participating Clubs must attend the pre-match press conference, if any, to be conducted under the supervision of BFF Media Officer.

35.2          The Head Coach of each Participating Clubs is obliged to attend and participate in the Pre-Match/Tournament Press Conference to be held at least one day before the Match.

35.3          Both teams are obliged to ensure attendance of their Head Coach at Post-Match press conference after each match. The loosing team will seat for the Post-Match press conference first and in case of draw situation the ‘Team-A’ will seat for the press conference first.

35.4          Interpretation of the coaches and players’ language into Bengali during the interview with media and at the press conferences is the responsibility of each participating team. 

35.5          Non-compliance with clauses Art 35.1, 35.2 and 35.3 above will result in disciplinary action which may include a fine of a minimum of BDT 10,000 (Ten thousand taka only) and the Head Coach may be subject to a ban from the dressing room and/or the substitutes’ bench.

 

36                Mixed Zone

 

Players and officials of the Participating Clubs shall enter the Mixed Zone on their way from the team dressing room to the team bus after the Match.

 

37                Interviews

 

37.1          If requested by BFF, the Participating Clubs should have their Head Coach and 1 (one) player available for the day before each Match and/or on the Match day for an interview of up to 10 (ten) minutes, to be recorded by the main TV rights-holding or by BFF’s official website www.bffonline.com.

37.2          Players and officials of Participating Clubs are not permitted to give interviews during the Match on the field of play or in its immediate vicinity. However, the BFF Media Officer may designate an area between the substitutes’ benches and dressing rooms in which “flash” interviews for the Host Television Broadcaster only, can take place at the end of the Match. Players and officials violating this Article will be subject to disciplinary measures.

37.3          If requested by BFF for the ‘flash’ interviews, the Head Coach and at least 1 (one) key player from both Participating Clubs must be available for at least the Host Broadcaster and the TV rights-holding broadcaster.

37.4          All interview locations should be assigned by BFF Media Officer.

 

38                Audio/Video Recording of Matches

                                  

The Home Teams shall guarantee the DVD is of good quality and covering entire duration of the match. 



SECTION 6: EQUIPMENT/KIT

 

39                Equipment Regulations

 

39.1          The Participating Clubs must comply with the AFC Equipment Regulations (as in www.the-afc.com)

39.2          The AFC Equipment Regulations are in force from the time the Participating Club’s Official Delegation arrive at a Controlled Access Areas until the time the Team’s Official Delegation depart from such areas.

 

40                Sleeve Patches

 

Each Participating Club shall allow space on the sleeves of the players uniform available (or such other part of the player uniform as BFF may determine) to affix to the relevant Match identifier in a form, manner and position to be determined by BFF as below:

 

Ø                  Bangladesh Premier League sleeve patch on the right;

 

Ø                  BFF Logo sleeve patch on the left.

 

 

SECTION 7: TICKETING

 

41                Policy

 

41.1          The entire ticketing system regulating ticket design, pricing policy, procedures and implementation shall be approved by BFF.

41.2          The Home Team will ensure that printed tickets include, where available, seat numbering and/or serial numbering. All tickets shall incorporate only those Logos and Marks of the Competition and the official Commercial Affiliates and Broadcast Affiliates as requested and/or agreed by BFF as parts of the ticket design.

41.3          Each home club shall be responsible for printing and sale of tickets for its home matches. It shall be entitled to retain the ticketing income after the deduction of the expenses due for the organization of the match. Bangladesh Football Federation shall be entitled to receive @ 7% (Seven percent) of the gross ticket sale proceeds as levy whereas the minimum amount of the levy (payable to BFF) is BDT 1,000 (One thousand taka only). Each home club shall provide ticket sales position to BFF within 3 (three) days after each Bangladesh Premier League match.

 

42                Complimentary Tickets

Each home club shall make available 25 (twenty-five) complementary tickets in the tribune or VIP areas for visiting clubs, which shall be used for the officials, sponsors and commercial partners of the visiting club. In addition, each home club shall make available 100 (one hundred) complementary tickets in the tribune or VIP areas for BFF, which shall be used by officials of BFF and the commercial partners of the Bangladesh Premier League. BFF is entitled to include the provision of complementary tickets in sponsorship and commercial contracts made on behalf of the Bangladesh Premier League. 



SECTION 8: MEDICAL AND DOPING CONTROL



43.      
Medical Personnel


 

The Home Team shall provide, at its own cost, the following medical personnel on match day at the Stadium where the match is organized:

 

On-Pitch Medical Services:

Ø                  1 (one) on pitch Medical Officer trained in Emergency Medicine.

Ø                  8 (eight) trained stretcher bearers in good physical condition.

 

44.       Anti-Doping

 

44.1     Doping is prohibited. BFF shall inform the Participating Club by means of a circular of the doping control procedure. List of prohibited substances/methods can be downloaded from the AFC or WADA website (www.wada-ama.org).

44.2     The BFF shall be responsible for the approval of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory which will carry out the analysis of samples.

44.3     The BFF Disciplinary Code, the AFC Anti-Doping Regulations, as well as all relevant AFC directives will apply to this Competition.

 

SECTION 9: DISCIPLINARY LAWS AND PROCEDURES

 

45                Disciplinary measures and appeals

 

45.1          Disciplinary measures and appeals are dealt with in compliance with the current BFF Statutes, BFF Disciplinary Code and the relevant BFF circular(s).

45.2          BFF may initiate investigations should it suspect and/or is aware of any violations of the Laws of the Game and contravention of its Statutes, Rules, Regulations, Instructions and decisions by the Clubs, Officials and Players.

45.3          BFF may impose the disciplinary measures for any violations of the Laws of the Game and contravention of its Statutes, Rules, Regulations, Instructions and decisions by the Clubs, Officials and Players.

45.4          A club must not pay or offer any fee or remuneration to a referee or assistant referee nor shall it provide him with any gifts or incentives. Breach of this rule shall result in the offending club’s expulsion from the Bangladesh Premier League and it and its officials, coaches and players shall be liable to further sanctions to be determined by the Professional Football League Committee of BFF. Referees are obliged to bring any such approach to the immediate attention of BFF. Failure of a referee to report any such approach shall lead to his omission from the Bangladesh Premier League panel of referees and to other disciplinary sanctions as appropriate.

45.5          Any referee who accepts any payment, inducement or gift from any Bangladesh Premier League Club at any time shall be expelled from the Bangladesh Premier League panel of referees and be liable to further sanctions to be determined by BFF or BFF Professional Football League Committee.

45.6          Any club which plays an unregistered (or ineligible) player or players in a match shall be deduced 3 (three) points from its point table for each match in which this occurs and shall be deemed to have forfeited the league fixture by the score line of 3 (three) goals to 0 (zero). However, result will stand for the winning team if the match score is more than 3 (three) goals. 

45.7          No club, its officials, coaches, players or supporters may approach a referee and attempt to influence him in refereeing a match. If any club, its officials, coaches, players or supporters are guilty of making such an approach, the club shall be punished and it and its officials, coaches, players or supporters shall be liable to further sanctions to be determined by BFF or BFF Professional Football League Committee.

 

46.       Players and Officials cautioned or dismissed from the field of play

 

 

46.1     All clubs selected to participate in the Bangladesh Premier League shall honor the ethos of football and be committed to participate in a spirit of fair play.

46.2     BFF’s appointed Match Commissioner shall oversee the spirit of fair play at each Bangladesh Premier League match. The Match Commissioner shall make a report to BFF (See Appendix 9).

46.3     BFF or BFF Professional Football League Committee shall draw up a ‘Code of Conduct’ (See Appendix 10) which must be observed by each club, its officials, coaches and players.

46.4     Any matters brought to the attention of the Disciplinary Committee of BFF by referees, match commissioners, referee assessors or BFF Professional Football League Committee, the Disciplinary Committee shall have the authority to impose the sanctions or take other actions its deems appropriate as per the BFF Disciplinary Code.

46.5     Any player, club, official or referee or any concerned who is affected by a decision passed by the Disciplinary Committee and has an interest justifying amendment or cancellation of such decision may submit an appeal to the Appeal Committee of BFF enclosing all supporting documents within 7 (seven) days of the date of imposition of the original sanction and the Appeal Committee shall resolve the dispute within the next 10 (ten) days.

46.6     An appeal may be lodged to the Appeal Committee of BFF against any decision passed by the Disciplinary Committee of BFF, unless the sanction pronounced is:

·                    a warning;

·                    a reprimand;

·                    a suspension for less than 3 (three) matches or of up to 2 (two) months;

·                    a fine of less than BDT 50,000 (Fifty thousand taka only) imposed on a club or of less than BDT 25,000 (Twenty-five thousand taka only) in other cases.

46.7     BFF shall maintain a record of yellow and red cards awarded against each player and official.

46.7.1 A player who is sent-off (receiver a red card) during a match (either a straight red card or two yellow cards) shall automatically be suspended for the next match. If the offence for which the red card is issued is of a serious nature, the BFF Disciplinary Committee can increase the period of suspension. 

46.7.2  A player who accumulates 3 (three) cautions (yellow cards) in Bangladesh Premier League matches shall be suspended for the next match and the same 1 (one) match suspension will be applied after the subsequent 3 (three) cautions (yellow cards) of the player. A player who accumulates 9 (nine) cautions or 4 (four) direct red cards shall be required to appear before the BFF Disciplinary Committee to explain why his registration for the Bangladesh Premier League should not be cancelled or any other sanction including fines. If a club accumulates 4 (four) or more yellow cards in a single match shall be fined for BDT 10,000 (Ten thousand taka only).

46.7.3  If any club coach, player, or official is indulged in criticizing the BFF official, BFF, BFF Professional Football League Committee, Bangladesh Premier League, a match commissioner, referee, referee's assistant or a fourth official in public through media will tantamount to an offence followed by a sanction with maximum fine of BDT 30,000 (Thirty thousand taka only).

46.7.4  BFF may impose any sanction it deems appropriate in response to incidents brought to its attention by the Match Commissioner and/or Referee.

 

47.        Indiscipline or Violent Conduct by players and/or officials

 

47.1          Any player or official reported for indiscipline or violent conduct anywhere in the stadium including but not limited to the field of play, the changing rooms, at the Training Sites and in the hotels shall be dealt with by the relevant BFF Committees in accordance with these Regulations, the BFF Statues and Disciplinary Code.

47.2          All players or club officers are completely forbidden to carry mobile or any electronic communication device or destructive items during the running of the game.

47.3          If the above mentioned Art 47.2) is violated, the concerned club officer and player shall be subject to punishment and expel from the stadium. The breach of this regulation will directly result in Stadium Ban for 3 (three) matches of the official or player concerned. Depending on the gravity of the offence the Professional Football League Committee of BFF shall have the authority to impose any further sanctions or take other actions its deems appropriate.

 

48.       Fixed Match

 

The following measures and penalty will be followed by the BFF Professional Football League Committee for any fixed or got-up match:

 

48.1     A special high-power committee will be formed to identify the fixed match/matches. This committee can take necessary help from the law enforcement/intelligence agency.

48.2     BFF will make, as far as possible, the videography of all the matches.

48.3     The result and points of the identified fixed match will be forfeited/nullified and additional 6 (six) points will be deducted from the already earned points of the teams concerned. If the concerned club does not have sufficient points in that case these 6 (six) points shall be adjusted, if necessary, from the points earned by the concerned club in the next match(es) of the current league. Moreover, this clause would be applicable, if required, in the matches of the subsequent league.

48.4     Punishment, monetary and match suspension/stadium ban, shall be taken against the club, club official or player who is found to have been liable for any fixed match/matches.

48.5     The decision of the BFF Professional Football League Committee concerning fixed-match is final and binding.


 

 

49.              Protest

49.1          Subject to the following provisions, protests are objections of any kind to occurrences that have a direct effect on Matches organized in the Competition (state and marking of the pitch, accessory, match equipment, eligibility of players, stadium installations, footballs, etc.) and any matters related to the breach of these Regulations.

49.2          Unless otherwise stipulated in this article, protests shall first be submitted in writing to the BFF Match Commissioner within 2 (two) hours of the Match by the team concerned and followed up immediately with a full written report, including a copy of the original protest, to be sent in writing to the BFF General Secretariat accompanied by a fee of BDT 10,000 (Ten thousand taka only). The protest shall be addressed to the Chairman of the BFF Professional Football League Committee and the protest be disposed off within 48 (forty-eight) hours. The protest fee shall not be refunded if the protest is rejected. The plaintiff club shall confirm the protest by registered letter, to be sent to the BFF Secretariat no later than 2 (two) days after the Match in question.

49.3          Protests against any incidents that occur during the course of a Match shall be made to the referee by the team captain immediately after the disputed incident and before play has been resumed. The protests shall be confirmed in writing to the BFF Match Commissioner by the head of the team delegation no later than 2 (two) hours after the Match.

49.4          No protests may be made against the Referee’s decisions regarding facts connected with play, such decisions being final.

49.5          If an unfounded or irresponsible protest is lodged, the Disciplinary Committee may impose a fine and the protest fee of BDT 10,000 (Ten thousand taka only) will be forfeited.

49.6          Once the Competition has ended, any protests described in this article shall be disregarded.

 

50                Arbitration

 

50.1          Pursuant to BFF Statutes, clubs are forbidden from taking disputes to a civil court but may only submit them to the appropriate body of BFF in accordance with the applicable procedure.

50.2          Furthermore, any disputes involving BFF, Members, confederations, leagues, teams, players, officials and licensed agents in connection with the Competition shall be promptly settled by negotiation.

 

If no solution can be reached, or a formal appeal is envisaged, the issue shall be exclusively resolved under the auspices of the arbitration chamber set forth in the BFF Statutes, namely the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) with headquarters in Lausanne. The Code of Sports-related Arbitration of the CAS and all the relevant CAS Regulations shall apply. The language of arbitration is English.


 

SECTION 10: ADMINISTRATION

 

51                Awards

Champion and Runners-Up team shall be awarded the Championship and Runners-Up Trophy and Medal respectively. Besides this, Fair Play Trophy will be awarded to the well disciplined team of the competition. In respect of the Fair Play Trophy, FIFA/AFC policies shall be followed.

 

BFF shall provide monetary prizes to the teams ranked first to fourth in the League according to the following schedule: 

BFF shall declare the prize money during the progression of the League. 

League Champions      

§                     2nd place                        

§                     3rd place                                              

§                     4th place                                   

 

 

52                Special Provisions

 

52.1          Any disputes arising from the application of these Regulations shall be settled by the jurisdiction of BFF and, if subsequently necessary and BFF’s decision is not final, by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland.

 

52.2          The BFF Professional Football League Committee shall issue any instructions necessitated by special circumstances which might arise in the commencement of the Competition. These instructions shall form an integral part of these Regulations.

 

 

53                Matters not provided for

 

Matters not provided for in these Regulations and cases of Force Majeure shall be decided by the Professional Football League Committee of BFF, whose decisions are final.

 

54        Ratification

 

These Regulations were ratified by the Executive Committee of Bangladesh Football Federation in the 25th of August 2013 and came into force immediately.

 

Sign Shohag new.jpg

Sign_Salahuddin 02.jpg

 

 

         Kazi Md. Salahuddin                                     Md. Abu Nayeem Shohag

         President                                                          General Secretary