Match Rules

1.   The match should be played under the FIFA rules as applicable at the time.
2.   Taking due account of the extreme heat at certain times in the year and the tradition of the match it is recommended that the game be played in March or April each year.
3.   The players should be resident / employed / student in Qatar for three full months prior to the date of the match. Documentary proof may be required.
4.   It is preferred that all players are English / Scottish nationals only, as interpreted by FIFA rules concurrently in effect. However up to 3 non-nationals can be included. These shall be amateur status players from the British Isles (Wales, N. Ireland and Irish Republic). Additional non-nationals and players of other nationality may be included, subject to the approval of the Organising Committee, but these players would only be accepted for reasons of a shortage of nationals, possibly affecting the event as a spectacle.
5.  The onus is on each individual player to demonstrate that he is eligible to play, based on the above, and any Committee decision will be final on this matter.
6.  The duration of the game will be 40 minutes each way, progressing directly to a penalty shoot-out in the event of a drawn match. During the match, up to five substitutes can be used from the remainder of the original squad of twenty two players. Match officials must be made aware of the match rules, this should be confirmed via the Qatar Football Association.
7.  The Managers of the respective squads must provide a full list of a maximum 22 players, 30 days prior to the game, to the Committee and a copy forwarded to the opposing side (in confidence).
8.  The trophy will be presented to the winning side on the day and held by a nominated representative until 1 week before the next annual match. It is the winning team. s responsibility to have the trophy engraved.
9.    It is recommended that the Organising Committee be made up of a minimum of two Scottish representatives and two English representatives. The Committee must appoint a Chairman, a Treasurer, a Secretary and a Social Convenor. In the event of a tied vote the Chairman. s vote carries.
10.   The respective team managers / coaches must receive a copy of the minutes of the meetings as soon as possible. Players should then be informed at the next available opportunity (training) of ongoing developments and arrangements regarding publicity, programmes, the match, the function, etc.
11.   All kits, balls, the trophy and any other relevant accessories are deemed to be the property of the Committee (whether purchased via sponsorship or raised from training fees). All of the above must be returned to the Committee within 10 days after the match. If any of the property owned by the Committee is required for other events within the year, it is a requirement of the Committee that any property borrowed is documented and signed for.
12.   The individual borrowing the equipment is then accepting full responsibility for any loss, damage or theft and will pay for replacement equipment.
13.  Any complaints from Managers / Coaches / Players / Others should be provided to the Committee in writing for investigation. It is the Committee. s responsibility to address the matter and resolve it, in a fair manner. The complaint should be documented by the Secretary and a written reply provided.