LEAGUE RULES

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 Table of Contents
1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 3
2. The Indian Super League..................................................................................................................... 11
3. Competition format - League Matches ............................................................................................... 13
4. Competition format - Play-Off Matches ............................................................................................. 13
5. Abandoned/Postponed Matches ........................................................................................................ 14
6. Trophy, awards, medals and prize money .......................................................................................... 16
7. Fair Play ............................................................................................................................................... 18
8. Player Regulations .............................................................................................................................. 18
9. Team Sheets ........................................................................................................................................ 20
10. Fixture List and Kick-off times for Matches ........................................................................................ 21
11. Fields of play, Clocks and Displays ...................................................................................................... 22
12. Match Officials .................................................................................................................................... 22
13. Cautions .............................................................................................................................................. 22
14. Team Officials and Officials Lists ......................................................................................................... 23
15. Team Kit .............................................................................................................................................. 24
16. Medical requirements......................................................................................................................... 25
17. Security and Safety ............................................................................................................................. 25
18. Insurance............................................................................................................................................. 26
19. Opening/Closing Event and Opening Match....................................................................................... 27
20. Promotional Obligations and Media Policy ........................................................................................ 27
21. Protests ............................................................................................................................................... 30
22. Code of Conduct of Players and Officials/Club Obligations ................................................................ 30
23. Club/Player Disputes........................................................................................................................... 34
24. Disciplinary matters ............................................................................................................................ 34
25. Dispute Resolution .............................................................................................................................. 34

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1. Introduction

1.1 Objective
The objective of the League in relation to the ISL is to establish a competition which involves Overseas
and Indian players with a view to increasing (at grassroots level and beyond) the profile of football in
India and to developing the game at every level in India.

1.2 Definitions
In these Rules:

“AFC” means The Asian Football Confederation;

“AIFF” means The All India Football Federation;

“AIFF Anti-Corruption Guidelines” means the document entitled “The AIFF Anti-Corruption/Integrity
Guidelines for clubs, teams, players, coaches, referees, team officials and match officials etc” (as such
title may be amended from time to time);

“AIFF Constitution” means the constitution from time to time of the AIFF;

“AIFF Disciplinary Committee” means the AIFF Disciplinary Committee established under the AIFF
Disciplinary Code;

“AIFF Integrity Declaration” means the AIFF Integrity Declaration to be signed by Players, Team Officials
and Match Officials;

“AIFF Regulations” means the AIFF Disciplinary Code, the AIFF Regulations for the Status and Transfer of
Players, the AIFF Anti-Doping Regulations, the AIFF Anti-Corruption Guidelines, the AIFF Integrity
Declaration and the AIFF Code of Ethics as the same are amended from time to time by AIFF and such
other documents issued by AIFF that are adopted by the League;

“Associated Company” shall mean in relation to a person the ultimate parent company for the time
being of that person and any company which is controlled by such parent company by shareholding (or
any holding of equivalent securities), board control, agreement or otherwise;

“Away Club” means the club participating in a Match which is not the Home Club;“Business Day” means
any day (not being a Saturday or Sunday) on which banks are generally open for business in Mumbai;

“Club” means any entity which has acquired the right to be enrolled as a member of the ISL and to
participate in the ISL (and references in these Rules to a Club shall be deemed to include its Team
wherever appropriate);

“Club Partner” shall mean any person who has from time to time entered into a commercial agreement
or arrangement with the Club or any Associated Company to promote such person’s goods or services in
connection with the Club and/or Team including without limitation any sponsors, official suppliers
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and/or licensees of the Club and/or Team and “Club Partner Agreement” shall be construed
accordingly;

“Composite Logo” means any official logo published from time to time in relation to the ISL which
relates to or identifies any sponsor of the ISL;

“Control” shall mean the right, authority or ability to appoint the majority of the directors or to control
the management or policy decisions or assets or business operations, exercisable by a person or persons
acting individually or in concert, directly or indirectly, including by virtue of their shareholding or
management rights or shareholders agreements or voting agreements or in any other manner and
“Controls” and “Controlled” shall be construed accordingly;

“FIFA” means The Federation Internationale de Football Association;

“Final” means the one-off final Play-Off Match to decide the overall winner of the ISL in each ISL Season
and “Finalist shall be construed accordingly;

“Force Majeure” means any event due to which the League is forced to or considers itself obliged to
cancel the whole or part of any or all Matches or the ISL in any year, arising from or attributable to acts,
events, omissions or accidents which are outside the reasonable control of the League, including but not
limited to any rules promulgated by AIFF, AFC or FIFA from time to time, the effect of any elections,
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, threat of terrorist action, riot, crowd disorder, strike, lock-outs or other industrial action (but
not strikes, lock-outs or other industrial action of any participating Club), acts or omissions of public
authorities or any changes in any law, regulation or policy of the government;

“Fourth Official” means the Match Official appointed by AIFF whose duties shall be as defined in page
58 of Laws of the Game 2014-15 and who will replace any Match Official who is unable to continue;

“Game” means the game of association football;

“Ground” means the playing areas/field at each Stadium;

“Head Coach” means, in relation to each Team, the most senior Team Official responsible for coaching
such Team;

“Home Club” means the Club hosting a Match and in respect of the Final shall be determined in
accordance with Rule 9.4;

“IMGR or IMG Reliance” means IMG Reliance Pvt. Limited;

“Indian Player” means a player who is eligible to play for the Indian national football team through
holding an Indian passport or being an Indian citizen;

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“Indian Super League” or “ISL” means the professional football league being established by the League
under sanction from the AIFF;

“Insolvency Event” shall occur in respect of a person if:

(a) any bona fide petition is presented to or any bona fide demand is served on that person or an
order is made or resolution passed for the winding up of that person or a bona fide notice is
issued convening a meeting for the purpose of passing any such resolution; or

(b) any bona fide petition is presented for an administration order or any bona fide notice of the
appointment of or of an intention to appoint an administrator of that person is filed in court or
an administration order or interim order is made in relation to that person; or

(c) any administrative or other receiver or manager is appointed of that person or of all or any
material part of its assets and/or undertaking or any other bona fide step is taken to enforce any
encumbrance over all or any part of the assets and/or undertaking of that person; or

(d) any bona fide step is taken by that person with a view to proposing any kind of composition,
compromise or arrangement involving that person and any of its creditors, including but not
limited to a voluntary arrangement

(e) it ceases to carry on business in the normal course

or anything similar occurs under any analogous legislation anywhere in the world;

“International Player” means any Overseas Player who is not a Marquee Player;

“ISL Appeal Commission” means the appeal committee appointed pursuant to Rule 25.4;

“ISL Committee” means the committee appointed by the League and the AIFF to perform certain
functions in relation to the ISL including any duly constituted sub-committee of the ISL Committee and
“ISL Committee Member” shall mean any member of the ISL Committee or such sub-committee;

“ISL Regulatory Commission” means the disciplinary committee appointed pursuant to Rule 25.1;

“ISL Season” means each period between 1st July and 31st December (inclusive), save as to the first ISL
Season, which shall be between 23rd July 2014 and 31st December 2014;

“Laws of the Game” means the laws of the Game as determined by the International Football
Association Board and published by FIFA from time to time;

“League” or “FSD” means Football Sports Development Ltd (as such company may be re-named), a
subsidiary of IMG Reliance and Star which is a party to the MRA and has been established, inter alia, to
operate the ISL including any committee established by the League (other than the ISL Committee) in
connection with the ISL;

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“League Match” means a Match played as part of the ISL before and excluding the Play-Off Matches;

“League Partner” shall mean any person and/or entity who has from time to time entered into a
commercial arrangement or agreement with the League (or any other third party in relation to the
League) to carry on business or to promote such person’s goods or services in relation to the League
and/or ISL including without limitation any sponsor, official supplier, merchandiser, licensee or
broadcaster or other media partner appointed by the League (or any other such third party), and “League
Partner Agreement” shall be construed accordingly;

“League Title” means the official name/title of the ISL from time to time which may include the name of
a sponsor, being at the date of publication of these Rules “The Hero Indian Super League”;

“Loan Player” means a Player who is signed on a loan basis by a Club from a third party club;

“Marquee Player” means any player designated as such by the League;

“Matches” means, together, the League Matches and the Play-Off Matches;

“Match Commissioner” means the Match Official to be appointed by AIFF who acts as AIFF’s official
representative at a Match and is responsible for ensuring the orderly organisation of the Match and
compliance with the Regulations, and especially any rules and/or guidelines for order and security inside
and outside the Stadium before, during and after the Match;

“Match Officials” means referees and assistant referees (including any reserve officials and Fourth
Officials), the Match Commissioner, Referee Assessor and any other person appointed by AIFF to
officiate at a Match;

“MRA” means the Master Rights Agreement signed by AIFF and IMGR which has been novated by IMGR
to FSD;

“Officials List” means a list of the Team Officials from the Club, who will sit on the substitutes’ bench
and/or in the dug-out for a particular Match;

“Overseas Player” means a player who is a foreign national and is not eligible to play football for the
Indian national football team;

“Participation Agreement” means each agreement between FSD and a Club granting such Club the right
to be enrolled as a member of the ISL and to participate in the ISL;

“person” includes any individual, company, legal entity, firm or unincorporated association of any kind;

“person subject to these Rules” means each Club, Player, Team Official and/or Match Official or any
other person who from time to time is bound by these Rules;

“Player” means a professional football player;

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“Player Contract” means the form of player contract to be provided by the League to the Club
in respect of those of the Club’s Players who are being contracted to play for the Club as the
same may be amended by the League from time to time;

“Player Identification” shall mean the name, reputation, nickname, fame, image, shirt
number, signature, voice and any other portrayal or characteristics of any kind of the Player
(whether real or virtual and in any format whether in film, by way of a photograph, virtual,
electronic or otherwise and including without limitation the use thereof in electronic games)
and all other characteristics of the Player including his shirt number;

“Player Loan Agreement” means the form of a loan agreement to be provided by the League in respect
of those of the Club’s Loan Players;

“Player Registration Form” means the form provided by the League to be submitted by each Club in
respect of each Player under Rule 8.4, as the same may be amended by the League from time to time;

“Player Selection List” means the list from which a Team Sheet shall be prepared;

“Player Selection Process” means the process by which each Club shall select its Players which shall be
published by the League and as the same may be amended from time to time by the League;

“Play-Off Match” means each and any of the Matches after the end of the League Matches to decide
the overall winner of the ISL in the relevant ISL Season, including (unless stated otherwise) the Final;

“Referee Assessor” means any person appointed by AIFF to assess the performance of the Match
Officials;

“Registered” means, in respect of a Player, that he is registered to play for a Team as contemplated by
Rule 8;

“Regulations” mean these Rules, the AIFF Regulations and any other regulations published by or on
behalf of the League in connection with the ISL from time to time including without limitation,
Sponsorship Guidelines, Player Identification Guidelines, Ticketing Guidelines and the Operational
Guidelines, in each case as the same may be amended from time to time;

“Representatives” shall, when used in relation to a person, mean the shareholders, officers, directors,
employees and/or agents of such person;

“Rules” means these Rules which may be amended from time to time by the League;

“Squad” means the squad of Players from which a Club will select its Team for the relevant Match, and
“Squad List” shall be construed accordingly;

“Stadium” means the whole of the premises of a stadium selected for playing the Matches, including
without limitation the Grounds, all accreditation facilities, the areas surrounding the Stadium, training
and warm-up grounds and areas, the stands, passageways, walkways, staircases, lifts, bars, toilets,
hospitality facilities, private members’ areas, suites, wherever applicable fences, commentary boxes,
gantries, walls, windows, seats, boundaries, floodlights, media facilities, electronic scoreboards and
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replay screens, roofs, shops, box offices, car parks and other areas within the Stadium except any
residential areas in the club house, airspace above any of the foregoing, static or moving objects inside
and outside the Stadium in each case in and around and/or which form part of the Stadium or which are
otherwise owned and/or controlled by the relevant Stadium owner in connection with the Stadium;

“Star” means Star India Private Limited, one of the companies which owns FSD;

“Team” means a team which is selected to participate in any Match including, where appropriate, any
substitutes;

“Team Manager” means a person appointed under Rule 14.8;

“Team Media Officer” means a person appointed under Rule 14.9;

“Team Official” means any director, secretary, officer, coach, executive, doctor, physiotherapist or other
person employed or otherwise contracted by any Club in relation to its Team together with all of those
persons who are accredited as representing the Club, whether accredited for the ISL either centrally or
locally; and

“Team Sheet” means the list of Players who will represent the Club in a particular Match and/or sit on
the substitutes’ bench.

1.3 Interpretation

(a) Unless the context otherwise requires:

(i) words importing the singular shall include the plural and vice versa; and
(ii) words importing any particular gender shall include all other genders.
(b) References to any statutory provisions shall be construed as references to those provisions as
they may be amended or re-enacted.
(c) In the event of any inconsistency between these Rules and any of the other Regulations and/or
the Participation Agreement, these Rules shall prevail.

1.4 Headings

The headings in these Rules are for convenience only and shall not affect their interpretation.

1.5 Amendments

Any amendment to these Rules shall become effective upon the publication by the League of the
amended Rules.

1.6 Delegation

The League shall be entitled to delegate any power or authority bestowed on it under these Rules to any
other sub-committee, to the ISL Committee or to any other person either generally or in respect of any
individual events or circumstances.

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1.7 Effect of these Rules

Participation in the ISL (whether by way of operating a Club, playing in a Match, acting as a Team
Official or Match Official or otherwise acting in connection with the League) shall constitute an
agreement between (i) the League and the Clubs and between each Club; (ii) the League and each Team
Official; and (iii) the League and each Player and (iv) the League and each Match Official and (v) the
League and any other person subject to these Rules to be bound by and comply with the following in
relation to the ISL:

(a) the Laws of the Game;

(b) the Regulations including these Rules;

(c) the AIFF Constitution and AIFF Regulations;

(d) the statutes and regulations of FIFA; and

(e) to accept that all on-field and Match day disciplinary and refereeing matters connected with any
Match shall, save where provided to the contrary under these Rules, be dealt with under the
AIFF Disciplinary Code by the AIFF Disciplinary Committee.

1.8 Indemnity

Each Club agrees to indemnify the League, IMGR and Star (together with its/their respective
Representatives) from and against any and all costs, damages, losses, expenses, claims made or
threatened against them or other liabilities in each case of any kind (including reasonable professional
fees) which are suffered or otherwise incurred by the League, IMGR, Star (or any such Representatives)
as a result of or in connection with any breach by the Club of the Regulations.

1.9 General Conduct

Each person subject to these Rules shall not at any time act in a manner which does or which might be
anticipated to bring such person, the ISL, Star, IMGR, the League, any Team, any Player, the AIFF, the ISL
Committee or any ISL Committee Member and/or the Game into disrepute or adversely affect its/their
reputation.

1.10 Insolvency Event

The League shall have power to suspend a Team if its Club suffers an Insolvency Event and each Club
shall immediately notify the League if there is any Insolvency Event in relation to it. The following
provisions shall apply in relation to any such suspension:

(a) unless a suspension is postponed, a suspended Team shall not take part any further in the ISL;

(b) for the purposes of the ISL, the League may determine how the cancellation of a Match caused
by the suspension of one of the Teams shall be treated;

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(c) while a Club is suspended following an Insolvency Event the League shall have the power at its
discretion to make such payments as may be due to AIFF, the League or any person subject to
these Rules out of any sum which would otherwise be due to the relevant Club whether under
its Participation Agreement or otherwise;

(d) in addition to any of the above rights, if there is an Insolvency Event the League may impose
upon the Club a deduction of 6 points;

(e) in addition to the above rights the League may by written notice and with immediate effect
terminate the right of a Club to operate a Team if such Club suffers an Insolvency Event.

1.11 Confidentiality

No person subject to the Rules shall without the League’s prior written consent either during its
participation in or involvement with the ISL or at any time thereafter disclose (directly or indirectly) to
any person or otherwise make use of any confidential information as to the business, affairs or finances
of IMGR, Star, the League, the ISL, the AIFF, the ISL Committee, any ISL Committee Member or any other
person subject to these Rules which comes to its knowledge by reason of its participation in the ISL.

1.12 Special Circumstances

The League may, if necessitated by special circumstances, issue any specific instructions from time to
time, which instructions shall form an integral part of the Regulations.

1.13 Matters not provided for

The League may in its discretion decide upon any matter or circumstances arising in relation to the ISL in
respect of which no specific provision has been made in these Rules or the Regulations or in the event of
any inconsistency or other issues of any kind in connection with them. All such decisions will be final
and binding and subject to one appeal.

1.14 Set-Off

Whenever any sum of money is or shall in the future become recoverable from or payable by any Club
to the League, to any other Club or to any person subject to these Rules (including Players) including but
not limited to fines, costs, awards or decisions made under the Regulations and such sum has not been
paid on time or the League reasonably believes it will not be paid on time, then the same may be
deducted from any sum then due or which at any time thereafter may become due to that Club arising
out of the Regulations or any contract between such Club and the League including without limitation
the relevant Participation Agreement and the League may pay such sum on to any third party to whom it
is owed by such Club including but not limited to any Player. The League shall not exercise its rights
under this Rule until it has consulted with the affected Club to ascertain the reasons why the relevant
sum has not been paid and/or the likelihood of any future sum being paid on time. The exercise by the
League of its rights hereunder shall be without prejudice to any other rights or remedies available to the
League.

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1.15 Waiver

Any waiver of any breach of these Rules (including of any document referred to in these Rules) will not
operate as, or be construed to be, a waiver of any other breach of such provision or of any breach of any
other provision or a waiver of any right arising out of these Regulations or any other document. Any
such waiver shall only be valid if given in writing. Failure by the League to insist upon strict adherence to
any provision of these Rules or the Regulations, or any document referred to in these Rules or the
Regulations, on one or more occasions will not be considered to be a waiver of, or deprive the League of
the right to subsequently insist upon strict adherence to that provision or any other provision of the
Regulations, or any document referred to in these Rules.

1.16 Where reference is made in these Rules to a requirement to contacting the League or otherwise
notifying the League of any matter then such contact or notification shall be addressed to [
].

1.17 Governing Law

These Rules shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India.

2. The Indian Super League

2.1 The Indian Super League is approved and sanctioned by AIFF.

2.2 The League Title may be combined with the name of any title sponsor of the ISL from time to
time. Each person subject to these Rules shall, when referring to the ISL, use the League Title
and (if published) the Composite Logo but if no such Composite Logo is published then each
such person shall use the official ISL logo.

2.3 The Regulations and all guidelines and circulars issued by the League are binding for all relevant
parties participating and involved in the preparation and organization of the ISL.

2.4 The Laws of the Game in force shall apply in respect of all Matches.

2.5 The ISL shall comprise such number of Teams as the League decides from time to time and the
manner in which additional Teams shall join the ISL shall be decided by the League in its
discretion after consultation with the ISL Committee.

2.6 The format and structure of the ISL shall be decided by the League. The ISL will be a closed
league, and there shall be no promotion to or relegation from it unless and until the League
decides otherwise. In making any changes to the structure of the ISL the League shall work in
consultation with the ISL Committee.

2.7 Each Match shall last 90 minutes, comprising two periods of 45 minutes, with a half time interval
of 15 minutes.

2.8 If, in accordance with the provisions of these Rules, extra time is to be played in the event of a
draw at the end of normal playing time (being at the end of the second leg of the semi-final Play-

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 Off Matches and/or the Final)), it shall always consist of two periods of 15 minutes each, with an
interval of 5 minutes at the end of normal playing time, but not between the two periods of
extra time.

2.9 If the score in respect of any Match where periods of extra time have been played is still level at
the end of the extra time , penalty kicks shall be taken in accordance with the procedure
described in the Laws of the Game.

2.10 The League shall determine the period and duration of each ISL Season in consultation with the
ISL Committee.

2.11 Each Club shall be obliged to play all its scheduled Matches.

2.12 Each Team shall arrive at the city where their Match is scheduled at least a day before the
Team’s Match.

2.13 Each Club shall ensure that all members of its Team are at the Stadium at which a Match is to be
played at least 90 minutes before the scheduled start time as shown in the fixture list.

2.14 Each Club shall ensure that its Team is ready to take the field as per the official countdown
timings (which shall be provided by the League prior to each Match). Each Club acknowledges
that a late start may have contractual consequences for the League and/or the ISL in relation to
its broadcasters. Any Club (which expression shall include, without limitation, its Team) at fault
for the late start of any Match shall be held guilty of misconduct and shall be punishable by way
of fine in accordance with Rule 22.2 and/or may be liable under the indemnity referred to in
Rule 1.8.

2.15 The balls to be used in Matches shall be as supplied by the League before the commencement of
the Match.

2.16 Official practice venues, in good condition, shall be made available to the Away Club by
the Home club at least two days prior to each Match day.

2.17 Clubs shall use only those practice venues which have been officially designated for
practice and training and approved by the League.

2.18 Both Teams will be entitled to warm up on the Match pitch before each Match, weather and
pitch conditions permitting. The Away Team shall also be entitled to at least one practice session
of an hour on the Match pitch one or two days prior to each Match. If the pitch is not in good
condition or training sessions would negatively affect the state of the pitch for the Match, the
Match Commissioner may decide otherwise.

2.19 If the field of play is not in good condition, the Match Commissioner may direct the
Teams only to inspect the field of play wearing training shoes.

2.20 The Match Commissioner will inspect the Stadium prior to the Match day and also prior
to commencement of the Match so as to satisfy that all arrangements are in accordance with
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 The Laws of the Game, the Regulations. If, other than as a result of Force Majeure, the Match
Commissioner is not satisfied with the arrangements he will issue Match instructions to the
Home Club to rectify and amend the same. The decision of the Match Commissioner shall
be final and binding.

2.21 However, if prior to Match kick-off time and other than as a result of Force Majeure, Rule 2.20 is
still not complied with to the satisfaction of the Match Commissioner, the Home Club may be
liable to disciplinary action. No appeal shall lie against this decision. In case of a Club being a
repeated offender, the League may take strict action against the relevant Club.

3. Competition format – League Matches

3.1 Unless otherwise determined by the League, the League Matches shall be played on a home and
away basis such that each Team plays League Matches against all the other Teams twice during
each ISL Season.

3.2 The winner of a League Match shall be awarded three points while the Team that loses shall get
no points and if a League Match is drawn each participating Team shall be awarded one point.

3.3 The results of the League Matches shall be recorded by the League in a table (the “League
Table”).

3.4 The position of Teams in the League Table shall from time to time be determined by (in this
order):
(a) most number of points obtained in all League Matches;
(b) highest goal difference in all League Matches;
(c) most number of goals scored in all League Matches.

3.5 If two or more Teams are equal on the basis of the three criteria referred to in the above Rule
3.4 then their ranking shall be determined as follows (in this order):

(a) most number of points obtained in the League Matches between the Teams concerned;
(b) highest goal difference resulting from the League Matches between the Teams
concerned;
(c) most number of away goals scored in the League Matches between the Teams
concerned;
(d) drawing of lots by the League.

4. Competition Format - Play-Off Matches

4.1 After the end of the League Matches there will be Play-Off Matches culminating in the Final to
determine the eventual winner of the ISL in each ISL Season. The top four Teams from the
League Table in each ISL Season will qualify for the Play-off Matches.

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4.2 The Play-Off Matches shall comprise two legs of semi-finals (with the first placed Team in the
League Table playing the fourth placed Team and the second and third placed Teams playing
each other). The venues of these semi-final Play-Off Matches will be decided by the League
during the ISL Season at the League’s discretion in as equitable manner as is possible given all
applicable circumstances.

4.3 The two winning Teams from these Play-Off Matches shall then compete in the Final.

4.4 If in respect of the second leg of the semi-final Play-Off Matches, and/or the Final the result
after 90 minutes is a draw , then extra time of two periods of 15 minutes each will be played. If
the score is level after extra time, penalty kicks will be taken to determine the winner of the
relevant Match in accordance with the procedure described in the Laws of the Game.

4.5 Subject to Rule 5, if both legs of a Play-Off Match ) are cancelled /abandoned and cannot be
played for some reason, the Team that finished higher in the League Table at the completion of
the League Matches (having taken into account Rule 3.4 and 3.5) shall proceed to the Final.

5. Abandoned/Postponed Matches

5.1 When the referee and/or Match Commissioner does not start a Match or ends a Match before
the regulation time, he shall inform the other Match Official and the Head Coach or captains of
both the Teams, giving the reasons for abandoning or not playing the Match. The referee and/or
Match Commissioner shall also immediately send a detailed report giving the reasons that
compelled him to take the above steps to the League.

5.2 If a Match cannot commence due to any incident not directly or indirectly attributable to the
participating Teams, including but not limited to Force Majeure (which includes weather
conditions) the following procedure shall be followed:
(a) The Match must first be delayed for a minimum of one hour, unless the referee and/or
Match Commissioner decides the Match can commence earlier or has already decided
that the Match cannot be played.
(b) At the discretion of the referee and/or Match Commissioner, after the first one hour
period referred to in (a) above, another delay of a maximum of one hour shall be
allowed if, in the relevant official’s opinion such extra period of delay will allow the
Match to commence. Otherwise, at the end of this second one hour period, the
referee and/or Match Commissioner must declare the Match to have been cancelled.
The relevant Match Official’s decision in this regard shall be final.

(c) The League shall decide within two (2) hours of the decision to cancel a Match
under paragraph (b) above whether the Match can be rescheduled at another time,
taking sporting and organizational considerations into account, or whether any
other action and/or decision is to be t a k e n . In case the Match cannot be
rescheduled and a result therefore has to be awarded, Teams shall be awarded a point
each with a score line of 0-0.

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5.3 The outcome of any Match which is abandoned part way through or not played at all due to
reasons which can be directly or indirectly attributed to one or both the participating Teams, will
be decided by the League (including the possible completion or rescheduling of such Match in
accordance with Rules 5.2 and 5.4), with the following being applicable:

(a) If a Club does not report for a Match, except in cases of force-majeure situation
recognized by the Match Commissioner and/or the League, or if it refuses to
continue to play or leaves the field of play/Stadium before the end of the Match
despite the referee’s decision to continue to play, or, in the opinion of the referee,
the Match cannot be continued due to the behaviour of a Team or behaviour for
which the Club is liable or be held responsible, the relevant Club shall:

i. be considered to be in breach of these League Rules and Regulations;

ii. have the relevant Match cancelled and forfeited by a score of 3-0;

iii. be required to pay compensation for any and all damages or losses suffered by
the opponent Club and its Club Partners, the League and League Partners. The
amount of compensation will be determined by the League; and

iv. notwithstanding any penal action otherwise provided in any other Regulation, be
liable for an additional fine, deduction of points and/or suspension by the League
from taking any further part in the ISL, depending on the gravity of the incident.

(b) Sanctions under Rule 5.3(a) (above) shall come into effect immediately, however, any
aggrieved Club may lodge an appeal before the ISL Appeal Commission in the
manner and mode provided under Rule 25. The decision of the ISL Appeal
Commission shall be final and binding.

5.4 If a Match is stopped by the referee and/or Match Commissioner before the end of such Match
due to Force Majeure the following procedure shall be followed:

(a) the Match is automatically suspended for the duration of one hour to allow conditions
to improve sufficiently to restart the Match, unless the referee and/or Match
Commissioner decides that the Match can be resumed earlier;
(b) at the discretion of the referee and/or Match Commissioner, another suspension of a
maximum of one hour shall be allowed if in the relevant official’s opinion this extra
period of suspension will allow the Match to be resumed. Otherwise, or at the end of
this second one hour period, the referee and/or Match Commissioner must declare the
Match to have been abandoned for that day and the procedure in paragraph (c) below
shall apply;
(c) in circumstances where it has not been possible to complete a Play-Off Match under
paragraphs (a) and (b) above the League may, in its absolute discretion and taking
account of any relevant considerations such as Match scheduling, sporting or other

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 organisational issues decide (A) to order the part of such Match which has not been
completed to be played provided this can be done during the morning of the next day
following the abandoned Match, or (B) that it is not (due to scheduling, sporting or other
organizational issues) possible to order the remainder of the abandoned Match to be
completed under (A) of this paragraph in which case the League will determine the
result of the abandoned Match in accordance with the following:

(i) if 60 minutes or less have been played (according to the referee’s watch) at the time of
the abandonment of the Match then the result will be a draw if either the score is level
or if one Team is winning by a margin of 1 or 2 goals but if one Team is winning by a
margin of 3 or more goals then such Team will be the winner and the score at the time
of abandonment will hold; or

(ii) if more than 60 minutes have been played (according to the referee’s watch) at the time
of the abandonment of the Match then the result will be a draw if either the score is
level or if one Team is winning by a margin of 1 goal but if one Team is winning by a
margin of 2 or more goals then such Team will be the winner and the score at the time
of abandonment will hold.
The result of any League Match which cannot be completed on the day of such Match under
Rule 5.4 (a) and (b) above shall be determined in accordance with the procedure in paragraph
(B) (i) or (ii) immediately above (such that paragraph (A) above shall not apply with respect to
League Matches).
5.5 In case of an abandoned Match, where under Rule 5.4 only the part of the Match, which has
not been completed, is ordered to be played the next day, the following principles shall apply:
(a) the Match shall recommence at the minute at which play was interrupted, and with
the same score line;
(b) the Match shall recommence with the same players on the pitch and the numbers of
substitutes available when the Match was abandoned;
(c) no additional substitutes may be added to the list of players on the Team Sheet;
(d) the Teams can make only the number of substitutions to which they were still entitled
when the Match was abandoned;
(e) Players sent off during the abandoned Match cannot be replaced;
(f) any sanction imposed before the Match was abandoned shall remain valid for the
remainder of the Match.

5.6 No appeal may be lodged against decisions under Rules 5.2 and 5.4.

6. Trophy, awards, medals and prize money

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6.1 A person designated by the League will present the winner of the Final with the ISL trophy. The
winner shall later be presented with a replica trophy, which they shall be allowed to retain.

6.2 Medals will be presented to each of the Finalists, i.e. to the winners and to the runners-up of ISL.

6.3 One medal will be presented to each of the referee, assistant referees and Fourth Official who
take charge of the Final.

6.4 Performance Bonus

(a) At the end of each ISL Season, each Club will receive a sum determined by their
respective Teams’ position in the League Table at the end of the League Matches (i.e.
before the Play-Off Matches) as set out below (such sum being the Performance Bonus
as defined in and calculated in accordance with the Participation Agreement).
(b) Each Team will at the end of the League Matches be given a certain number of "League
Points" depending on its final position in the League Table before the Play-Off Matches
for that ISL Season. For the avoidance of doubt "League Points" are used only for the
determination of each Club’s share of the Performance Bonus above and are not the
same as the points which are awarded to Teams by reference to their performance in
the League Matches. The Team finishing first in the League Table after completion of all
League Matches will always receive a number of League Points equal to the number of
Teams in the ISL in that ISL Season. The Team finishing second in the League Table shall
be given half a League Point less than the Team finishing first in the League Table and
each other Team shall be given half a League Point less than the Team finishing
immediately above it in the League Table. By way of example only if there are 8 Teams
then the League Points will, at the end of the League Matches, be allocated as follows:
League Table Team Position After Completion of League League
Matches Points
1 8
2 7½
3 7
4 6½
5 6
6 5½
7 5
8 4½
(c) The total amount of the Performance Bonus for each ISL Season will be divided by the
total number of League Points allocated in accordance with the preceding paragraph so
that, for example, if there are 8 Teams in the ISL, and, as a consequence, 50 League
Points have been allocated, the total amount of the Performance Bonus will be divided
by 50.
(d) Each Club shall receive a proportion of the Performance Bonus which corresponds to the
number of League Points awarded to its Team. By way of example, where there are 8
Teams the first placed Team at the end of the League Matches shall receive 8/50 of the

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 Performance Bonus, the second placed Team at the end of the League Matches shall
receive 7.5/50 of said sum and so on until the last placed Team at the end of the League
Matches which shall receive 4.5/50 of said sum.
6.5 Prize Money
(a) In addition to the Performance Bonus, the League will in respect of each ISL Season
determine the amount of a total prize fund (being the Prize Money as defined in the
Participation Agreement) which will be distributed between the Teams participating in
the Play-Off Matches in that ISL Season by reference to each Team's performance in the
Play-Off Matches. For the first and each subsequent ISL Season (until such time as the
League decides otherwise) the total amount of the Prize Money shall be Rs 15 crores
(Rupees fifteen crores) and shall be allocated as follows:
Performance in Play-Off Matches (INR-crore)
Final Winner 8
Runner-up (loser of the Final) 4
Loser of each semi-final Play-Off Match 1.5 each

7. Fair Play

7.1 Clubs and Players will adhere to any fair play rules and regulations introduced from time to time
by the League and/or AIFF.

7.2 Clubs will be evaluated by the Match Commissioner using the AIFF Fair Play evaluation form
which would grade them on factors such as the number of cards collected in a Match and
behavior of their Players, Team Officials and supporters as per FIFA Fair play guidelines.

8. Player Regulations
8.1 A Player is eligible to play in the ISL provided he is duly Registered in accordance with these
Rules and the AIFF Player Status Regulations. In order to be eligible to participate in the ISL the
Club and relevant Player shall be required to execute a Player Contract (and in the case of a Loan
Player, a Player Contract and Player Loan Agreement) in the form prescribed and supplied by the
League and there shall be no other contracts or arrangements (direct or indirect) between a
Club and any Player whether oral or in writing. If and when any Club has agreed terms with a
Player it shall inform the League which shall prepare the Player Contract (and a Player Loan
Agreement, in the case of Loan Players) to be signed by the Club and the relevant Player (and
where appropriate by the lending club in the case of a Loan Player).
8.2 Each Player Contract shall include full details of the remuneration (whether in cash or in kind) to
which the relevant Player (and/or any club lending the Player) is entitled.
8.3 Each Club shall submit to the League a complete copy of each Player Contract (and the Player
Loan Agreement, in the case of a Loan Player) within 7 days of its signature.
8.4 Each Club shall submit the following documents to Register its Players with the League:

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 (a) a duly completed Player Registration Form for each Player including such information as
is prescribed by the League from time to time. The Form shall be endorsed by the
respective State Associations.

(b) a copy of the Player’s passport containing the Player’s name, date of birth, date of issue,
date of expiry and nationality;

(c) a copy of FIFA International Transfer Certificate (ITC) for players transferring from an
association outside India.

The abovementioned documents should be submitted to the League as soon as practicable after
signing a Player Contract. In any case, a Club should send in the relevant documents to Register
all their Players with the League by 6 pm on I October, 2014.
8.5 Each Club and Player shall immediately inform the League of the termination or expiration of
any Player Contract or Player Loan Agreement between them.
8.6 In accordance with the Player Selection Process to be published by the League each Club shall
not later than 15 September 2014 establish a Squad of not less than 22 and not more than 29
Players (including at least 3 goalkeepers) all of whom must be Registered and by 1 October 2014
each Club shall send to the League its complete Squad List. Each Club shall in its Squad include
not less than one Marquee Player and not less than seven International Players. It shall be the
Club’s responsibility to ensure that its Squad contains an appropriate and well-balanced mixture
of players who play in the various positions on the field of play. Each Club shall ensure that at
least 5 Indian Players are fielded and playing on the pitch at all times throughout each Match
save where any such Indian Player(s) is dismissed as a result of him receiving a red card in such
Match.
8.7 Only the numbers 1 to 99 may, unless the League decides otherwise at its discretion, be
allocated to these Players, with number 1 being reserved exclusively for one of the goalkeepers.
The numbers on the back of the shirts shall correspond with the numbers indicated on the
Squad List. If a goalkeeper needs to be replaced by an outfield Player (due to injuries or red
cards), each Team shall provide a goalkeeper jersey without a number displayed on the back of
the shirt in order to distinguish this replacement goalkeeper from the other Registered Players.
8.8 The Clubs are obliged to name only Registered Players in their Squad List and to field only
Registered Players in a Match. No Player who is not Registered and accredited may appear in
any Match.
8.9 In the event there is a dispute pertaining to the qualification or status of a player, the subject
case will be referred to the AIFF Players Status Committee for a final decision.
8.10 Each Club shall, up to midnight (IST) on the day before the firstLeague Match of the ISL Season
(irrespective of whether such League Match involves the relevant Club’s Team) be entitled to
replace any of its Registered Players provided that by such time:
(a) it has provided to the League a certificate from a suitably qualified independent doctor
approved by the League stating that the relevant Player has suffered an injury meaning
he will not be able to participate in the ISL Season at all;

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 (b) the League has approved such replacement in writing (it being acknowledged that the
League reserves the right to appoint its own doctor to verify the injury if it considers it
appropriate); and
(c) the Player who is replaced may not play for the Team again in any Matches during the
relevant ISL Season.
8.11 Each Club shall, up to midnight (IST) on the day before its tenth League Match of the ISL Season,
be entitled to replace any of its Registered Overseas (but not Indian) Players provided that by
such time:

(a) it has provided to the League a certificate from a suitably qualified independent doctor
stating that the relevant Overseas Player has suffered an injury meaning he will not be able
to continue to participate in the ISL Season at all;
(b) the League has approved such replacement in writing (it being acknowledged that the
League reserves the right to appoint its own doctor to verify the injury if it considers it
appropriate); and
(c) the Overseas Player who is replaced may not play for the Team again in any Matches
during the relevant ISL Season.

8.12 Clubs should take note that any replacement Player taken under Rules 8.10 or 8.11 will, however,
not be considered part of a Club’s Squad and hence will not be available for selection in a Match until he
has been Registered as per these Rules. All relevant documents under Rule 8.3 and 8.4 to Register the
replacement Player must be provided as soon as practicable. A Club shall also submit their revised Squad
List once the Player is duly Registered.
8.13 Apart from as provided in Rules 8.10 and 8.11, replacements will only be allowed in the situation
where during an ISL Season only two goalkeepers are available to a Club in which event such Club
may sign a replacement goalkeeper but always in accordance with these Rules and any applicable
Regulations including the AIFF Player Status Regulations.
8.14 Prior to signing any replacement Player, the Club must send all relevant information to the
League and await permission in writing from the League before concluding the arrangement.

9. Team Sheets
9.1 For each Match, the participating Clubs shall receive a "Player Selection List" inscribed with
the names and shirt numbers of all their Registered Players at the “Match Coordination
Meeting”, usually to be held the day before the Match. The participating Clubs shall use this
Player Selection List to indicate the 11 starting players, including the captain and the
goalkeeper, and (subject to the maximum number of persons allowed to sit on the
substitutes’ bench under Rule 14.6) up to 11 substitutes, as well as suspended players and
players who will not be taking the field. This Player Selection List shall be submitted to the
Match Commissioner 90 minutes before kick-off on Match day along with its Team Officials
List referred to in Rule 14. Each Club has to ensure that at least 5 Indian Players are fielded and

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 playing on the pitch at all times throughout each Match. After the receipt of the two Player
Selection Lists from the participating Clubs, the Match Commissioner shall produce the
Team Sheet of the Match which shall be signed by the Head Coaches and Team Managers of
both Clubs. Once the Match Commissioner signs the Team Sheet, such list shall become an
official document, which shall be used to distribute to the media and public. Thereafter, the
Match Commissioner and Fourth Official will check the Players’ and Team Officials’ accreditation
cards and equipment in their dressing rooms.

9.2 After the Team Sheet has been validated by the Match Commissioner under the preceding Rule,
and provided that the Match has not yet kicked-off, the following shall apply:

(a) if any of the eleven (11) Players on the Team Sheet selected to start the Match is not
able to start the Match for any reason, he may be replaced by any of the substitutes
listed on the Team Sheet, provided that the Player so replaced cannot be named as a
substitute player (and cannot sit on the substitute bench) and such replacement will
reduce the quota of substitute Players on the bench. However, during the course of the
Match, three (3) Players may still be substituted;

(b) if any of the substitutes listed on the Team Sheet is not able to be fielded for any reason,
they may not be replaced, such that the quota of substitute Players on the bench will be
reduced accordingly.

9.3 No Player whose name is not on the Team Sheet for a Match shall play in that Match. Not more
than 3 of the Players named as substitutes on the Team Sheet may, save as contemplated in
Rule 9.2 (a) above take part in the Match subject to the conditions set out in the Laws of the
Game.

9.4 The Home Club shall occupy the bench on the left side of the Fourth Official and the Away Club
shall occupy the bench on the right side of the Fourth Official (in each case from the perspective
of facing the field of play). For the Final this shall be decided by whichever Team finished higher
in the League Table after the completion of the League Matches, with the higher Team being the
Home Team for the purposes of the Final.

9.5 Players sitting on the substitutes’ bench shall wear bibs/jerseys of different colours than both
the Teams and Match Officials as directed by the Match Officials or by the League. Only
substitutes listed in the Team Sheet can sit on the substitutes’ bench.

10. Fixture List and Kick-off times for Matches

10.1 The League shall prepare the fixture list (detailing the dates and kick-off times for Matches) in
respect of each ISL Season and its decision in this regard shall be final. The League may alter the
fixture list at any time at its discretion if it considers it necessary to do so.

10.2 Matches may be played in daylight or under floodlights as set out in the fixture list. Matches
played at night may be played only at a Stadium with floodlighting installations that ensure that
the whole pitch is evenly lit.

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11. Fields of play, Clocks and Displays

11.1 Matches may be played on natural or artificial surface.

11.2 The Match pitch, wherever possible, shall have the following dimensions: length 105m, width
68m. In case this is not possible, it shall at least be compliant with the following dimensions:
Length: minimum 100m – maximum 110m
Width: minimum 64m – maximum 75m.
There shall be a minimum of 3m of run-off space on the sidelines and 5m on the goals lines.
Additionally the total surface area shall be a little larger, in order to provide sufficient space for
warm-up areas and pitch-side photographer positions – these areas can be of a different type of
surface than the Match pitch.

11.3 Clocks in the Stadium showing the length of time played may run during the Match, provided
that they are stopped at the end of normal playing time in each half, i.e. after 45 and 90 minutes
respectively. This stipulation shall also apply if extra time is played (i.e. after 15 minutes of each
half).

11.4 Panels or electronic display boards, numbered on both sides for clarity, shall be used to indicate
the substitution of Players and the number of minutes to be allowed for time lost.

12. Match Officials

12.1 A referee, two assistant referees, a Fourth Official, Referee Assessor and a Match Commissioner
will be appointed for each Match by the AIFF.

12.2 The Match officials shall receive their official refereeing kits and equipment from the League.
They shall wear and use only these kits and equipment on Match days.

12.3 If the referee or one of the assistant referees is prevented from carrying out his duties, such
referee or assistant referee shall be replaced by the Fourth Official.

12.4 The Match Commissioner must conduct a Match Coordination Meeting on the day prior to
the Match.

12.5 After each Match, the referee shall complete and sign the official Match report form. On the
report form, the referee shall note all occurrences of significance, such as score, time of goals,
and misconduct of Players leading to caution or expulsion, and any other incident happening
before, during and after the Match in as much detail as possible.

13. Cautions

13.1 A Player who receives four (4) cautions (yellow cards) in four (4) different League Matches shall
automatically be suspended from participating in the Match following the Match in which he
received the fourth caution. For the avoidance of doubt a suspension due to the accumulation of
four cautions in four separate League Matches where the Player receives his fourth caution in

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 his Team’s final League Match shall carry over to such Player’s first Play-Off Match of that ISL
Season (if appropriate) with the effect that the Player shall be suspended from playing in such
first Play-Off Match. However, if a Player receives less than four (4) cautions during these
separate League Matches then such cautions shall not be carried forward to the Play-Off
Matches (such that he shall be deemed to have no accumulated cautions at the start of the Play-
Off Matches). After any suspension of a Player as a result of him receiving four cautions as
provided above, the Player shall then have no accumulated cautions.

13.2 For Play-Off Matches, a player who receives two (2) cautions (yellow cards) in two (2) different
Matches shall automatically be suspended from participating in the Match following the Match
in which he received the second caution such that, by way of example, if a player receives a
caution in the first leg of a Play-Off Match and another one in the second leg of the Play-Off
Match, he shall be suspended from the final Play-Off Match, which is the Final.

13.3 A Player and/or Team Official who is sent off during a Match shall automatically be suspended
from participating in the Match following the Match in which he was sent off.

13.4 A suspended player and/or Team Official shall not be allowed on the substitutes’ bench.

13.5 Each Club shall bear the responsibility of monitoring the cautions and/or suspensions received
by their Players and Team Officials and shall ensure that all Players and Team Officials are
eligible to play or sit on the substitutes’ bench in respect of the relevant Match.

13.6 Any suspension or part thereof which remains outstanding at the end of an ISL Season resulting
from disciplinary procedures, and not served in any other competition, must be served at the
commencement of the next ISL Season.

14. Team Officials and Officials Lists

14.1 Each Club shall ensure that each of its Team Officials complies with the Regulations.

14.2 Each Club shall notify the League in writing, within seven days of the appointment or removal of
any Team Official.

14.3 Each Club shall ensure that each of its Team Officials does not have any unspent convictions for
criminal offences of such nature that he would be considered by the League (acting reasonably)
not to be a fit and proper person to act as a Team Official.

14.4 All Clubs must ensure that any contracts of employment entered into with their employees (or
any similar such consultancy contracts or contracts for services) include an obligation to comply
with the Regulations.

14.5 Clubs shall only employ or engage coaching, medical and support staff who have appropriate
qualifications. It is the responsibility of the Club to ensure that all of its coaching, medical and
support staff have the appropriate qualifications and that those qualifications are up to date.

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14.6 Up to 8 Team Officials shall be allowed to sit on the substitutes’ bench provided that (i) their
names appear on the Team Officials List supplied under Rule 9.1, (ii) they have been accredited
and (iii) the maximum number of persons (being the aggregate of the substitutes and Team
Officials) allowed to sit on the substitutes’ bench is 16.

14.7 Each Club shall ensure that its physiotherapist and doctor appears on the Official List for each
Match and sits on the substitutes’ bench.

14.8 Each Club shall appoint a Team Manager to coordinate with the Match Commissioner regarding
all Match related matters. The Team Manager must be registered as one of the fifteen (15)
Team Officials referred to in Rule 14.11 and must represent the Club in all official activities with
regards to the Match including compulsory attendance at any meeting convened by the Match
Commissioner.

14.9 Each Club must also appoint a Team Media Officer who will represent the Club in all
official media activities with regards to the Match. The appointed Team Media Officer must
also be registered as one of the fifteen (15) Team Officials referred to in Rule 14.11.

14.10 Each Club shall appoint at least one part time Team doctor and one senior physiotherapist (who
shall be available full time throughout the ISL Season) who are all suitably qualified and no Club
shall employ any medical Team Official who is not properly qualified.

14.11 Each Club may register (and accredit) an aggregate total of up to fifteen (15) Team Officials with
the League by completing the appropriate form to be supplied by the League. Among these
fifteeen Team Officials, each Club shall be obliged to register (and accredit) at least one Doctor
(with MBBS Degree) and a Physiotherapist with a degree course in Physiotherapy who shall also
have a certificate that he is trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In completing the
registration of any Team Official the Club shall be required to supply to the League such
documents and proof of identity as are required by the League including the Registration Form
for Team Officials, a copy of a passport of the relevant person, qualification certificate where
required and proof of his address by 25 September 2014. Clubs may by written notice and
providing a valid reason replace such Team Officials subject to the limit of 15 referred to above.

Note: A request for change of any Team Official/s should be sent to the League at least 7 days in
advance of any Match.

14.12 The Club shall be responsible and agrees to accept liability for the conduct of its Team Officials
and Players at or in connection with any Match or otherwise in relation to the ISL.

15. Team Kit

15.1 Subject always to compliance with the Participation Agreement and the ISL Sponsorship
Guidelines (including the requirement for League approval), Teams shall have different regular
and reserve kits (with one kit being predominantly light colours and the other predominantly
dark colours).

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15.2 Each Club whose Team is participating in any Match shall ensure that its Team's playing kit is the
one authorised by the League. If any part of a Player’s Team kit is damaged during the course of
the Match it shall be immediately replaced with an undamaged similar item.

15.3 The colour and design of the shirt and stockings worn by the goalkeeper when playing in
Matches shall be such as to distinguish him from other Players and from Match Officials.

15.4 The captain of each Team appearing in a Match shall wear an armband indicating his status as
such.

15.5 The reserve kit of each Team must differ visibly from and contrast with its regular kit (including
the goalkeeper’s regular kit) to the extent that the two kits could be worn by opposite teams in a
Match.

15.6 When playing in Matches the Players of each participating Team shall wear the kit which is of a
sufficient contrast that Match Officials, spectators and television viewers will be able to
distinguish clearly between the two Teams. In the unlikely event of the colour of the Team kits
clashing with each other or not suitable for TV broadcasting, the referee is authorized to ask the
Away Team to change to their alternate kit or a combination of its first and second choice
colour.

15.7 Match Officials shall wear colours that distinguish them from the kits worn by the two
participating Teams.

15.8 Each Club shall carry to each Match their bibs and regular and reserve kits for the outfield
players as well as the goalkeeper, including the full set of shirt, shorts and stockings. They should
also carry the kit that will be worn by the substitute players and the technical staff sitting on the
bench during the Match.

15.9 The League shall at its discretion and having consulted with AIFF, decide the kit each Team will
wear during a Match. The Clubs will be informed of the decision on the kits to be worn by them
in all Matches by 1st October 2014.
15.10 In the event of a dispute arising in relation to the kit to be worn by a Team the referee’s decision
shall be final.

16. Medical requirements

The Medical Guidelines are detailed in the Operational Guidelines, which each Club is obliged to
abide by.

17. Security and Safety

The Security Guidelines are detailed in the Operational Guidelines, which each Club is obliged to
abide by.

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18. Insurance

18.1 The Clubs must conclude all insurance policies with a reputable insurance company, including
but not limited to third-party liability. Such insurance must involve an appropriate guaranteed
sum for injury and damage to persons, objects and property. Likewise, the policies must fully
cover all risks connected with the staging of each Club’s home Matches and exempt the League
and the ISL Committee from all claims and liabilities, and further name the League as a co-
insured in all policies.

18.2 Each Club shall conclude the following insurance coverage:

Type of insurance cover (Compulsory) Minimum Sum Insured (INR)

Loss of Players' Contractual Fee due to

Annual value of Player's contract
accidental Death/illness/Injury/sickness

Medical insurance of Player until 24th

December 2014 5 Lakhs each player

Public Liability Insurance (FSDL as a

20 Crores
coinsured)

Personal Accident policy for each Player until

Annual value of Player's contract
24th December 2014

Travel and Baggage Insurance for players and Appropriate to cover all
staff anticipated losses/damage

Other insurance required by any law

18.3 Any other risks of any Club (such as loss of revenue due to Match cancellation) must be
covered, at their own risk, by means of additional insurance. The League shall be notified of any
additional insurance coverage taken by a Club. Each Club shall provide the League with a copy of
all insurance policies taken out by it in relation to the Indian Super League by 30 September
2014.

18.4 Insurance for Match Officials: The League shall conclude the following insurance coverage for
Match Officials from the day of their departure from home until they return home from assigned
Matches of ISL:

(a) accident insurance;

(b) travel luggage insurance;
(c) theft insurance; and
(d) medical Insurance.
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19. Opening/Closing Event and Opening Match
19.1 The League reserves the right to organize an event to mark the opening or closing of the ISL in
each ISL Season and, if it does so, each person subject to these Rules shall co-operate with the
League in connection with such event as may be requested by the League including without
limitation by attending such event.
19.2 The League may award the right to host the first League Match and/or the Final to a particular
Club in its discretion.

20. Promotional Obligations and Media Policy

20.1 Player promotional obligations

(a) Each Player shall during the term of his Player Contract:
i. participate in such events and comply with such requests as may reasonably be
required by his Club and/or the League to promote his Club and/or the ISL
respectively (whether for themselves or their respective Club Partners and/or
League Partners) including but not limited to making up to 10 promotional
appearances per Season (each of a maximum of 6 hours excluding travel time) and
the granting of interviews and photographic opportunities; and
ii. assist the official broadcaster to promote the ISL whenever reasonably required,
including but not limited to making appearances on television shows, publicity
events granting interviews (whether at Matches, training camps or at his Team hotel
or otherwise) and appearances for on ground activities and allow the broadcaster to
make audio-visual or audio recordings of such appearances,

the costs of which shall not be borne by the Player.

(b) Each Player grants to his Club and the League for the benefit of each of the Club and the
League (with the right for each of the Club and the League to sub-license such rights
including to the official ISL broadcaster) the right:
i. during the term of his Player Contract to photograph and/or film the Player both
individually and as a member of the Squad when he is involved in activities relating
to his Team and the ISL including any activities and appearances referred to in Rule
20.1(a);
ii. during and after the term of his Player Contract to use the Player Identification and
any recording of the Player in performing the services under his Player Contract in
any media for licensing, publicity, sponsorship, and promotional purposes for the
Club and Club Partners and the League, and League Partners respectively,
in each case during and in connection with the broadcast of Matches and/or the
promotion (through any means and media) of the ISL, Team, the Club or pursuant to any
rights granted to any Club Partner or League Partner provided that such use shall not be
so as to imply any individual endorsement by the Player of any person, product or
service. If there is a risk of any such implied endorsement the Player Identification will
not be used with less than two other sportsmen/sportswomen.

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 (c) For the avoidance of doubt, it is agreed that, no fee and/or monies and/or other sums
shall be payable to the Player by the Club and/or by the League for the promotional
appearances and/or sponsorship services referred to in Rule 20.1(a) or for the grant of
rights referred to in Rule 20.1(b).

(d) Each Player waives all moral or equivalent rights (to the fullest extent allowed by law) to
which he is or may become entitled under the laws of any country in relation to the
performance of the obligations under his Player Contract including without limitation all
those relating to his promotional work (as stated in his Playing Contract and in this Rule
20.1).

(e) Each Player shall not, at any time during the term of his Player Contract, act in any way
which knowingly conflicts with any Club Partner Agreement and/or League Partner
Agreement .

(f) Each Player shall not during the term of his Player Contract undertake promotional
activities or exploit the Player Identification in connection with his Club, his Team or the
ISL in any way and/or through any media nor grant the right to do so to any third party.

(g) In this Rule 20.1 where the context so admits the expression “the Club” includes any
Associated Company of the Club, and “the League” includes any Associated Company of
the League.

(h) All requests to a Player for promotional activities for the benefit of the League and/or
the League Partners shall be made by the League through the Player’s Club, and on
receipt of such request the Club shall (i) respond to the League as soon as is reasonably
possible and (ii) ensure that such Player fulfils all agreed requests, taking into account
the existing schedule of the Player.

20.2 Media Policy - General

(a) Each Club shall hire an officially designated Team Media Officer.

(b) The Home Club is responsible to ensure all media requirements and facilities are met at
the Press Box and Press Conference room at its own cost.

20.3 Media Policy - Open training session

During the two (2) days preceding each Match, the official training sessions must be opened to
the media. Should the Clubs wish to close their official training session to the media, it shall
open for at least the first fifteen (15) minutes of the training. If the official training is to be held
at the Match Stadium, the areas accessible by the media shall be the same areas available to
them on Match days, and the access to such areas must be security controlled.

20.4 Media Policy - Press Conferences

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 (a) Each Team must take part in pre-match press conference on the eve of each Match day
ideally at the time of the official training session. In case there is no official training
session a day before the Match, the Home Club shall make arrangements at the Team
hotel for a Press Conference venue. Each Club shall co-operate and co-ordinate with any
central media personnel appointed by the League.

(b) Each Club shall ensure that its Head Coach and/or captain and one (1) starting Player
shall address pre and post-Match press conferences. The Team Media Officer must
ensure the attendance of the Head Coach / captain and one starting Player.

(c) Each participating Team shall co-operate to ensure that a post-Match conference is
conducted at the Stadium and commences no later than 15 minutes after the final
whistle.

20.5 Media Policy - Mixed Zone

(a) After each Match, a mixed zone must be set-up by the Home Club for the media. The
mixed zone will be in operation fifteen minutes after the end of a Match.
(b) Team officials and Players of the Home and Away Club shall be required to enter the
mixed zone on their way from the Team dressing room to the Team bus at the end of
the Match.
(c) Speaking to the media in the mixed zone is not compulsory. However, it is strongly
advised that Players and Coaches give brief interviews to the media, who will be
separated from the Coaches and Players by barriers.
20.6 Media Policy - Interviews
(a) If and when requested by the League, each Club participating in a Match shall ensure
that their Head Coach and one Player is made available on the day before each Match
and/or the Match day for an interview of up to ten (10) minutes, to be recorded by the
principal television broadcaster in India and/or any of the League’s official media
partners for such news and other commercial use as the League decides. On occasions,
the League can also request for two Players from a Team, based on their performance,
for interviews for the League website. Such Player(s) will be identified and their names
communicated by the central media officer to each Team Media Officer in advance.
(b) Players and Team Officials of Clubs are not permitted to give interviews during the
Match on the field of play or in its immediate vicinity. However, the League may
designate an area between the substitutes’ benches and dressing rooms in which (flash)
interviews for the host television broadcaster only can take place. .
(c) For the flash interview, at least one (1) key Player from both Teams must be available for
the host broadcaster upon its request.
(d) For the post-Match interviews, the Head Coach and at least one (1) key Player from both
Teams must be available for at least the host broadcaster upon its request.
(e) In the final minutes of the Match, the Host Broadcaster or other broadcaster
representatives shall inform the League of the Players who are selected for the
interview after the relevant Match.

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 (f) All interview locations should be assigned mainly by the central media officer or by the
Match Commissioner, if necessary.

21. Protests

21.1 For the purpose of these Rules, protests are objections of any kind related to events or matters
that have a direct effect on Matches, including but not limited to the state of and markings on
the pitch, accessory Match equipment, eligibility of Players, Stadium installations and footballs.

21.2 Unless otherwise stipulated in this Rule, protests shall be submitted in writing to the Match
Commissioner within two hours of the conclusion of the Match in question and followed up as
soon as practicable and within 12 hours with a full written report to the League.

21.3 Protests regarding the eligibility of Players nominated by Clubs in their Squad shall be submitted
in writing to the League no later than seven days before the first Match of the League in respect
of all Registered Players at the date and as soon as practicable in respect of any Registered
Player who joins any Squad after that. Protests regarding eligibility of Players selected in a
particular Match shall be submitted to the Match Commissioner within two hours of the
conclusion of the Match and, in each case, shall be referred to the League (which shall if
appropriate forward the same to the ISL Regulatory Commission) and, if required, by the League
forwarded to the AIFF Players Status Committee.

21.4 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
resumed.

21.5 No protests may be made about the referee’s decisions regarding facts connected with play,
such decisions being final.

21.6 If the above time limits and formal requirements for lodging a protest case are not met, the
protest shall be disregarded either by the referee, the Match Commissioner or by the ISL
Regulatory Commission, as the case may be.

21.7 The ISL Regulatory Commission shall, unless it decides to refer the matter to another body, be
the body who shall decide upon protests made under this Rule 21. If an unfounded or
irresponsible protest is lodged, the ISL Regulatory Commission may impose a fine.

22. Code of Conduct of Players and Officials/Club Obligations

22.1 By agreeing to take part in the ISL, all Players and Team Officials agree to:

(a) be punctual on all occasion including but not limited to Press conferences, meetings,
match day countdown etc;

(b) respect the decisions of the League;

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 (c) respect the Laws of the Game;

(d) display and promote high standards of behavior;

(e) promote fair play;

(f) always respect Match Officials’ decisions;

(g) never engage in public criticism of the Match Officials;

(h) never indulge in offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour;

(i) never engage in bullying, intimidation or harassment;

(j) speak to team mates, officials of own team and opponent team with respect;

(k) win or lose with dignity and shake hands with opposing Team and Match Officials at the
end of every game;

(l) with the exception of private Team celebrations, not host or attend any post-Match
parties or any other such event which specifically relates to a Match or the League;

(m) not make any adverse comment at any time in relation to the opposing Team;

(n) not make any adverse comment anytime in relation to Match Officials;

(o) not make any adverse comment at any time in relation to the League, the ISL Committee
(or any ISL Committee Member), the ISL Regulatory or Appeal Commission, the AIFF,
Star and/or IMGR and/or any of their respective Representatives;

(p) comply with the Regulations.

22.2 The following sanctions are applicable to any Club* and/or Players and/or Team Officials who
are in breach in addition to possible disciplinary sanction under the AIFF Disciplinary Code:-

Breach Penalty
Late to attend prescribed meeting by Player First occasion – Warning. Second occasion –
and/or Team Official. Penalty of Rs. 25,000/-. Subsequent occasion –
the penalty amount is doubled than previous
one, each time it is repeated.

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Non-attendance of prescribed meeting by
Player and/or Team Official.
Team reporting late for equipment checking
before the Match. Team reporting late to start
of a Match or restart after interval.
Players and/or Team Officials indulging in
offensive, insulting or abusive language or
behavior before, during or after the Match.
Engage in public criticism of the Match Officials.
Making any adverse comment (such as about
the integrity of a person) in media, press
conferences etc. anytime against a Player, Team
Official and/ or Match Official.
Engage in intimidation or harassment of Match
Officials (in case of serious infringement Article
60 of the AIFF Disciplinary Code shall be
applied).
Unruly behavior such as, but not limited to,
bursting of cracker, stone pelting, water bottle
throwing, using laser beam pointed towards
pitch, burning of smoke candles etc. by
supporters of a Team.
Entering the pitch during or after the game by
any occupant of the substitute’s bench to
protest any decision of the referee.
Pitch invasion by supporters of a Team.
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First occasion – Warning. Second occasion –
Penalty of Rs. 30,000/-. Subsequent occasion –
the penalty amount is doubled than previous
one, each time it is repeated.
First occasion – Warning. Second occasion –
Penalty of Rs. 50,000/-. Subsequent occasion –
the penalty amount is doubled than previous
one, each time it is repeated.
First occasion – Penalty of Rs. 30,000/-.
Subsequent occasion – the penalty amount is
doubled than previous one, each time it is
repeated.
First occasion – Penalty of Rs. 30,000/-.
Subsequent occasion – the penalty amount is
doubled than previous one, each time it is
repeated.
First occasion – Penalty of Rs. 30,000/-.
Subsequent occasion – the penalty amount is
doubled than previous one, each time it is
repeated.
First occasion – Penalty of Rs. 30,000/-.
Subsequent occasion – the penalty amount is
doubled than previous one, each time it is
repeated.
First occasion – Penalty of Rs. 50,000/-.
Subsequent occasion – the penalty amount is
doubled than previous one, each time it is
repeated.
First occasion – Penalty of Rs. 30,000/-.
Subsequent occasion – the penalty amount is
doubled than previous one, each time it is
repeated.
First occasion – Penalty of Rs. 50,000/-.
Subsequent occasion – the penalty amount is
doubled than previous one, each time it is
repeated.
32
Non adherence to Equipment/Kitting First occasion – Warning. Second occasion –
Regulations. Penalty of Rs. 30,000/-. Subsequent occasion –
the penalty amount is doubled than previous
one, each time it is repeated.

Non adherence to any relevant Media Policy. First occasion – Warning. Second occasion –
Penalty of Rs. 30,000/-. Subsequent occasion –
the penalty amount is doubled than previous
one, each time it is repeated.

Display of undergarment slogan before, during
or after the Match.
Hosting and/or attending any post-Match
parties or other event in contravention of Rule
22.1 (l).
An action which brings any one or more of the
following into disrepute: ISL, Star, IMGR, the
League, any Match Official, any Team, any
Player, the AIFF and/or the Game.
First occasion – Penalty of Rs. 30,000/-.
Subsequent occasion – the penalty amount is
doubled than previous one, each time it is
repeated.
First occasion – Penalty of Rs. 50,000/-.
Subsequent occasion – the penalty amount is
doubled than previous one, each time it is
repeated.
As may be decided by AIFF Disciplinary
Committee and/or the ISL Regulatory
Commission, whichever is applicable.

*The above-mentioned penalties may be increased by the League and/or AIFF at their discretion if a
breach applies to a Club as a whole (as applicable) instead of an individual Player or Official.

The following additional actions are applicable to any Club who is in breach apart from possible
disciplinary sanctions as per AIFF Disciplinary Code:-

Breach
Failure to provide adequate security to Match
Officials or Away Team or their Officials.
Allowing unauthorised person in or
around the substitute bench area.
Penalty
First occasion – Penalty of Rs. 50,000-.
Subsequent occasion – the penalty amount is
doubled than previous one, each time it is
repeated.
First occasion – Penalty of Rs. 50,000/-.
Subsequent occasion – the penalty amount is
doubled than previous one, each time it is
repeated.

Failure to provide internet facilities from two First occasion – Warning. Second occasion –
days before a Match until Match day (inclusive) Penalty of Rs. 30,000/-. Subsequent occasion –
to the Match Commissioner and Referee the penalty amount is doubled than previous
Assessor. one, each time it is repeated.

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Failure to submit Player Selection List/ Officials
List to Match Commissioner on time as per
official countdown.
Failure to provide two ambulances one hour
before kick-off time till after departure of both
Teams from Stadium and/or failure to provide
other medical services as prescribed.
First occasion – Warning. Second occasion –
Penalty of Rs. 30,000/-. Subsequent occasion –
the penalty amount is doubled than previous
one, each time it is repeated.
First occasion – Penalty of Rs. 50,000.
Subsequent occasion – the penalty amount is
doubled than previous one, each time it is
repeated.

Failure to provide field equipment/ Stadium First occasion – Penalty of Rs. 30,000/-.
facilities as per standard specifications. Subsequent occasion – the penalty amount is
doubled than previous one, each time it is
repeated.

23. Club/Player Disputes

23.1 In compliance with the FIFA Statutes, Clubs and Players may not take disputes related to Players
to an ordinary court of law in India. All disputes with Players in connection with the ISL shall be
promptly settled by mediation of the League on a case to case basis, in the first instance.

23.2 In the event of such mediation failing to reach any conclusive settlement, the dispute shall be
referred to the exclusive jurisdiction of the AIFF Player Status Committee.

24. Disciplinary matters

All on-field and Match day disciplinary matters shall, save as may be inconsistent with these
Rules or otherwise decided by the League including but not limited to non-Match specific
matters be dealt with by the AIFF Disciplinary Committee in compliance with the AIFF
Disciplinary Code with which the participating Clubs, Team Officials and Players undertake to
comply, a copy of which will be provided to each Club. For the avoidance of doubt it should be
noted that minimum sanctions as prescribed in the AIFF Disciplinary Code shall be imposed
automatically without being referred to the AIFF Disciplinary Committee. It is acknowledged that
the League may impose a sanction for any such matter in addition to any action taken by the
AIFF Disciplinary Committee if it believes that this is justifiable which sanction may be appealed
under these Rules unless otherwise expressly provided for by these Rules,

25. Dispute Resolution

25.1 Disciplinary Procedure

(a) All complaints and/or breaches of the Regulations or charges of misconduct under the
Regulations (e.g. a breach of Rule 21 or an Insolvency Event affecting a Club) shall

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 (unless provided otherwise in these Rules or unless the League in its absolute discretion
decides otherwise) be decided by the League in the manner set out below unless any
individual code contains a separate disciplinary mechanism (in which event such
mechanism shall apply to resolve or adjudicate upon complaint or breach or other such
matter). If any matter which constitutes a breach of these Rules also constitutes a
breach of any of the Regulations which have their own disciplinary mechanism then the
League may, in its absolute discretion, decide whether to take action in respect of such
matter under these Rules and/or the relevant set of Regulations.

(b) The League will establish a disciplinary committee comprising such person(s) as it feels
are appropriate in the circumstances and whether such persons are connected with the
League or otherwise (the “ISL Regulatory Commission”) to hear and decide upon any
complaint, alleged breach of or charges of misconduct under the Regulations. The ISL
Regulatory Commission may be established prior to and in readiness for any matter to
be decided by it or it may be established specifically to deal with any such matter. In the
light of any specific matter, the League may either nominate additional people to join
the ISL Regulatory Commission or nominate additional people to comprise the ISL
Regulatory Commission if, in the League’s discretion, the circumstances render either
appropriate. If more than one person comprises the ISL Regulatory Commission then
such persons shall elect one of them to act as chairman (the “ISL Regulatory
Commission Chairman” and each reference in this Section to the ISL Regulatory
Commission Chairman shall be deemed to be a reference to such elected chairman or
the sole member of the ISL Regulatory Commission if only one person comprises the ISL
Regulatory Commission).

(c) Any dispute to be heard by the ISL Regulatory Commission shall be decided fairly and
impartially and in accordance with a reasonable interpretation of the Regulations and
the principles of natural justice

(d) The ISL Regulatory Commission shall have the right and power (but not obligation) to
investigate any breaches of the Regulations by any person subject to these Rules. The
ISL Regulatory Commission may, in the course of or in connection with any such
investigation, require any person subject to these Rules to provide any evidence (such
as documentation) or any particular or general information (written or oral) on matters
relating to the relevant matter as the ISL Regulatory Commission may request in writing
or to attend any hearing or interview to answer questions and produce evidence such as
documents or items.

(e) Any failure by any person subject to these Rules to comply with any request or
investigation by the ISL Regulatory Commission under this Section of these Rules shall
constitute misconduct.

25.2 Complaints Procedure

(a) Any person subject to these Rules (or the League having the power to take cognizance of
any breach) (being the “Claimant”) may make a complaint against any other person
subject to these Rules that such person has breached its obligations under the
Regulations (a “Complaint”) by notifying such person as is nominated by the League for
the time being by email, in writing (being at the date of publication of these Rules
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 Vandana Gupte (Vandana.Gupte@imgreliance.com)). Following any such notification the
League will refer the matter to the ISL Regulatory Commission to be dealt with as set out
below and the League will notify the Claimant as soon as practicable of the identity and
relevant contact details of the ISL Regulatory Commission and the ISL Regulatory
Commission Chairman. Upon such notification of the identity of the ISL Regulatory
Commission Chairman, the Claimant shall, as soon as practicable and in any event within
the deadline set by the ISL Regulatory Commission (which shall be decided by the ISL
Regulatory Commission in its discretion in light of the circumstances surrounding the
Complaint) send to the ISL Regulatory Commission Chairman such
information/documents relating to the Complaint as the ISL Regulatory Commission
requests including without limitation the following:

(i) full details of all facts forming the basis of the Complaint;

(ii) the identity of the person(s) who is/are the object of the Complaint (the
“Respondent”);

(iii) the identity of any witnesses (factual or expert) on which the Claimant intends
to rely in connection with the Complaint; and

(iv) copies of any supporting documentation in relation to the Complaint

and the Claimant shall deliver to the ISL Regulatory Commission Chairman such number
of copies of the Complaint and above-mentioned documents/ information as the ISL
Regulatory Commission Chairman requests. The ISL Regulatory Commission Chairman
shall provide the remaining members of the ISL Regulatory Commission with copies of all
of the above-mentioned documents and information.

(b) The ISL Regulatory Commission shall (unless it does not believe that the Complaint has
any merit) as soon as practicable following receipt of the Complaint forward a copy of it
to the Respondent, together with (provided that it is appropriate to do so) any
supporting documentation supplied to the ISL Regulatory Commission Chairman under
Rule 25.2(a) above and the matter shall be dealt with as contemplated below. The ISL
Regulatory Commission shall inform the Claimant as soon as practicable if it does not
believe that the Complaint has any merit.

(c) The ISL Regulatory Commission shall (unless it does not believe the Complaint has any
merit) as soon as practicable following receipt of the documents referred to in Rule
25.2(a) and delivery of the Complaint and any accompanying documents to the
Respondent request the Respondent to submit to the ISL Regulatory Commission
Chairman its response to the Complaint (the “Response”) within a period of time which
shall be decided by the ISL Regulatory Commission in its discretion in light of the
circumstances surrounding the Complaint and which shall include such
information/documents relating to the Complaint as the ISL Regulatory Commission
requests including without limitation the following:

(i) full details of the Response including whether it accepts all or any part of the
Complaint;

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 (ii) the details of any counter-claim it may wish to bring against the Claimant in
relation to the Complaint (a “Counter-Claim” and references to the Response
shall be deemed to include any such Counter-Claim) and the circumstances
surrounding it but any such Counter-Claim must be related to the Complaint and
must not be an unrelated issue;

(iii) the identity of any witnesses (factual or expert) on which the Respondent
intends to reply in connection with its Response; and

(iv) copies of any supporting documentation in relation to the Response

and the Respondent shall deliver to the ISL Regulatory Commission Chairman such
number of copies of the Response and above-mentioned documents/information as the
ISL Regulatory Commission Chairman requests. The ISL Regulatory Commission
Chairman shall provide the remaining members of the ISL Regulatory Commission with
copies of all of the above-mentioned documents and information.

(d) The ISL Regulatory Commission shall as soon as practicable following receipt of the
Response forward a copy of it to the Claimant together with (provided that it is
appropriate to do so) any supporting documentation supplied to the ISL Regulatory
Commission under Rule 25.2(c).

(e) If the Respondent accepts the Complaint in full and makes no Counter—Claim or other
claim/statement which requires consideration then the ISL Regulatory Commission shall
impose such sanction under Rule 25.3 as it considers appropriate. In all other cases, the
ISL Regulatory Commission may, at its discretion and if it feels it would be helpful,
convene a preliminary hearing with the Claimant and Respondent and, if they so wish,
their legal representatives together with any third parties which the ISL Regulatory
Commission feels would be appropriate to attend the same. Any such preliminary
hearing shall take place via a telephone conference call unless the ISL Regulatory
Commission determines otherwise. The ISL Regulatory Commission shall give the
Claimant and Respondent as much notice as is reasonably practicable of any such
preliminary hearing. The non-participation of the Claimant or Respondent in any such
preliminary hearing, after the above-mentioned notice thereof has been provided to
them, shall not prevent the ISL Regulatory Commission from proceeding with the
preliminary hearing.

(f) The purpose of any preliminary hearing may include all or any of the following matters
together with any other matters the ISL Regulatory Commission considers appropriate
but such matters may in the ISL Regulatory Commission’s discretion be dealt with
without such a preliminary hearing:

(i) to determine the date (if any) upon which any full hearing (the “Hearing”) of the
Complaint and any Counter-Claim shall be held;

(ii) to establish the date(s) (if any) by which the Claimant and Respondent shall be
obliged to serve upon each other any documents or evidence which the ISL
Regulatory Commission considers appropriate or relevant in relation to the
Complaint, the Response and any Counter-Claim;
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 (iii) to decide upon other matters which the ISL Regulatory Commission shall in its
discretion consider appropriate.

(g) Unless it (in its discretion) decides otherwise the ISL Regulatory Commission shall, as
soon as practicable after the delivery to the Claimant of the Response, convene a
Hearing at which the Claimant and Respondent will be invited to state their respective
cases. The ISL Regulatory Commission shall give the Claimant and Respondent as much
notice of the Hearing as is practicable in all the circumstances and in light of the subject
matter of the Complaint, the Response and any Counter-Claim.

(h) The procedure followed at the Hearing shall be at the discretion of the ISL Regulatory
Commission, provided that the Hearing is conducted in a fair manner and in accordance
with the principles of natural justice. The Claimant and Respondent will be provided
with a fair and reasonable opportunity to present evidence (including the right to call
and to question and cross-examine witnesses in person or by telephone or video-
conference where necessary), address the ISL Regulatory Commission and present its
case.

(i) The Hearing before the ISL Regulatory Commission shall be in English, and certified
English translations shall be submitted of any non-English documents put before the ISL
Regulatory Commission and if there is any disagreement about any such translation the
ISL Regulatory Commission may arrange for a second translation of any such document
by a suitably qualified independent translator. The cost of any such translation shall be
borne by the party offering the document(s). The ISL Regulatory Commission may at its
discretion make arrangements to have the Hearing recorded or transcribed. If
reasonably requested by the Claimant or Respondent, the ISL Regulatory Commission
shall (at its own cost) also arrange for an interpreter to attend the Hearing.

(j) Where video evidence of the alleged offence is available at the Hearing before the ISL
Regulatory Commission, then it may be relied upon by any party, provided that all other
parties shall have the right to make such representations in relation to it that they may
see fit.

(k) Unless exceptional circumstances apply, each of the Claimant and Respondent must
attend any Hearing before the ISL Regulatory Commission. Where any such individual
has a compelling justification for non-attendance, then he shall be given the opportunity
to participate in the Hearing before the ISL Regulatory Commission by telephone or
video conference (if available). In the event that the Claimant or Respondent is a Player
then without prejudice to such person’s ability to call and to question such witnesses as
may be necessary, one of the Captain, Vice-Captain or Head Coach of the Team that
such Player represents may also attend a Hearing before the ISL Regulatory Commission
to provide support and assistance to such person.

(l) Each of the Claimant and Respondent shall have the right (at its own expense) to be
represented at the Hearing before the ISL Regulatory Commission by such
representatives (including legal counsel) of its own choosing but (save with the ISL
Regulatory Commission’s prior written consent and at its discretion) no more than an
aggregate total of two such representatives shall accompany each of the Claimant and

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 Respondent.

(m) The non-attendance of the Claimant and/or Respondent or its representative at a

Hearing, shall not prevent the ISL Regulatory Commission from proceeding with such
Hearing in its absence and issuing a ruling and (if appropriate) applying a sanction in
relation to the Claim, the Response and any Counter-Claim.

(n) At the end of a Hearing, the ISL Regulatory Commission may either adjourn the Hearing
to another date if required or conclude the hearing and reserve its orders on the
Complaint. As soon as possible after the conclusion of the Hearing, the ISL Regulatory
Commission will provide its decision in writing, with reasons.

(o) Alternatively, at the end of the Hearing:

(i) the ISL Regulatory Commission shall adjourn the Hearing (for a period of no less
than ten (10) minutes and no more than two (2) hours), following which it will
reconvene the Hearing and verbally announce its finding in relation to the
Complaint and the Response;

(ii) where the Commission determines that all or part of the Complaint or any
Counter-Claim has been proved (and therefore an “Offence” under the
Regulations has been committed), both the Claimant and Respondent may
request a short adjournment (of no more than thirty (30) minutes) to prepare
any submissions that it might wish to make in relation to the appropriate
sanction that ought to be applied by the Commission in respect thereof;

(iii) as soon as possible after the conclusion of the Hearing, the Commission will
provide its decision in writing, with reasons, setting out: (a) the finding as to
whether an Offence had been committed; (b) what sanctions, if any, are to be
imposed.

(iv) the Commission shall have the discretion to announce the substance of its
decision prior to the issue of the written reasoned decision referred to in
paragraph (iii) above

(p) A copy of the above-mentioned written decision will as soon as practicable be provided
by the ISL Regulatory Commission to the Claimant and Respondent and the ISL
Regulatory Commission shall at the same time send a copy to such person as the League
nominates from time to time, being at the date of publication of these Rules Vandana
Gupte (Vandana.Gupte@imgreliance.com).

(q) Subject only to any appeal under paragraph Rule 25.4 below, the decision of the ISL
Regulatory Commission shall be the full, final and complete disposition of the matter
and will be binding on all parties.

(r) the League will be entitled to issue a public announcement regarding any decision of the
ISL Regulatory Commission, as soon as is reasonably practicable after such decision has
been communicated to the parties. Any such public announcement of the decision may
include details of any Offence committed and of the sanctions imposed, if any. Until

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 such time as a public announcement is published, all parties and participants in the
proceedings including the Claimant and Respondent shall treat such proceedings as
strictly confidential, save that the League may publicly confirm the date of the Hearing,
the Offence that is alleged to have been committed and/or the name of the person
charged. Following any such announcement of the decision, no comment shall be made
in connection with the matter beyond the scope of what has been included in such
announcement.

(s) Unless otherwise described herein, the standard of proof in respect of all Complaints,
Responses and Counter-Claims brought under the Regulations shall be whether the ISL
Regulatory Commission is comfortably satisfied, bearing in mind the seriousness of the
allegation that is made, that the alleged Offence has been committed. This standard of
proof in all cases shall be determined on a sliding scale from, at a minimum, a mere
balance of probability (for the least serious offences) up to proof beyond a reasonable
doubt (for the most serious Offences).

(t) The ISL Regulatory Commission shall not be bound by judicial rules governing the
admissibility of evidence. Instead, facts relating to an Offence committed under the
Regulations may be established by any reliable means, including admissions.

(u) The ISL Regulatory Commission may draw an inference adverse to the Claimant and/or
Respondent based on his refusal, without compelling justification, after a request made
in a reasonable time in advance of the Hearing, to appear at the Hearing (either in
person or telephonically as directed by the ISL Regulatory Commission) and/or to
answer any relevant questions

25.3 Sanctions

(a) The ISL Regulatory Commission may make one or more decisions on the matters before
it. It shall not be bound by strict rules of precedent in relation to its decisions but shall
seek to maintain reasonable consistency in Hearing the matters before it from time to
time.

(b) The ISL Regulatory Commission may, through the League, impose one or more of the
following sanctions or actions in relation to any Offence;

(i) order compensation and/or an order that the reasonable costs of the
proceedings in relation to any Complaint be borne by whichever person has
been found to have committed the Offence or apportioned in cases where two
or more persons have committed an Offence;

(ii) suspend a Player or other person Subject to these Rules from playing or
otherwise being involved in Matches for a specified period;

(iii) suspend a Team or Club from the League;

(iv) ban from entering dressing rooms and/or substitutes’ bench and/or Stadium;

(v) order the payment of money from a person subject to these Rules either to the
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 League or to another person including another person subject to these Rules;

(vi) order a declaration as to any finding of fact or interpretation of the Regulations;

(vii) order a deduction of points from a Team;

(viii) order rectification of a contract or refuse the registration of a Player by the

League;

(ix) order the specific performance of an act or matter, or to do or stop doing or not
to do something;

(x) impose a financial penalty payable to the League or any other person;

(xi) order any other sanction or action that the ISL Regulatory Commission views as
reasonable in the interests of justice.

(c) The ISL Regulatory Commission may, through the League, order that interest be paid on
any monetary sums payable under paragraph 25.3(b) for such period or until such date
or event as it thinks fit. The ISL Regulatory Commission may impose sanctions or actions
immediately, on a deferred basis, or suspended pending future good behaviour, or
generally as it thinks fit.

(d) The ISL Regulatory Commission may, through the League, make such order for costs as it
thinks fit in relation to any investigation, the Hearing and the proceedings generally and
may order that any claim for costs be assessed to ensure they are reasonable.

(e) Decisions of the ISL Regulatory Commission shall, subject to any right of appeal and
unless these Rules provide that no right of appeal is available, be binding on all persons
subject to these Rules who shall all observe the same.

25.4 Appeals

(a) Decisions made by the ISL Regulatory Commission in relation to any Complaint and/or
any Counter-Claim may be challenged solely by appeal as set out in paragraph 25.4(c)
below. Such decision shall remain in effect while under appeal unless any properly
convened ISL Appeal Commission orders otherwise.

(b) The only parties who may appeal such a decision shall be (i) the Claimant and/or
Respondent and such appeal may only be made in relation to any Offence by whichever
of the Respondent and/or Claimant has (as determined by the ISL Regulatory
Commission) committed such Offence and (ii) if it considers it appropriate, the League.

(c) Any notice to appeal under this paragraph must be lodged with such person as the
League nominates from time to time, being at the date of publication of these Rules
Vandana Gupte (Vandana.Gupte@imgreliance.com) within seven (7) days of receipt of
the written decision of the ISL Regulatory Commission failing which the right to appeal
shall be lost. Thereafter, the procedure set out in the remainder of this ISL Appeal
Commission will apply.

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 (d) The League will establish an independent appeal commission comprising such person(s)
as it feels are appropriate in the circumstances (the “ISL Appeal Commission”) to hear
and decide upon the appeal. If more than one person comprises the ISL Appeal
Commission then such persons shall elect one of them to act as the chairman of the ISL
Appeal Commission (the “ISL Appeal Commission Chairman”) and each reference in this
section to the ISL Appeal Commission Chairman shall be deemed to be to the person
acting as such or the sole member of the ISL Appeal Commission if only one person
comprises the ISL Appeal Commission.

(e) As soon as practicable following receipt of a notice to appeal and the establishment of
the ISL Appeal Commission, the League will refer the same to the ISL Appeal
Commission.

(f) The provisions of Rules 25.1 and 25.2, applicable to proceedings before the ISL
Regulatory Commission, shall apply mutatis mutandis (i.e. with such changes deemed to
have been made as are required to reflect the different context of the appeal) to appeal
hearings before the ISL Appeal Commission.

(g) The ISL Appeal Commission shall hear and determine all issues arising from any matter
which is appealed to it pursuant to this Section over again, from the beginning, without
being bound in any way by the decision being appealed. For the avoidance of doubt, the
ISL Appeal Commission shall, subject to the provisions of Rule 25.3(b), have the power to
increase or decrease, annul, amend or otherwise substitute a new decision in respect of
the appropriateness (or otherwise) of the sanction imposed by the ISL Regulatory
Commission which is the subject of the appeal.

(h) Appeal hearings pursuant to this paragraph shall be completed as expeditiously as

practicable. Save where all parties agree or where the ISL Appeal Commission (in its
discretion) decides otherwise, the appeal hearing shall be commenced no later than ten
(10) days after the appointment of the ISL Appeal Commission.

(i) The ISL Appeal Commission shall, through the League, have the power to order some or
all of the costs of the appeal proceedings (including the costs of holding the hearing, any
interpretation costs, the legal and/or travel/accommodation costs of the ISL Appeal
Commission and/or any other relevant parties) to be paid by the appealing party if it
considers that such party has acted, spuriously, frivolously or otherwise in bad faith.

(j) Any decision made by the ISL Appeal Commission under this Rule 25.4, shall be the full,
final and a complete disposition of the matter and will be binding on all parties.

25.5 Recognition

Any hearing results or other final adjudications by the ISL Regulatory Commission or ISL Appeal
Commission under these Rules shall be recognised and respected by the Claimant and
Respondent and all other persons subject to these Rules automatically upon receipt of notice of
the same, without the need for any further formality. Each of the Claimant and Respondent and
any other relevant person subject to these Rules shall take all steps legally available to it to
enforce and give effect to such decisions.

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25.6 Costs

The Respondent and Claimant will each bear their own costs in relation to any Complaint and/or
Response and the League shall bear the central costs of the ISL Regulatory Commission and the
ISL Appeal Commission which is involved in any such Complaint or Response save in each case
where the ISL Regulatory Commission or ISL Appeal Commission decide otherwise (by way of
example the ISL Regulatory Commission may decide to make an award of costs against a person
in the event of any spurious or vexatious Complaint/Response).

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