Code of Conduct
Foreword
Football in Pakistan has never lacked passion, history, or talent. What it has lacked is a stage built to the standard that talent deserves, and a set of rules strong enough to protect everyone who steps onto that stage — players, coaches, match officials, club owners, and the fans who show up to watch.
SuperLiga Pakistan is built on the belief that a league is only as strong as the standards it holds itself to, particularly in its first Season. This Code of Conduct is that foundation.
Part I — General Provisions
1. Preamble and Vision
SuperLiga Pakistan is established as a professional, club-based football competition dedicated to raising the standard of organised football in Pakistan through disciplined governance, professional conduct, and the protection of everyone who takes part in it. This Code is issued by the League Organizer, Islamabad Forum for Strategic Studies (SMC-Private) Limited, and is binding on every individual and entity that registers, competes in, works for, or is otherwise formally associated with the League.
2. Definitions
League Organizer means Islamabad Forum for Strategic Studies (SMC-Private) Limited. League means the competition operated under this Code, including the Twin Cities group stage and the Final Four. Club/Club Owner means any entity holding a valid club registration. Participant means any player, coach, staff, Club Owner, official, or contractor registered with the League. Match Official means any referee, assistant, or fourth official, including the Chief Referee Coordinator. Disciplinary Committee is the body with authority to investigate and sanction breaches. Twin Cities refers to Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the primary group-stage hosting region. Final Four refers to the concluding stage, hosted at Kakri Sports Complex, Lyari, Karachi. Season means one complete edition of SuperLiga Pakistan.
3. Scope and Application
This Code applies to all Participants for the full duration of their registration, and extends to conduct connected with the League outside matchdays and venues where it materially affects the League's integrity, safety, or reputation. Registration or accreditation constitutes agreement to be bound by this Code whether or not a written acknowledgment has been signed.
4. Governing Structure and Jurisdiction
Authority is distributed across: the League Organizer (ultimate commercial and operational authority); the Disciplinary Committee (independent investigation and sanction); the Appeals Panel (separately constituted, hears appeals); the Chief Referee Coordinator (appointment and supervision of officials); and Club Owners (responsible for conduct of their own players and staff).
4.1 Relationship to FIFA, PFF and the National Football Pyramid
SuperLiga Pakistan is built as a complement to Pakistan's existing football governance structure, not as a rival to it. The League Organizer has actively sought, and continues to pursue, a working relationship with the Pakistan Football Federation, with the stated intention of achieving formal recognition and, in time, sanctioning.
This Code voluntarily adopts the Laws of the Game as maintained by IFAB and FIFA, and reflects internationally recognised standards of player welfare, disciplinary fairness, and club governance. This voluntary adoption does not itself constitute or imply FIFA, AFC, or PFF recognition, membership, or endorsement. Nothing in this Code or any League communication should be read as a claim of official status or sanction unless formally granted in writing. Should the League obtain formal PFF sanctioning in future, this Code will be reviewed for consistency with PFF's regulatory framework as a condition of that sanctioning.
5. Core Principles
Every Participant is expected to uphold: Integrity (never seeking to manipulate a match result); Respect (treating everyone with dignity regardless of background or outcome); Fair Play (accepting officials' authority, playing within the Laws of the Game); Non-Discrimination; Transparency (honest financial and administrative dealings); and Duty of Care (owed by every Club Owner, coach, and staff member to players and young persons under their supervision).
Part II — Code of Conduct by Stakeholder
6. Player Code of Conduct
Players must comply with the Laws of the Game and Match Officials' instructions at all times; violent conduct, serious foul play, spitting, and biting are prohibited. Dissent toward a Match Official's decision is prohibited. Off-field, players must not bring the League or their Club into disrepute, and are prohibited from alcohol or controlled substances while in League/Club-branded kit at an official event. Players shall not use, possess, or facilitate prohibited performance-enhancing substances. Betting on any SuperLiga Pakistan match, or providing inside information for betting purposes, is strictly prohibited. Players must not use social media to abuse, threaten, or discriminate against any person, or to undermine the authority of officiating. Every player is entitled to a safe playing environment, timely medical attention, and freedom from harassment.
7. Club Owner Code of Conduct
Club ownership is granted only to those who have executed a Club Registration Agreement, paid the registration fee in full, and satisfied applicable background and financial-standing checks. Each Club Owner is responsible for full and timely payment of fees, wages, and any fines arising from breaches by individuals under their Club, and for the discipline, conduct, and welfare of every registered player and staff member. A Club Owner may be held jointly liable for a breach where inadequate supervision contributed to it. Club Owners must not approach or pressure a Match Official, Disciplinary Committee member, or opposing Club regarding a result or decision. Prohibited conduct includes: unauthorised payment or gift to a Match Official or League employee; fielding an unregistered or suspended player; concealing a known breach; and financial impropriety including misrepresenting ownership or financial standing. Club Owners must treat commercially sensitive League information as confidential, and must maintain a written record of all player and staff payments, made through traceable means so far as practicable.
8. Coaching and Technical Staff Code of Conduct
Head coaches and technical staff are responsible for the tactical and disciplinary conduct of their players, and must model the standards of respect and fair play expected of players. A coach found to have directed or condoned misconduct is subject to sanction in addition to, not instead of, the player's own sanction.
9. Match Officials — Code of Conduct and Protection Policy
Match Officials act independently and impartially; no Club Owner, coach, player, or League employee may seek to influence an appointment or decision. SuperLiga Pakistan operates a zero-tolerance policy toward any physical contact, threat, or serious verbal abuse directed at a Match Official. Any act of physical aggression results in immediate removal, automatic provisional suspension, and a minimum sanction with no discretion to reduce it except on appeal.
9.2.1 Mandatory Police Referral and Individual Penalty
Any physical assault against a Match Official is, in addition to a breach of this Code, a criminal matter: the League Organizer will ensure a First Information Report (FIR) is filed with local police against the individual, independent of the Disciplinary Committee's own proceedings. The individual is personally liable for a fine of PKR 500,000, payable within thirty days, in addition to the League sanction — a personal liability, not payable by their Club — and must issue a written public apology as a condition of any future reinstatement. Match Official appointments are published no later than 72 hours before kick-off; match fees are payable within seven days; the senior Match Official submits an incident report within 24 hours of full time.
10. Team Support Staff and Medical Personnel Conduct
Medical personnel must act in the best interest of player health at all times, independent of pressure from coaching staff or Club Owners to clear an injured player before it is medically safe.
11. Spectator and Fan Code of Conduct
Spectators are expected to conduct themselves with respect toward players, officials, and opposing supporters. Prohibited conduct includes: physical altercation or pitch invasion; discriminatory chanting or gestures; accessing restricted areas; and possession of alcohol, weapons, fireworks, or flares. A home Club Owner may be held responsible under this Section for failing to intervene when their own supporter base engages in prohibited conduct.
Part III — Integrity Policies
12. Anti-Discrimination and Equality Policy
SuperLiga Pakistan prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, tribe, region, religion, sex, disability, or any other characteristic unrelated to a person's ability to fulfil their role. Any act of discrimination is a serious breach subject to enhanced sanctions.
12.2 Match-Day Discrimination Response Protocol
Where discriminatory conduct occurs during a fixture, the senior Match Official applies a three-step protocol: Step One — Stop (play stops, a public warning is issued); Step Two — Suspend (if it continues, play is suspended and teams directed to the tunnel); Step Three — Abandon (if it persists after resumption, the match is abandoned). An abandoned match is not replayed as a friendly; the Disciplinary Committee determines the result and any sanctions.
13. Anti-Doping Policy
The use, possession, or facilitation of any prohibited performance-enhancing substance is strictly prohibited. A first violation carries a mandatory minimum full-Season suspension; a second violation carries permanent expulsion.
14. Betting Integrity and Anti-Match-Fixing Policy
No Participant may bet, wager, or stake value on any SuperLiga Pakistan match, directly or through a third party, or accept payment to influence a match outcome. Any Participant approached to influence a match must report it within 48 hours — failure to report a known approach is itself a breach, even where the Participant never agreed to the arrangement.
15. Safeguarding and Young Player Protection Policy
Clubs fielding players under eighteen owe an enhanced duty of care. No adult Participant may be alone with a minor outside the presence of another adult in training, travel, or accommodation settings, except where unavoidable and promptly disclosed. Any welfare concern regarding a minor must be reported immediately and treated with priority and confidentiality.
16. Conflict of Interest and Anti-Bribery Policy
No individual in a position of League authority may hold a financial interest in a Club, or a relationship that could compromise their impartiality, without declaring it. Bribery or unauthorised payment connected to any League decision is strictly prohibited.
16.1 Whistleblower Protection
Any Participant who, in good faith, reports a suspected breach or integrity concern is protected from retaliation of any kind. A report made maliciously or knowingly false is not protected and may itself constitute a breach.
17. Media, Broadcasting and Social Media Conduct Policy
Participants engaging with media must not make statements that are discriminatory, bring the League into disrepute, or improperly disclose confidential information. Club Owners retain commercial rights to their own team's social content and player image rights, subject to the League Organizer's central branding rights.
18. Health, Safety and Medical Protocol
Every venue must have a qualified first-aider present for the duration of any fixture. Any player suspected of a head injury must be immediately withdrawn and shall not return to the same fixture, regardless of the player's own wish to continue.
Part IV — Disciplinary System
19. Disciplinary Committee — Composition and Powers
The Disciplinary Committee consists of no fewer than three members appointed by the League Organizer, including at least one member with relevant football administration or refereeing experience. No member may sit on a case involving a declared conflict of interest.
20. Categories of Offences
Breaches are grouped, in ascending severity: Category A — minor on-field misconduct; Category B — serious on-field misconduct; Category C — off-field misconduct; Category D — assault/threat against a Match Official, or serious Club integrity breach; Category E — match-fixing, betting-integrity, doping, and safeguarding violations involving a minor.
21. Schedule of Sanctions
{sanction_table([ ("Category A — Dissent, unsporting behaviour", "Caution; fine up to the amount in the Club Registration Agreement"), ("Category B — Violent conduct, serious foul play", "Minimum 2-match suspension; up to season-long"), ("Category C — Discriminatory conduct (non-violent), abusive social media", "Minimum 2-match suspension; fine; mandatory conduct education"), ("Category D — Assault/threat on a Match Official; serious Club breach", "Minimum 6-match suspension up to permanent expulsion; Club fine and possible deposit forfeiture"), ("Category E — Match-fixing, betting, doping, safeguarding (minor)", "Minimum full-season suspension up to permanent expulsion; referral to law enforcement"), ])}Selected itemized minimums:
{sanction_table([ ("Reckless challenge endangering an opponent", "1-match suspension"), ("Serious foul play (excessive force)", "3-match suspension"), ("Violent conduct causing injury risk", "6-match suspension"), ("Spitting at a Match Official", "10-match suspension"), ("Physical contact (push/shove) with a Match Official", "10-match suspension"), ("Striking or physically assaulting a Match Official", "Permanent expulsion; PKR 500,000 fine; mandatory police FIR; public apology"), ("Fielding an unregistered or suspended player", "Forfeiture of match; fine; possible deposit forfeiture"), ("Betting on a SuperLiga Pakistan match", "Full-season suspension"), ("Attempting to manipulate a match result", "Permanent expulsion; referral to law enforcement"), ("First anti-doping violation", "Full-season suspension"), ("Second anti-doping violation", "Permanent expulsion"), ("Safeguarding violation involving a minor", "Immediate permanent expulsion; mandatory police referral"), ("Bribery of a Match Official or League official", "Permanent expulsion; referral to law enforcement"), ])}22. Financial Security and Conduct Bond Rules
Where a security deposit is specified, it is held by the League Organizer in a ring-fenced account, refundable in full at Season end less any amount forfeited by a Category D or E ruling. Forfeiture requires a written ruling stating the specific breach and amount, communicated within seven days.
23. Disciplinary Procedure
Reporting → Preliminary Review (within five days) → Investigation → Notice (within seven days of investigation commencing) → Hearing (right to respond, be accompanied, and request an interpreter) → Decision on the balance of probabilities, published within fourteen days of the hearing. A quorum requires at least two of three Committee members present; Category D/E hearings require the full Committee wherever practicable.
24. Appeals Process
A sanctioned Participant may appeal to the Appeals Panel within seven days, stating grounds. The Panel reviews for procedural fairness and proportionality, and may uphold, reduce, increase, or overturn the decision. Its decision is final within the League's own governance structure. A sanction remains in effect while under appeal except where a specific stay is granted, or the offence falls under Section 25.
25. Emergency and Summary Powers
Where an alleged breach involves physical violence, a serious safeguarding concern, or immediate safety risk, an immediate provisional suspension may be imposed without prior notice, pending a full hearing within seven days. A provisional suspension is not itself a finding of guilt.
Part V — Governance and Administration
26. Club Travel and Logistics Conduct
All costs of team travel, accommodation, and local transit for fixtures outside a Club's home region, including the Final Four at Kakri Sports Complex, Lyari, Karachi, are the sole financial responsibility of the Club Owner.
27. Amendments to this Code
This Code may be amended between Seasons, or, in exceptional safety circumstances, during a Season with immediate effect and written notice. An amendment to the Schedule of Sanctions or financial obligations does not apply retroactively.
28. Ratification, Acknowledgment and Binding Effect
This Code takes binding effect upon ratification and applies to every Participant from the date of registration, whether or not individually countersigned.
29. Effective Date and Review Cycle
This Code is reviewed at the conclusion of each Season to incorporate lessons learned and any changes to the League's operating structure.
30. Contact and Reporting Channels
Reports and complaints are submitted through the official channel published to all Club Owners and Match Officials at the start of each Season. Urgent, safety-related matters should be raised immediately and directly with the senior League Organizer representative present at the venue. Receipt of a written report is confirmed within 48 hours.
31. Change of Club Ownership, Leadership and Home Venue
A Club Owner transferring control must first notify the League Organizer in writing and obtain consent. Outstanding fines or sanctions remain attached to the Club through any transfer. A Club may not change its registered name or crest once a Season has begun, or relocate its home venue outside its registered region, without written approval.
Part VI — Playing Regulations, Registration and Eligibility
32. Squad Registration and Composition
Each Club submits a registered squad list no later than seven days before the opening fixture. A squad shall not exceed 25 players nor fewer than 16. A mid-Season registration window is open for the first 21 days of the group stage only. No player may be registered to more than one Club in the same Season.
33. Player Eligibility and Age Requirements
A player must be at least sixteen at their first registered match; any player under eighteen is subject to enhanced safeguarding requirements including parental consent. There is no maximum age limit. Priority registration is given to unattached players, university players, and academy graduates.
34. Transfers and Loans Between Clubs
A player may transfer only during the mid-Season registration window, with written consent of both Clubs and the player. Loan arrangements are permitted on the same terms.
35. Matchday Procedures and Squad Lists
Each Club submits a matchday squad of no more than 20 players, including a maximum 11 starters, no later than 60 minutes before kick-off. A maximum of five substitutions is permitted, across three stoppages excluding half-time.
36. Format, Duration and Competition Rules
Group stage matches are two halves of 40 minutes; Final Four matches follow the same duration, with two 10-minute extra-time halves and penalties if still level. Standings: 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw. Ties broken by head-to-head, goal difference, goals scored, then play-off or coin toss. The top four Clubs qualify for the Final Four.
37. Kit, Equipment and Branding Regulations
Each Club registers a primary and alternate kit colourway before the season begins. The League Organizer's central branding is mandatory on every kit and may not be removed or obscured. Shin guards are mandatory for every player in every fixture.
38. Postponement, Abandonment and Rescheduling
A fixture may be postponed for venue unavailability, unsafe weather, or genuine emergency, and rescheduled within 14 days where possible. A Club failing to field at least seven fully-kitted players at kick-off without reasonable, previously communicated cause forfeits the match 3-0.
Part VII — Club Licensing and Registration Requirements
This Part sets out what a club must demonstrate to be granted and retain a place in SuperLiga Pakistan, organised into five categories consistent with club licensing systems used internationally, adapted to a first-Season league in Pakistan. A club that cannot presently meet every criterion in full is not automatically excluded; Section 44 explains provisional registration.
39. Sporting Criteria
- A registered first-team squad of 16–25 players, all meeting the age eligibility rule in Section 33.
- At least one identified head coach, holding a recognised qualification where available, or a written plan to obtain one within two Seasons.
- A named individual responsible for first-aid at every training session and fixture.
- Written confirmation that all players have completed a basic safeguarding and anti-doping briefing.
- A stated intention or pathway to field or partner with an U-17 or U-19 development side within two Seasons.
40. Infrastructure Criteria
- Reasonable, reliable access to a training ground suitable for full-squad sessions.
- Basic changing room and sanitation facilities at the primary training base.
- Confirmed ability to field the team at League-approved match venues for home fixtures.
- Secure, weatherproof storage for kit and equipment.
- Basic on-site first-aid equipment at every training session and fixture.
41. Personnel and Administrative Criteria
- A named Club Owner or senior official as primary point of contact, personally accountable under Section 7.
- A designated Club Secretary or administrator (may be the same person as the Club Owner for a smaller club).
- Emergency contact and next-of-kin information on file for every registered player.
- A designated compliance contact responsible for briefing players and staff on this Code.
42. Legal Criteria
- The club is a real, identifiable entity — formally registered, or at minimum operating under a clearly identified responsible individual with supporting documentation.
- No individual in a Club Owner, coaching, or senior administrative role is under suspension or formal investigation by PFF, AFC, or FIFA for an integrity violation.
- No conflicting registration with another competing league for the same Season.
- Agreement in writing to the data protection standards in Section 7.6.
43. Financial Criteria
- Evidence of ability to pay the Club Registration Fee and sustain a full Season's basic operating costs.
- A written commitment to pay players and staff on a defined schedule, with records retained.
- Payment of the Season's security deposit before the club's first competitive fixture.
- A written commitment to provide or facilitate basic injury insurance for registered players.
44. Registration Process, Provisional Status and Review
A club applies by submitting the standard application with supporting documentation against Sections 39–43. The League Organizer reviews each application and, within fourteen days, notifies one of three outcomes: full registration, provisional registration, or non-registration with reasons given in writing.
Provisional registration may be granted where a club substantially meets the criteria but has one or more minor, clearly remediable gaps — for example, a coaching qualification in progress rather than complete. A provisionally registered club submits a written improvement plan with a defined timeline, and remains subject to review during the Season. Registration is granted one Season at a time; a club in good standing is not automatically re-registered and must reapply, though the League Organizer gives due weight to a completed Season and disciplinary record.
Appendices
Appendix C — Quick-Reference Sanctions Table
{sanction_table([ ("A — Minor misconduct", "Caution up to fine as per Club Registration Agreement"), ("B — Serious on-field misconduct", "2-match suspension up to season-long suspension"), ("C — Off-field misconduct", "2-match suspension + fine up to season-long suspension + fine"), ("D — Assault/threat on official; serious Club breach", "6-match suspension up to permanent expulsion + deposit forfeiture"), ("E — Match-fixing, doping, safeguarding (minor)", "Full-season suspension up to permanent expulsion + law enforcement referral"), ])}Appendix F — Document Control
| Version | Description | Approved By |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Initial ratified issue of the SuperLiga Pakistan Code of Conduct | League Organizer |
This Code should be read together with the current season's Club Registration Agreement and Playing Regulations, which take precedence on operational and commercial matters not addressed here. The Constitution governs League structure and authority; this Code governs conduct, discipline, and playing rules.