Syldavian Premier League Regulations
The official rules and regulations governing the Syldavian Premier League (Lig Plemir Syldavska), as established by the SPL Management Board under the auspices of the Zërn Föderasjön Szport Syldavë (ZFSS).
Institutional Framework
The Syldavian Premier League (SPL) holds exclusive authority over top-tier professional football competition in the Kingdom. The SPL operates autonomously while maintaining formal coordination with:
- ZFSS Football Commission (Komisja Futbolska ZFSS) — policy alignment, calendar harmonisation, and coordination of betting supervision via KZP
The ZFSS Football Commission appoints one non-voting delegate to the SPL Management Board, ensuring alignment with national sports policy without interfering in league operations.
Key Provisions
- Match Duration: Standard 90 minutes (two 45-minute halves) plus injury time
- Squad Registration: All players must be registered with the SPL before the season deadline
- Foreign Players: Limited to five per club, in accordance with national development policies
- Academy Integration: Clubs are encouraged to develop local talent through affiliated youth academies
- Stadium Standards: All venues must meet SPL Grade A certification
Competition Rules
Squad Registration
- Maximum squad size: 25 players per club
- Minimum 8 homegrown players (trained by a Syldavian club for at least three years before age 21)
- Foreign players: maximum 5 per registered squad
- Registration windows: Summer (1 June – 31 August), Winter (1–31 January)
- Players not registered by deadline ineligible until next window
Match Rules
- Substitutions: maximum 5 per team, across 3 opportunities (half-time excluded)
- Ball: SPL-approved match ball (ZFSS certification required)
- Kit conflicts resolved by away team changing; third kit mandatory for all clubs
Points and Classification
- Win: 3 points; Draw: 1 point; Loss: 0 points
- Tiebreakers (in order): goal difference, goals scored, head-to-head record, fair play rating
- Bottom two clubs relegated to First Division; top two First Division clubs promoted
Disciplinary Framework
The SPL Disciplinary Commission oversees all matters relating to player conduct, club behaviour, and match integrity. Appeals may be lodged within 72 hours of any ruling to the ZFSS Appeals Board.
Card Accumulation
| Yellow Cards | Sanction |
|---|---|
| 5 in season | 1-match suspension |
| 10 in season | 2-match suspension |
| 15 in season | 3-match suspension + disciplinary review |
Red Card Offences
| Offence | Minimum Suspension |
|---|---|
| Second yellow | 1 match |
| Denial of goal-scoring opportunity | 1 match |
| Serious foul play | 2 matches |
| Violent conduct | 3 matches |
| Spitting at opponent or official | 4 matches |
| Assault on match official | Indefinite (minimum 6 months) |
Yellow card counts reset at season end. Red card suspensions carry over if not served.
Betting Regulation
All football wagering in Syldavia is administered exclusively by the Kancelaria Za Pari (KZP). The KZP sets official odds, monitors betting patterns for irregularities, and coordinates with the SPL Integrity Unit on match-fixing investigations. Unlicensed betting operations are prohibited. Players, officials, and club staff are forbidden from placing bets on any SPL fixture.
Media Obligations
Broadcast and Press
- Post-match press conference mandatory for head coach within 30 minutes of final whistle
- One player from each team must be made available for broadcast interview
- Clubs must provide accredited media access to designated press areas
- Social media activity by players restricted from 2 hours before kick-off until post-match duties complete
Official Publications
- All registered players must participate in the annual Figurini Panikni portrait session
- Player likeness rights for official SPL albums, stickers, and collectibles granted upon registration
- Clubs must release players for photography sessions as scheduled by SPL Media Office
- Refusal to participate subject to fine (minimum 500,000 Khors per missed session)
Protocol
Pre-Match Requirements
- National anthem mandatory before all SPL fixtures
- Full version (3:42) required for televised matches and royal attendance; abbreviated version (1:50) permitted otherwise
- Teams line up facing main stand; captains at centre
- Captain's handshake and recitation of national motto at centre circle prior to kick-off
St Vladimir's Day Fixtures
Matches on or adjacent to 15 July are designated Sceptre fixtures. Commemorative armbands (royal pelican emblem) mandatory. One minute's silence before anthem.
Stadium Requirements
- National flag and SPL banner displayed throughout match
- Both club flags at equal height
- Klow Spring mineral water available at all concession points
Official Documentation
The complete regulations document is currently undergoing formal review and will be published upon ratification by the SPL Management Board.
Last revised: January 2026
