For the first time in a long time, there will be a change in the Fufa competitions rules in regards to ranking of teams in a league format with goal difference now further behind in determination of the winners.
The spirit to have an amendment in the rule followed last season’s dramatic ending to the season which saw Vipers win the league courtesy of superior goal difference.
The 2023/14 FUFA Competitions Rules
In the last games involving Vipers and KCCA who were tied on same points, each team scored for fun with the Venoms hitting Busoga United 5-0 and the Kasasiro won by the same score line against Soltilo Bright Stars.
As the norm has been, Fufa asked stakeholders about any input or amendment to the competitions rule that is aimed to increase competition and more so, reduce chances of match fixing and syndicate.
It is in that spirit that article 14(4) of the competitions rules that ranks teams in a group format setting had amendments.
Unfortunately, FUFA slept on duty by not informing the general public, key stakeholders on the key changes in such a crucial article until Moses Magogo, with all competitions in the final bend came out with an article to the shock of many a Ugandan.
There will be argument from the FA about sharing the rules with key stakeholders, the clubs or having the rules uploaded on its website but that’s not enough as pointing out key amendments would make more sense.
IFAB, the body responsible for rules of the game of football often highlights the world about changes to particular rules including award of penalty, offside etc. and Fufa would have done so.
In summary, below is what is ARTICLE 14(4) states;
League, Mini League and group stage of Mixed-Format Competition
Each team participating in a league or mini-league match shall be awarded three (3) points for a win, one (1) point for a draw, and zero (0) points for a loss. FUFA may draw specific regulations for some specific competitions.
b) The winner shall be team at the top of the final table standing.
c) The positions on table standing at all times throughout the league or mini league shall be ranked on the following priority order from top to bottom considering cumulative statistics from the first to the last recognized matches of the competition
(i) Total Number of Points Accumulated
(ii) If Rule 14(4) (c) (i) does not separate the teams, then the better team, between the tying teams, by the Head-to-Head (Using the goal aggregate system) will be ranked above the other(s)
iii) If Rule 14(4) (c)(ii) does not separate the teams, then the better team, between the tying teams, by virtual points will be ranked above the other(s).
For purposes of this provision, virtual points shall be the one (1) extra point earned by the teams that win their match by 2-goal or more goal margin
iv) If Rule 14(4) (c)(iii) does not separate the teams, then the better team, between the tying teams, by the difference between the Goals Scored against the Goals Conceded will be ranked above the other(s)
v) If Rule 14(4) (c)(iv) does not separate the teams, then the better team, between the tying teams, with a superior number of Goals Scored will be ranked above the other(s)
vi) If Rule 14(4) (c)(v) does not separate the teams, then the better team, between the tying teams, with an inferior number of fair-play points will be ranked above the other(s)
For the purpose of this provision, fair-play points will be calculated as 3 points for a red card and 1 point for a yellow card and totaled up per team throughout the competition.
vii) If Rule 14(4) (c)(vi) does not separate the teams, then the FUFA Executive will take a decision to rank such teams including but not limited tossing a coin for tournament played with a mini league format or a fully replay between the tying teams for the league format.
Uganda Premier League Table
As per the above, BUL, tied with Vipers on points now lead the table as they beat the Venoms home and away and thus have a better Head to Head scenario.
The post Understanding Article 14 (4) of the 2023/24 Fufa Competitions Rules appeared first on Kawowo Sports.
