Pepsi Cup 2025

It’s official, the Pepsi Cup at Rockstar Energy presents Creamfields kicks off this Thursday! If you’ve registered your team, follow instructions below.

  • Don’t worry if you missed out on registering your team, there will be very limited space for walk-ups each day. (not guaranteed)
Pepsi Cup - what to do next

Pepsi Cup Tournament Rules (5-a-side)

 

Format & Duration

  • Team size: 4 outfield players + 1 goalkeeper, with squads up to 8 and rolling substitutions allowed
  • Substitutions: Unlimited and rolling, permitted at any stoppage. If improperly made, it may result in an indirect free kick.
  • Minimum players: A match must be abandoned if a team permanently loses more than 2 players (excluding sin-bin situations). This team will be eliminated from the tournament.
  • Match length: 10 minutes one way. In the event of a draw, penalty shootout (3 each and sudden death)

Equipment & Safety

  • Shin guards (recommended), appropriate footwear, no jewellery.

Refereeing & Discipline

  • Card System: Yellow cards will be issued for minor offences and will result in a 2-minute temporary suspension (sin-bin). If a red card is issued, then that player will be suspended from the rest of the tournament.
  • Referee’s authority: Full enforcement of these laws throughout the match. Respect referee and opponents.

Ball Restarts & Goalkeeper Rules

  • Back-pass: After distribution, the goalkeeper can only receive the ball if it has touched an opponent or at least two teammates
  • Distribution: Underarm throws only; deliberate kicks only allowed during a save
  • Barrier restrictions: Players can’t hold onto barriers to shield the ball – indirect free kick if they do. Out of play is when the ball leaves the pitch. This will result in a kick in. All opposition players must be 3 yards away when the kick-in is played.
  • Height restrictions: A height limit is in place. If the ball is played above head height, an indirect free kick is awarded; special rules apply within the penalty area.

Fouls & Discipline

  • Sliding tackles banned; only standing challenges allowed
  • Back-pass rule: After GK distribution, player cannot return to GK directly; indirect free kick from where pass originated
  • Free kicks: All indirect; opponents must stand 3 yards away
  • Penalties: Taken from spot (7 yards); defenders stay outside GK area; 1-yard run-up allowed