What happens if a CP football match is abandoned?
A · Advanced · Competition and eligibility · 2 of 3A match abandoned after 45 minutes keeps its score; one stopped earlier restarts from the same point. If a team causes it, including by having fewer than four eligible players, the opponents win 10-0. Play stops when thunder comes within 30 seconds of lightning and waits 30 minutes after the last flash. Cooling breaks are possible above 32 degrees C.
How it works
- After 45 minutes: score stands.
- Before: restart from the same point.
- Team at fault: 10-0 to opponents.
- Below four players: team at fault.
- Lightning: within 30 seconds of thunder.
- Restart: 30 minutes after last flash.
- Heat: wet bulb globe temperature.
- Cooling breaks: 90 seconds to 3 minutes.
The glossary has the abandoned matches, the weather rules, the team size, the group stage and points, the match length and the supportive equipment.
Tricky cases
Lightning flashes 40 seconds before thunder. Stop?
No. Only within 30 seconds.
A match stops at 30 minutes for weather. Result?
It restarts from that point.
Can women's teams drop to three?
Yes. Their minimum is three.
Is there an altitude rule?
Yes, from 2,000 m.
Why the rule exists
Using 45 minutes as the line means a match well into its second half need not be replayed.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| After 45 minutes | Score stands | C 20 |
| Team at fault | 10-0 | C 20 |
| Lightning | 30 seconds | C 21 |
From the rule book
IFCPF, Competition Rules 2025, articles 20 to 23. Checked 15 October 2026. Official documents: IFCPF Competition Rules, Modifications to the Laws and Classification Rules.