SEALS Cup 2025: Rules and Innovations Unveiled Ahead of May 21 Kick Off

By: Azeez Adekunle

At a press conference held on Monday, May 5 at the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) chamber, the SEALS Cup organising committee unveiled the rules, regulations, and innovations for the 7th edition of the University of Ibadan Students’ Union (UI’SU) inter-departmental football tournament, scheduled to kick off on May 21.

Chairman of the organising committee, Olowu Daniel, addressed attendees and apologized for the late start of the press conference. He announced that this year’s opening ceremony would feature the presence of Deans of Faculties, as well as the university’s male and female football coaches, to give the tournament added prestige.

As part of efforts to increase visibility, all participating departmental teams are required to create official social media pages to promote their players and generate awareness.

For match regulations, male teams will play two halves of 30 minutes each, while female teams will play two halves of 15 minutes. A player who receives two yellow cards in consecutive group stage matches will face a one-game suspension. Red cards during the knockout stages may lead to fines or suspensions, depending on the severity of the offense.

Each male team is allowed to register up to three Distance Learning Centre (DLC) students and two postgraduate students, while female teams may include one DLC and one postgraduate student.

Uniformity in team kits is mandatory, with hose colours assigned to departments after payment. Additionally, each team must provide a health commissioner to oversee player welfare.

In a bid to promote inclusivity and innovation, this year’s SEALS Cup introduces player transfers. A department may sign one player from another department, provided the player’s original department is not participating in the tournament. Transfer fee details will be disclosed later.

Also, making its debut is an Esports segment, which will feature games such as EAC, Online Chess, and Call of Duty Mobile. There are no limits to the number of representatives per department, and winners in this category will be handsomely rewarded.

With the rules unveiled and the kickoff date set, excitement is building across campus as students gear up for one of the most anticipated sporting events in the University of Ibadan.

To get more insight on the past events in the SEALS CUP, read AFAS Press recent report on how the three finals unfolded, and build your anticipation for the next to come.