General provisions 9

5 Withdrawal, unplayed matches and abandoned matches

1.
All participating member associations undertake to play all of their matches
until eliminated from the preliminary competition.

2.
Any association that withdraws between the submission of the entry form
and the start of the preliminary competition will be sanctioned with a fine
of at least CHF 20,000. Any association that withdraws after the start of the
preliminary competition will be sanctioned with a fine of at least CHF 40,000.

3.
Depending on the circumstances of the withdrawal, the FIFA Disciplinary
Committee may impose sanctions in addition to those provided for in par. 2
above, including the expulsion of the association concerned from subsequent
FIFA competitions.

4.
Any match which is not played or which is abandoned – except in cases of
force majeure recognised by FIFA – may lead to the imposition of sanctions
against the relevant associations by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee in
accordance with the FIFA Disciplinary Code. In such cases, the FIFA Disciplinary
Committee may also order that the match be replayed.

5.
Any association that withdraws or whose behaviour is liable for a match not
being played or being abandoned may be ordered by FIFA to reimburse FIFA,
the host association or any other participating member association for any
expenses incurred as a result of its behaviour. In such cases, the association
concerned may also be ordered by FIFA to pay compensation for any damages
incurred by FIFA, the host association or any other participating member
association. The association in question will also forfeit any claim to financial
remuneration from FIFA.

6.
If an association withdraws or a match cannot be played or is abandoned as
a result of force majeure, FIFA shall decide on the matter at its sole discretion
and take whatever action is deemed necessary. If a match is not played or is
abandoned as a result of force majeure, FIFA may order a replay.