Protests, Hearings & Appeals

12.1 Right to Protest

Any team may lodge a formal protest regarding any match or decision that affects the team's standing in the tournament. Protests must relate to matters of eligibility, rule violations or procedural irregularities — not matters of referee judgment on the field of play.

12.2 Protest Procedure

1. A protest must be lodged in writing within 24 hours of the conclusion of the match in question.
2. The protest must be addressed to the Tournament Director and accompanied by a protest fee of UGX 50,000.
3. The protest must clearly state the grounds, the rule(s) allegedly violated and the remedy sought.
4. The protest fee is refunded in full if the protest is upheld; forfeited if dismissed.

12.3 DC Hearing Procedure

1. The DC shall hear the protest within 48 hours of receipt.
2. Both parties (protesting team and respondent team) are entitled to present evidence and witnesses.
3. The DC may call for video evidence, match official reports and any other relevant documentation.
4. Decisions are made by majority vote and communicated in writing within 24 hours of the hearing.

12.4 Appeals

1. Any party aggrieved by a DC decision may lodge an appeal with the Appeals Panel within 24 hours of notification of the DC decision.
2. An appeal fee of UGX 100,000 applies (refundable if the appeal is upheld).
3. The Appeals Panel shall convene and deliver its decision within 48 hours of the appeal submission.
4. Decisions of the Appeals Panel are final and binding. No further recourse within the tournament framework is available.