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GlossarySports

Federation Licence (Licencia Federativa)

Physical or digital document issued by the federation evidencing a player's link to a club and category for a given season.

Definition

The federation licence is the credential issued by the corresponding federation identifying the player, their club, category and current season. Typically includes: player name, photo, date of birth, licence number, club and category. Most federations now issue it digitally downloadable from their platform; some also keep a laminated physical version.

It's the document the referee asks for at matches to verify line-ups: if a player is not on the club's list with a valid licence, it's deemed ineligible fielding and the federation can sanction the team with match loss and further disciplinary measures.

When does it apply?

Applies throughout the active season once the card is processed. Every player must be able to present their licence (physically or from their phone) at each official match. Coaches and delegates must have access to the licence list to evidence the line-up.

Practical example

Before Saturday's match between C.F. Aluvión and C.F. Lacedonia under-16 squads, the Aluvión delegate hands the referee the list of federation licences for the 18 called-up players. The referee verifies one by one: photo, name, category, licence number. Detects that player #16 isn't on the federation's official list (their card is still in process). They don't let him play; the club subs him out and the match continues.

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