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Each match is 40 minutes, played as two 20-minute halves, with a 15-minute interval between scheduled match slots. Sunday knockout matches are 70 minutes: two 30-minute halves and a 10-minute half-time.

Injury time is at the referee's discretion. The Committee may shorten matches in unfavourable or unforeseen circumstances. Unless officially advised otherwise, teams must report to the ground and must not assume a match is cancelled.

At all times, the eight players on the field must include at least 5 Kerala players and no more than 3 non-Kerala players. The full 13-player squad may contain more than three non-Kerala players; the limit applies only to players on the field at one time.

A Kerala player is a player whose mother tongue is Malayalam or who has at least one parent born in Kerala, India. Every substitution must keep the required ratio.

Unlimited substitutions are allowed, as long as the referee is informed and the player ratio is maintained. Substitutes may enter or leave only with the referee's permission, when play has stopped and at reasonable intervals.

• All players wear their team's matching, approved playing jersey, following any CSL Committee instructions.
• Shin guards must be worn throughout every match.
• No jewellery or items with sharp edges; fingernails must be safely groomed.
• Approved turf football boots are strongly required for player safety and the playing surface.

• If a team fields more than three non-Kerala players, the referee must be told. The team may have to play with one fewer player for the rest of that match.
• A first yellow card is a warning and does not carry into the next match.
• A second yellow card in the same match is a red card. The dismissed player cannot be replaced for the rest of that match.
• A red card for a normal match offence means dismissal from the current match and suspension for the first half of the next match.
• A player involved in physical conflict, including pushing, may be removed from the tournament and permanently banned from the league.

Group-stage win: 3 points. Draw: 1 point each. Loss: 0 points. If a group match is cancelled or abandoned due to an unforeseen event, points may be shared.

Teams level on points are ranked by goal difference, then goals scored, then head-to-head result, then fair play record, then Organising Committee decision. The published 2026 fixture format decides qualification to the knockout rounds.

• Failing to appear for a scheduled group match may result in disqualification or a permanent tournament ban.
• Misbehaviour by any player, official or team representative may result in immediate disqualification.
• Players or team owners who start conflict on or off the field may receive match bans or a points deduction.
• Conduct that disrupts the tournament or conflicts with CSL principles may lead to removal of the person or team.
• Police may be contacted about threats, violence or other unacceptable behaviour involving players, officials or spectators.

All team owners, managers, captains and players must read, understand and follow the tournament rules. Taking part in CSL Legacy Cup 2026 confirms acceptance of these rules, the Code of Conduct and official Committee decisions. Failure to comply may result in suspension, points penalties or disqualification.

Respect is central to the spirit of the game. Players and team officials must respect captains, teammates, opponents, referees and tournament officials; play hard and fair; accept decisions; show self-discipline; and help create a positive atmosphere.

Breaches include:

• Dissent toward a referee, or repeatedly appealing to pressure an official.
• Charging or advancing aggressively toward a referee.
• Abusive language, actions or gestures toward a player, team official, referee or Committee member.
• Threats, attempted assault, physical assault or conduct likely to provoke aggression.
• Deliberately losing or manipulating a match, goal difference or standings for an improper tactical reason.

Neutral referees control matches. The referee is the sole judge of fair and unfair play, and match decisions are final. Offside applies and is decided by the match officials; the main referee may overrule an assistant referee.

The CSL Committee has final authority over disputes, player eligibility and tournament administration, and may change rules, venue, date, time or match duration where required.