Where are the focuses this tournament?

15 June 2025

At 5:30 PM on Friday afternoon, the first teams kick off at the Marvel Tournament. To ensure everything runs as smoothly and well as possible during the matches, preparations take place on Friday afternoon in the greenhouse (serre). Starting from 2:00 PM, team managers, referees, assistant referees, and fourth officials are briefed one after another about the rules, facilities, and the importance of Fair Play. What is typically discussed at such a meeting? We took a look at the team managers’ meeting.

Chairman Marco Frank opens the meeting by introducing Karel van den Heuvel and Jeroen Sanders, ‘the referees’ bosses’ for this tournament. “Both gentlemen have earned their stripes refereeing matches, and that’s why they are here,” says Marco. “Besides, both gentlemen have some other special skills, but you’ll find out about those tomorrow evening,” Marco adds with a smile.

He then moves on to some housekeeping matters and issues that the average tournament visitor might not know but which offer an interesting insight. For example, players from all teams receive personalized water bottles that they may keep after the tournament—no unnecessary luxury with this warm weather. Additionally, all teams can have their kits washed at the end of the day if they wish, and these will be returned clean at the desired time the next day. All matches can also be followed via livestreams, and it is even possible for teams to download the recordings of their matches. Marco also mentions that ESPN will be filming on Friday and Sunday, and that ‘tikkietakka’ Touzani will be visiting the tournament.

After that, Karel and Jeroen take over and discuss some referee matters. They start by emphasizing the importance of Fair Play towards the team managers. The referees and tournament organization value this highly; that is why there is also a Fair Play Cup for the most sportsmanlike team. Referees are human and can make mistakes, Karel and Jeroen explain—accept that. No arguments on the field!

The most important rule for spectators to know is that a player who receives a yellow card is suspended for 5 minutes, except for the goalkeeper. Players can return earlier if the opposing team scores during the penalty time. Also, teams are allowed a maximum of 5 substitutions, divided over no more than 3 moments.

Finally, together with all team managers, it is decided which kits the teams will wear to avoid kits looking too similar. They really think of everything!