It has become a fine tradition: the U17 team of RSC Anderlecht will once again take part in the Ajax Future Cup on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 April. The prestigious tournament, traditionally held during the Easter weekend, has an adjusted format this year. But don’t worry: you won’t miss a single minute of the matches our young talents will play in Amsterdam — all games will be broadcast live and in full on Mauve TV.
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Over the years, Sporting has become a fixture at this tournament, which it has already won three times. Only Ajax has done better, with five titles. Whereas the tournament previously featured eight teams, this year six clubs will participate. AFC Ajax will face Gamba Osaka (Japan) and Paris Saint-Germain in Group A. RSCA will compete in Group B against Athletic Club Bilbao and Bayern Munich.
On Saturday, each team will play two group matches, after which the standings will be drawn up. RSC Anderlecht will face Athletic Bilbao at 10:30 and Bayern Munich at 13:00. On Sunday, the top two teams of each group will meet in crossed semi-finals. After a placement match between the two third-placed teams, the tournament will conclude with a consolation final and the grand final.
If you want to follow the matches of our U17s live on Mauve TV, we also recommend reading the second part of this article, which explains the many rules adapted specifically for this tournament.
SATURDAY SCHEDULE
10:30 Ajax - Osaka (Pitch 1 - grass)
10:30 RSCA - Bilbao (Pitch 2 - synthetic)
13:00 Osaka - PSG (Pitch 2 - synthetic)
13:00 RSCA - Bayern (Pitch 1 - grass)
15:30 Ajax - PSG (Pitch 1 - grass)
15:30 Bilbao - Bayern (Pitch 2 - synthetic)
SUNDAY SCHEDULE
10:30 No. 1 Group A - No. 2 Group B (Pitch 1)
12:00 No. 1 Group B - No. 2 Group A (Pitch 1)
14:00 No. 3 Group A - No. 3 Group B (Pitch 2)
14:00 Consolation Final (Pitch 1)
15:30 Grand Final of the Future Cup (Pitch 1)
17:00 Award Ceremony
Adapted Rules for the Future Cup 2025
In addition to the use of VAR on the main grass pitch — something rarely seen in youth matches — several adapted game rules will once again be tested during this competition. These adaptations have been officially recognized and approved by FIFA.
- The clock stops at every interruption, and both halves consist of 20 minutes of effective playing time.
- During a dead-ball situation, a player is allowed to pass to themselves (self-pass) and start dribbling.
- Throw-ins may be taken with the foot or by dribbling the ball in.
- A yellow card results in a temporary exclusion of four minutes.
- Coaching is unlimited, but only one player can be substituted (or re-enter the field) at a time.
- If the goalkeeper holds the ball for more than 8 seconds, the opponent is awarded a corner kick.