Welcome everyone to the 15th edition of the Independent Association Championship. To celebrate such a historic edition of the IAC, this tournament will have its various matches played across 16 different venues in 16 different host nations. To note, the first team listed in every group is the nation that will play all their group stage games in their venue.
Please take note of the information of the host nations so that visiting teams and fans can be aware of the different customs and experiences that one can expect when visiting these host nations.
Group A
Poafmersia and SaterunPoafmersiaPoafmersia is a really huge country located in The North Pacific, with a size of 1.78 million square kilometers. Home to approximately 650 million residents, the country is well known for its really idealistic policies and governance system. Many Poafmers consider the nation to be at the forefront of "pioneering government policies", ranging from her environmental policies, her system of governance, as well as building a multicultural society. Even though the majority belong to the Jaffan race, Poafmersia is home to 27 ethnicities in total, according to government estimates. The true proportion of these ethnicities, however, is not official tracked, under the "Ethnic Protection Act" which forbids collection of data related to ethnicity.
Transportation
Many visitors may find themselves unused to the transportation system in Poafmersia. The nation's emphasis on environmental protection has made public transport the main method of transport for Poafmers and visitors alike. While there are inter-city roads that are open for private vehicles, these vehicles are not allowed with many city limits, including Trimidau Island, City of Mancodas, City of Dalaris, Fiskadaha City, and Holhot, among other places. For small groups who require personalised transport, they would typically charter minibuses or electric taxis, which are readily available in big cities. Otherwise, the rail system or the public buses is the main method of travel.
Between cities, there are inter-city railways, as well as cross-state buses, that allow for travel from one side of the country to other. For smaller counties and townships, there are also shuttle train and bus services that serve these areas. Because such places may be out of the place and may not be as well connected, residents in these places may be more likely to own private vehicles. There are rules and regulations in place governing the ownership of these vehicles, as well as the type of vehicles.
For the 43 teams coming to Poafmersia, it would be possible to charter buses for the teams to travel from a city to another for matches. The alternative, however, would be to charter trains - and many major inter-city railways have express tracks for express services, that would allow for quicker travel alternatives. There are also 4 high-speed rail services that serve different parts of the country, namely the Mancodas-Fiskadaha Express (between Mancodas and Fiskadaha City); the Trimidau-Dalaris Rail (between City of Dalaris and Trimidau Island); the Holhot-Fiskadaha Line (between Fiskadaha City and Holhot, with selected stops at major cities such as Sarim, Jackinson and Paishi-jak); and the North-South Railway (starting at Madaris, stopping in the outer limits of Greater Mancodas, Fiskadaha City, before moving on to Georgetown, on the inner limits of the City of Dalaris).
Culture
Poafmersia is very welcoming to foreign visitors who are exploring the country. The people's openness to visitors was something that couldn't be taken for granted a decade ago - when Poafmersia was largely isolationist. Sports has been a major avenue where Poafmers have gained exposure to foreign nations, especially in football, which is the most popular and successful sport in Poafmersia. Other major sports include volleyball, hockey (both field and ice hockey), badminton and aquatics, though the skill level of the sportsmen largely varies.
In Poafmersia, racial and gender stereotypes are frowned upon. In many sports, men and women co-exist in national leagues, and gender neutral terms are largely preferred. As such, conversations that crosses the racial and gender lines will probably get you into trouble, so visitors should be careful of that. Care for the environment is something that is extremely unique in Poafmersia. Visitors in hotel rooms would be expected to sort out their waste between recyclables and non-recyclables. At restaurants and dining places, food wastes are chargeable, and diners are reminded to request for smaller portions if necessary. The country has largely eliminated use of plastic cups, cutlery and bags. At shopping malls, people bring recyclable bags or buy paper bags; at drink stalls, people bring their own bottles and tumblers. Visitors to Poafmersia are also expected to abide by these environmentally-friendly guidelines, and there are reminder announcements played at major ports of entry.
Libira National Stadium, Fiskadaha City (capacity 68,000)
Located in the heart of Fiskadaha City, it is the home stadium of the Poafmersian National Team, and hosts the PFFA Cup finals yearly. The Libira National Stadium is a multi-use stadium which could be used to host other events, and is one of the first stadiums to have the multi-use feature with regards to the field.
Saterun
The Adam Antwerp Arena was named after the first Saterun FA president. It can hold 55,000 people. It has hosted World Cup Qualifying, the Final of the first Lazarus Cup of Nations, and is set to host the first final of the Copa Nacional, Saterun's domestic cup. The seats have large portions painted purple, with orange bands running down in intervals. The reason for the coloring is that Saterun flag used to contain those colors, and although the stadium was built way after that time, it is a ode to days past. The atmosphere is always fantastic, and it will certainly be filled on matchday.
Daxler is the second historic capital of the nation. It was after Tsear and before Anasb. It has a population of 2.3 million. It is host to a professional team, Daxler AFC, that plays in the A Liga. Daxler is very cultured, and has a high percent of Burikinain people. It has several districts, including Highfield, Court Dlane, and Savoy. There is plenty to do, and the city has a league similar to the Taça's of Brasil. Daxler AFC, or AFC as they are known as, doesn't play because of the skill variant and fixture conflicts. The teams are from different neighborhoods. There are a total of 10. You may want to catch a match before heading to one of the many theatres in the city, or maybe a restaurant in Savoy. The Adam Antwerp Arena, Daxler, and Saterun welcome you.
Group B
Trolleborg and SRSTrolleborg1st December Stadium, capacity 100,000.
This stadium was built by the voluntary labor of ordinary citizens in the honour of the sacred 1th December, Trolleborg Day of Victory. And due to that tickets to all games taken place here is always free, altought in the cases there are high demand (like in this tournament) they are arranged by lottery. Guest teams always have their quota.
The Stadium is located in a beautiful place – in the middle of a forested area on a peninsula protruding into the sea near the capital. Three stations of subway transport and stops of two bus routes located within two kilometers, and this allow fans arrive and leave stadium quickly and troubleless. Specially designed climate system provides around the stadium constant sunny weather with t +18C, with, maybe, occasional gusts of winds from the nearby sea.
SRSCastle StreetCapacity: 57,300
Location: Jaglan, Algolia, SRS
Tenant: Jaglan Royals FC
Prior Events Hosted: AOCL XL Final, 4 WC Qualifying matches (SRS v Ochre Islands WC89Q, SRS v Gyatso-kai WC87Q, SRS v Lochario WC85Q, SRS v Anollasia WC83Q)
Description: The stadium is mostly enclosed with an opening in the roof over the playing surface. It is located adjacent to the East Bank entertainment and dining district of Jaglan, an important city and state capital in the southern SRS. The local climate is best described as Mediterranean, with generally dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Group C
HUElavia and SudiliaHUElaviaCurumba is the capital city of The United States of HUElavia, sitting along the southern coastline of Southern HUElavia at Golden Bay, serving as the coliding capital of not just of the Portuzian and Astellian cultures, but of all the cultures and ethnicities that call HUElavia home. With a population of over 23 million inhabitants, it is the largest city of the country. The city is a very technologically advanced one, with arcitecture having a mix of Portuzian and Astellian designs blending with modern features. There is also the mix of modern blending with the various arcitecture from other cultures nestled in the city. There are a wide variety of things to do and see, from various museums and cultural events dedicated to HUElavian history and culture, to visiting the beautiful beach and bay, to enjoying a nice and fulfilling meal in one of various restaurants, to purchasing various things in the many stores, to enjoying many parks and gardens throughout the city. Fans can get around the city using the highly advanced public transportation system, whether it be the rail system or buses that go around different parts of the city. There's something for everyone to do and enjoy in this city.
Estadio Nacional in northeast Curumba, home of Real Curumba CF, will be HUElavia's venue for the Independent Associations Championship 15. With a capacity of 100,000 spectators, it is the largest stadium in HUElavia. It is an all-seater stadium with over 20 VIP Suites around the stadium, along with different concourses filled with shops and food for fans to fans to buy. There is also a 360* scoreboard that can show the match in different angles, as well as show live scores from throughout the tournament. There is also a retractable roof with climate-control technology in the stadium, making weather a no problem for the teams playing.
SudiliaSudilia is a massive nation located in North Newmerica, that has a population of over 150 million Sudilians. The country has a history of being colonized by Francs to the east and Angshire to the west, making the country bilingual and bicultural in English and French. While relatively young, the nation has a strong level of Civil Rights and Political Freedoms and a developing economy. The people are known to be very cheerful, compassionate, and religiously devout.
The
SM Bank Field (35,000) in Manchbury will host games in IAC 15, having a fairly decent seating tier with some partial covering on some of the seats. There are plenty of amenities and stores throughout the stadium for fans to buy memorabilia and have a nice snack or meal throughout the games.
Group D
Squidroidia and StrayaRoos Barrier IslandsSquidroidiaVenue Name:
Inkopolis City StadiumCity: Inkopolis, Squidroidia
Capacity: 50,000
Venue Information: Home of Inkopolis FC of the Squidroidian Super League (Which has undergone a change to a tournament-based format like RL tennis and (sorta) Gaelic football), Inkopolis City Stadium is the largest stadium in Squidroidia and has held various high-profile sporting events within the country, from numerous World Bowl games to games in the now-defunct Squidroidia Lacrosse Premier League, and has served as the host venue of the Squidroidian Cup Final since its inception and has hosted the 4th FFI League of Victors final. More recently with the SSL format change it co-hosts the SSL Finals tournament with Tower Park, also in the city of Inkopolis, and hosts the Squidroidian Super League Grand Final, the league's championship game.
Nation Information: Squidroidia was a nation born from ashes, risen from the corpse of Inkhalla after the attack of the Squidroid Sisters in 2017, which lasted about 5 months and caused major damage to the nation. A ragtag group of Inklings and humans alike, led by future Leader of Squidroidia Higa Takanori, eventually took down the Squidroids at the Battle of Inkopolis Square and founded the nation of Squidroidia shortly thereafter. Originally a very tight dictatorship, Takanori's declining health has slowly opened the nation to more free ideals, and is ready to welcome the multiverse to its shores. Squidroidia's national sport for the minority Inkling population is sepak takraw, and the national sport for the majority human population is football. Squidroidia has also hosted the 2nd (And final) International Football Cup (I think you remember that one, Hue), the inaugural Sepak Takraw World Cup, 2 races in NSSCRA's Multiversal Cup Series at Spartansburg Speedway (Including the Round of 12 cutoff race in the Chase last edition) and made an... Unusual bid to host IAC 12 before eventually realizing that they could just turn up to Almuzahara and make the Final.
StrayaRoos Barrier IslandsFor the country, it is Chaos with Emus everywhere, Duomji is Decrepit.
New National Stadium (35,000) brand new with 10 Clubs playing on it
Group E
TJUN-ia and BritoniseaTJUN-iaThe National Stadium in TJUN-ia City was built to accommodate as many outdoor sporting events as possible and while the football layout can be a bit shallow at times, that doesn't stop 74,000 spectators from trying to turn this ground into a football fortress. They are quite welcoming to any and all opposition who play here until foul play emerges in one way or another. The main stadium of both the JagBase and TJUN-ia as a whole, the scars of playoffs past has been lifted at last and now everyone is excited to return to the walls of our WC ascension once more...
BritoniseaFocusing on Telm & Stadium Strata
Telm City is the second-most populous city in the country with over 5 million people living there, but the largest city in terms of land size. The huge city is split into 11 boroughs, with the Borough of Strata being the focal point for the Independents Cup. Telm City used to be the capital city of Britonisea a long time ago and has enjoyed the benefits of this privilege - even today. Telm City is highly advanced and one of the major cities which contribute the most to the Britonish economy as the city is the largest that directly looks towards Terra Orientalia in Novapax within Britonisea, with the city being a huge base for those coming from Darkmania, Nightom, Karlmarlund and beyond. Telm City is highly accessible with three airports within city limits, including Telm City Worldwide Airport which sees up to 60 million passengers per (normal) year and three runways. Connections from the Worldwide Airport into the city is quick and fast but if you had a little bit more money and wanted to step right off the place straight into the somewhat organised cacophony that is Telm City, the Boroughs of Internationale and even Strata have their own airports (well technically, the airport is in Boscombe, but it is called Strata...don't tell anyone!). Focusing more on the Borough of Strata, it is known as the University borough with most students in Telm living on the southern side of the river where Strata is. The stadium that will be hosting is Stadium Strata which can hold up to 85,000 people but for the Independents Cup, capacity will be at 75,000 people. The modern, state-of-the-art building has hosted World Cup qualifiers and also the IBA Champions League too - it's made for big events such as the Independents Cup.
More Widely in Britonisea
Football has a moderate following in the country, but international football teams won't have to worry about stadiums not appearing full as Britons love a good day out and love supporting their favourite side. The Britons won't be rowdy and while they may celebrate rambunctiously if they win or are in the lead - they don't mean it in a rude way (they've just hardly experienced sporting success before!). Britons will be nice and cordial to international fans and you'd be able to flag a Briton down for help or directions as they'd be happy to help. Depending on where you go, they may be able to help you in multiple languages. While we're not expecting any international fans to understand Britonish, most people who speak that language are in the west of the country. If you speak French, you're most likely to be fine in the East (near Telm, Boschke and Eaux City). Other languages that will pop up in Britonisea are Spanish, Scotatrovan and Arabic (due to there being large immigrants or descendants from countries that speak those languages) but you may also be able to get help in Korean with the language being one of the most taught in the country due to the nation's proximity to one of it's closest allies, the Taeseon Republic. All in all, if you can speak English - just go with that!
Group F
Space and United AdaikesSpaceVenue: Extaterestrial Dome of Sport
Location: Space
The dome is constructed of clear plasticized glass allowing a cristal clear view of the stars and planets above. The dome will rotate with respect to its surroundings during matches for enhanced viewing, though any nearby stars (Stars within 2 or fewer Astonomical Units) will remain on the backside of the playing field to prevent glaring and temperature control.
United AdaikesThe Federal Republic of the United Adaikes is divided administratively in 8 regions: Adaikes (the national capital region), Ludsport, the Mille-mer islands-regions (East Mille-mer and West Mille-mer), the Ngadabrigg islands-region, Saymacrell, Thraproy, and Thurhope. The islands-regions do not have cities and are managed by the regional government. After an investment by the federal and regional government a few years ago, they have designated Thraproy as the Sports Capital of the United Adaikes.
The region of Thraproy has five (5) cities: Fort Bloom, Neojunc, Perthdoches, Steskia (the regional capital), and Wrarnerbadshot. Sportstown is found in the greater and central Steskia, and to uphold the name of the Sports Capital in the country, stadiums, courts and other playing venues of every known sport can be seen around the whole region.
With the latest funding of both the federal and regional government, Steskia has the New Thraproy Sports Complex, where all main stadiums and venues for sports (both outdoor and indoor) are found, including the Steskia Coliseum (25, 138 seating capacity; used in home games of the United Adaikes in the IBC 33 & 34), the Millenium Stadium (56, 000 seating capacity; used in IBS XVI), and the Main Football Stadium (used in home games for the United Adaikes national men's and mixed football teams).
The Main Football Stadium has a seating capacity of 70,000, including multiple press boxes, and three VIP boxes.
Group G
Almuzahara and DrawklandAlmuzaharaThe political and economic center of the Holy Republic of Almuzahara, Al-Fayit is a shining beacon of modernity in an otherwise still-developing nation. As one might expect, its football teams and infrastructure are world-class as a result, with Al-Fayit and Al-Watanin using expensive new signings to take home seven of the last eight league titles in shiny new stadiums. Despite all this spending, Al-Fayit has remained true to its religious, revolutionary origins, albeit at the cost of rampant ecological devastation in the surrounding area. Visitors to the partially-planned capital will be fascinated by the juxtaposition of a wide array of night markets, elaborate mosques, sprawling commercial districts, and fiercely socialist government areas.
Stadium of the Vanguard (cap. 40,000) in Al-Fayit
DrawklandKanyo Pitch (164,000) Kayo, Drawkland
"Kayo is the capital city of the Kanyoet Territory, and was the seat of power in the region before Drawkland formed as a nation. It was here that the Queendom which eventually gave birth to Kanyo was located. Kanyo is one of the founding members of Drawkland and currently one of its immortal Drawkionels. The Queendom was the largest sovereign territory in the land before the nation united. Kanyo's forces were instrumental in helping Iarocav in the Great Kingdom War which pitted those two against the forces of Callagard and Malicoll.
The city itself is one of the oldest in Drawkland. Situated on one of the eastern peninsulas of Drawkland, Kayo surrounds a large lake which empties into the nearby ocean. Because of this, it enjoys the benefits of being both an inland town and a coastal one. The original center of the city was the massive citadel, which was split into 12 sections. In the center of the citadel is the Queen's castle. Since these ancient days, the city has expanded more and more as technology and infrastructure grew. Kayo is the third-largest city in Drawkland and the largest outside the Metro District (specifically Drawk City and Metropolon).
Just like Kayo is the largest city outside of Drawk City and Metropolon, Kanyo Pitch is the largest stadium outside of Drawk City. With massive columns marking the exterior, and a fashionable stone-textured facade right smack in the middle of downtown, it's one of the more iconic and beautiful stadia in the nation. The luxury accommodations are top-notch, and the seating for the hundreds of thousands of regular fans aren't bad either. In a similar manner to the Citadel, Kanyo Pitch's grandstands are arranged in a perfectly circular bowl, and a similarly circular upper deck. The bowl itself is split into 12 large sections to further mimic the citadel appearance. Kanyo Pitch has held international matches on four occasions: Baptism of Fire 65, World Cup 79 & 86, and IAC-7.
Group H
Indusse and Montana VerdeIndusseThe Avenue of Sports is the largest sporting village in Indusse. Located in New Hind City, the capital of the nation; It is home to various sporting grounds including Indussean National Team's home ground.
The Aditya Varma Kulashekara International Stadium, as it is called is Indusse's largest stadium and the home ground of the Indussean National Team
Attendance: 131,561
Montana VerdeUpon arrival at the Aeropuerto Internacional de Montatina, Santa Margarita, the first thing many visitors will see is the beautiful bay view over the harbor, which is fortunate as it tends to distract from the fact that the airport terminal is in rubble. A tragic casualty of the civil war that has blighted the Rainforest Republic in recent years, the shelled-out building is a potent reminder of all that has been lost. Except for scrap metal dealers. Air travellers may find many of the small private airfields dotted around the country more efficient, providing they are not currently being used by cartels and/or private military companies. Travel by sea is also an option, with daily ferries arriving in the Santa Margarita port. Lucky seagoers might think they even glimpse a pod of dolphins on their way in! (They’re actually narcosubmarines, but still.) Overland llama caravans may be the slower option, but for the dedicated traveller there’s no better way to experience the native country.
Arrival by helicopter ride is not recommended.
However you arrive, once on Verdean soil you will need your ID papers. This is a minor bureaucratic necessity; under the benevolent Presidenta Jazmín Santángel Hurtado, ID papers merely exist to promote greater social harmony and ensure the security of the state, and the special insignia attached to the papers of all former regime supporters are in no way a cause for alarm. You may also be tempted to exchange your Universal Standard Dollars for pesos. Be very careful, as the disruption caused by the civil war has led to a notable uptick in counterfeiting. Look out for notes featuring smudged ink, poor quality design, and obvious typographical errors; anything else is likely to be a forgery.
In most cases, buses will be the cheapest and most efficient means of travelling around the country. Only Santa Margarita has an intra-city rail service, whose timetable is highly recommended to those wanting to sample some native Verdean comedy. Private car hire is an option for those willing to spend a little more money. The ride-sharing app Fubar is popular and there are occasional violent clashes with members of the Taxi Drivers’ Union, but for a cunning tourist there’s an opportunity to negotiate a better price! A similar spirit of entrepreneurship has entered the accommodation market thanks to the AeroByB app. Everyone wants to be a landlord! Which, given what’s coming down the political pipeline, is a deeply unfortunate career choice… but for now enjoy the low low prices! Or you can seek out a more traditional experience at an EcoñoHotel, the government-run budget chain.
There’s much to enjoy in Montaña Verde, whether it’s whale watching on the coast (an experience significantly improved now that Græntfjaller whalers have left the waters) or enjoying a sunny day on the beach; or exploring the rainforests on a guided tour (unescorted foreigners are advised not to venture into jungles that can contain dangerous animals, poisonous plants, pro-government militias, anti-government militias, and militias that haven’t quite made their mind up about the government yet). The Verdean Andes are a significant trek away from any of the host cities but are an option for those wanting to break up their trip with scenic mountaintop views. Verdean cuisine is rich and varied, from fried plantains and corn cakes to chicharrón and chorizo, and you can’t leave without trying a famous Verdean banana, which is the country’s biggest agricultural export! Well, second biggest… Recent cartel activity should not be a concern for visitors, and the major narcotraficantes are as keen for the tournament to be a success as anyone, with some even sponsoring stadiums and paying organizational costs for the tournament.
Montaña Verde has fourteen grounds that meet official international standards, conveniently found in seven pairs. Three pairs are located in the capital of Santa Margarita (La Cerida, a working-class industrial neighborhood; Yaririo, a heavily diverse neighborhood with a bustling fish market; and Tamramerín, the ceremonial central district with many of the major administrative buildings); as well as one in the coastal city of Medemenia, another in the religious city of Cotata further west amid the foothills of the mountains, one in Rocalaro, which is a little way to the south, among the cattle plains, and one in Valerigua, another coastal city, but further east with a more humid, jungle climate.
Estadio Metropolitano Máximo Encarnación (cap 41,000)