4.
For the purposes of arts 6 to 9 below, the phrase ”lived on the territory of the relevant association” shall mean a period of physical presence on the territory of that association. The period shall be for a defined period of time (in years) in accordance with the relevant provision.
(a) The period of physical presence is not interrupted by:
(i) short absences abroad for personal reasons;
(ii) holidays abroad during the football off-season;
(iii)medical treatment or rehabilitation abroad following injury or illness; or
(iv)travel abroad as a result of football employment.
(b) The period of physical presence is interrupted (and time requirement resets) where:
(i) a player is transferred to a club affiliated to a different association;
or
(ii) a player is absent from a territory for any reason other than those set out in par. (a) above.
5.
Notwithstanding art. 5 par. 4 (a), unless exceptional circumstances exist, a player must be physically present on the territory of an association for at least 183 days during a 12-month period to be considered to have “lived on the territory” of that association for that year.