PFL Champions League Rules

1. Account & Team Requirements

• Account Verification:

Players must link their gaming IDs (e.g., PSN, Xbox) to their PFL profile only if their PFL username differs from their Gamer ID. Failure to do so results in a default loss.

All teams must link their club on FC26 in order to generate auto results and player stats.

• Lineup Submission:

Teams must submit their lineups before kick-off.

First missed submission: Warning

Second missed submission: Default loss

• Player Contracts:

All players must be officially contracted to the correct team. Playing with an unsigned or incorrectly registered player results in an automatic default loss.

Contracted players can only play for 1 team throughout the cup and cannot play for other teams while grouped.

A player may only be released if they have not played a single game, and this requires admin approval.

From the knockout stage onward player contracts will be locked and from semi finals no player movement will be allowed and no new signings will be processed.

• Roster Size:

Teams may have a maximum of 20 players. Additional players require purchasing a premium upgrade.

• Team Promotion:

All teams must have an active Twitter account for promotional purposes.

• Internal / External Issues:

The PFL will only manage incidents that occur within PFL servers.

We cannot handle complaints from social media platforms except those involving racism, harassment, or discrimination.

• Match Score Submission:

Team managers or assistants must submit match results after each game.

• Live Draw:

Group stage draws will be automatically generated and published on the PFL website.

2. Manager Responsibilities

Managers sign a minimum one-competition management contract.

Managers must ensure their team follows all PFL rules.

Managers must recruit an Assistant Manager and sign all players.

Lineups must be submitted before kick-off; repeated failure leads to warnings then defaults.

Managers must verify that all lineup players are correctly contracted and that Gamer Tags are up-to-date.

Match results must be submitted on match days. Consistent failure may result in sanctions.

Managers must coordinate with opposing managers and ensure matches start on time.

Managers may request a 5-minute kick-off delay for league or cup matches if requested before the scheduled start time.

Managers must stream matches (YouTube, Twitch, etc.) to provide proof in case of disputes.

Manager must follow the height restriction rule shown on our discord and ensure all players are in correct height.

Managers must maintain professional team communication. Unprofessional or abusive messages may result in bans.

3. Match Scheduling & Format

• Rescheduling:

A scheduled match cannot be rescheduled twice.

If a match is not played, a default loss is applied.

Default match day: Wednesdays from 20:00–22:00 UK. Must be able to commit to play this day

Teams must play at 2 games every Wednesday or face potential defaults.

Games may be rescheduled to another day within the same week only if both opponents agree and the change is approved by the administrator. If no agreement is reached, the game must be played on the default day, Wednesday.

• Home & Away

Each round includes home and away fixtures.

Total scored goals count

• Match Timing:

Managers should schedule matches within the allotted week.

Qualification in order

Total Points

Goal Difference

Goals Scored

Head to head as late tiebreaker

Group Stage - Top 2 each group qualify to RO16 Knockout

RO16 via PFL Automated Site: Group Winners play runners-up from different groups (Host will be given to group winners first match!

No same-group matches

• Default Losses:

Issued only by Deputies or League Admins.

Default score: 1–0.

If a team forfeits during group stage all games will be reset to 1-0

4. Match Rules

• Red Cards:

A player who receives a red card must miss the next match.

If they play, the opponent receives a default win (evidence required).

Scenario: If a player receives a red card and the team has a lag out from the game , and leave they will begin their next game without that player, if caught playing instant default.

• Match Abandonment:

A match may only be restarted if:

No goals have been scored, It is within the first 10 minutes

A player lags out or severe lag occurs

Video evidence is required.

Maximum 2 restart attempts—otherwise, a default is issued.

• Match Results:

All match results must be submitted by 10 PM on match day.

• Late Kick-off:

A 5-minute delay is allowed if requested before the scheduled time.

5. Fair Play & Conduct

• Tackling During Set Pieces:

Tackling during a set piece (e.g., corners) is prohibited.

If it impacts the play (e.g., leads to a goal), a default loss may be issued.

• Time-Wasting:

Deliberate time-wasting—including holding the ball in the corner—may result in a default loss, pending admin review.

Goalkeeper Interference is not allowed. Intentional bumping or blocking the goalkeeper will result in the removal of a goal scored or a loss if it has a significant impact on the game/result. Evidence will be needed as to show if this did happen.

What is a block:

- player runs towards the goalkeeper bumping him, resulting in being stuck

What is not a block:

- standing still in the box

• Free Kicks:

Players may not stand on the goal line or tackle before the kick is taken.

Violations lead to a default loss.

• Cheating:

Absolutely no cheating. Offenders will be penalised immediately.

6. In-Game Connectivity

Teams must start the match with a full 11 players in-game and in the pre-lobby.

All teams are required to stream their matches.

Substitutions are not permitted at any point during the game.

A back-out is only allowed at halftime no other time including ET in the event of a player lagging out. Proof must be provided upon request; if no proof is provided, the admin’s decision will be final.

If a match is started without a full 11 players and a lag-out occurs before half time, the match must be restarted with the same number of players that were on the field when the game began.

If more than four players have a ping higher than 100 ms at the start of the game, teams are permitted to back out. Proof showing all affected players with high ping must be submitted.

If the home team is unable to resolve the issue on their end, they will not be allowed to host their home game. The expected maximum ping from the UK to Russia is 50–100 ms , Spain & Portugal to Russia 70-100+ ms (Depending on servers)

7. Communication & Responsiveness

Teams must communicate any delays well in advance.

Failure to notify opponents or admins in time may result in penalties.

Lateness Rules

No last-minute messages:

Do not message the opponent at the exact match time or later (e.g., at 8 PM). This appears unprepared and may lead to penalties.

Anticipate delays:

If you expect any delay (availability, technical issues, etc.), you must inform the opponent before the match time—not after it has already passed.

Technical issues:

If experiencing game access problems, inform the opponent immediately.

Delaying communication may lead to a default loss.

Clear, early communication is essential to avoid penalties.

8. Match Outcomes

Tie-Breakers:

Must be played on the same night.

If not possible, default win/loss applies.

Back-to-Back Matches:

After Game 2 in a series, no lateness allowed.

Be ready for immediate play ("B2B").

Two-Leg Example (Aggregate Tied):

Leg 1: France 2–0 England

Leg 2: England 2–0 France

→ Scores are level; teams must play a new deciding match.

Host is chosen via live random picker.

If Both Matches Are Draws:

Example:

France 2–2 England

England 1–1 France

→ If extra time is possible after 2nd leg then must play and penalties if needed.

Aggregate Example With Winner:

France 1–0 England

England 3–0 France

Total goals from both matches are added together to determine the result.

→ England advances.