PFL Europe – General Rules Summary

1. Account Verification

Requirement: All players must verify their gaming ID (e.g., PSN ID, Xbox Gamertag) under the My Profile section: https://pfl-esports.com/en/home/profile

Username Matching: If your website username matches your Gamertag exactly, no action is required.

If your Gamertag differs from your site username, it must be added to your profile before you play.

Non-Compliance: Failure to link the correct account = automatic default loss.

All teams must link their club on FC26 in order to generate auto results and player stats. Free Club Choice. You may use any club from any division

2. Match Lineups & Player Contracts

Lineup Submission: Must be submitted before the scheduled match time or it will result in a default.

Player Contracts: All players must be contracted to the correct team. Playing with unregistered or free agents = default loss.

Default Claims: Require in-game screenshots showing opponents' gamertags.

3. Gameplay Regulations

Mandatory Positions: Every team must have a Goalkeeper and Any position filled (unless Premium or playing with 11 players).

Match Abandonment (Lag): Matches can only be ended due to lag within the first 10 minutes (Proof), and only if no goals are scored during that period. Goals scored before quitting still count in the second game. All claims based on evidence given + admin approval

Half-Time (HT) Exits:

If 2+ players crash → game may restart from same score, play rest of the time remaining. Heights must be recorded before leaving, All claims based on evidence given + admin approval

Squad Size: Max 20 players per team (Unlimited for Premium members).

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. Default can occur.

issue impacting a local server in Poland where 3 out of 4 players experience 280 ping, making the game unplayable. If teams in Europe encounter this issue from Poland, they are eligible to back out when the ping worsens; however, the result will still stand, and the host must continue playing the remaining minutes of the match.

4. Rescheduling Rules

Reschedules must be requested at least 6 hours (14.00 UK Time) before kick-off and require admin approval.

Max 2 reschedules per competition per season.

Cannot reschedule the first or last week of the season.

Once a game is rescheduled, it cannot be rescheduled again.

No back-to-back reschedules allowed.

Default match day: Wednesday. No agreement = default loss.

5. Match Conduct & Defaults

Default Claim Deadline: All default claims must be submitted by 23:00 (midnight UK time) on the same day. Late claims won't be accepted.

Allowed: A Centre-Back (CB) can be pushed forward into attacking positions under the following conditions: During set pieces (corners or attacking free kicks); Allowed to join the attack after the 75th minute of the match.

Not allowed: CB push-ups before the 75th minute are not permitted. CBs may not remain in advanced positions after the play is completed. They must return to their defensive role immediately after the play ends. Examples: If defense clears the ball to outside of the box the attacking team can cross again to the CB. Only if it clears it to attack or out of the field the CB must go back. Violations and Consequences Depending on the situation, hosts may apply one or more of the following sanctions: Disallowing and removing any goal scored that involved the illegally positioned CB. Awarding a default win to the opposing team in cases of repeated, intentional, or match-altering abuse.

Time-Wasting / Standing on Goal Line: Will result in a default if proven.

• 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:

An admin can review claims differently based on the evidence provided if not on rules and make a decision example if : multiple players blocking the goalkeeper or other situations.

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.

No team may intentionally sabotage matches toward the end of the season—whether by forfeiting games, awarding default wins, or creating situations that unfairly benefit other teams. Any team or players found doing so will face a ban.

Lineup Edits: Must be updated before the game; failure = default.

Club Name: Any club name can be used.

Red Cards: Player serves a 1-match suspension in the same competition. Violation = opponent wins by default (with proof).

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.

Lateness: Lateness Policy:

Non-Premium teams may request up to a 5-minute delayed kickoff and must communicate in advance. Premium teams may request up to a 15-minute delay, provided they notify opponent of the delay before kickoff. Any team that is more than 10 minutes late without prior communication, nor stream link will be given a default instantly.

Teams must communicate any delays well in advance.

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

Do not message the opponent at the exact match time or later (e.g., at 8.15PM). 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.

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 issue cannot be resolved after 3 attempts, the host will be switched. The expected maximum ping from the UK to Russia is 50–100 ms , Spain & Portugal to Russia 70-100+ ms (Depending on servers)

6. Premium Membership

Cost: £4.99/month or £49.99/year

Benefits:

Unlimited squad size

Rescheduling privileges

No mandatory GK requirement

15-minute late window allowed

24/7 Admin Support

Unlimited player releases

Can play for max 3 teams per season

All info here - https://pfl-esports.com/en/premium

7. League Structure & Transfers

Promotion/Relegation system active across all divisions.

Winner determined by total points, goal difference,, goals scored and h2h as late tiebreaker.

Team Folding: Results in a 3-season player ban and permanent management ban. Premium members may unlock re-entry.

Teams trying to drop to lower leagues for easier competition will be banned.

Teams with no replacement upon folding = automatic ban.

8. Management 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 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.

Contract Duration: Managers must complete the competitions they sign up for.

Match Results: Must be submitted by 11 PM on matchdays.

Lineup Submission: Required before games to avoid defaults.

Height Restrictions: If applicable in your competition, proof must be provided via clip. See our discord channel for more info.

Goalkeeper restrictions

Height restriction maximum 192cm

Far Reach playstyle and Block is not allowed (either silver or gold)

All other Goalkeepers playstyles are allowed

Bruiser is banned silver or gold

Block is banned silver or gold

Both all positions including GK.

All other defensive playstyles are allowed

Using forbidden playstyles = default CB must use another Specialization. You won’t get defaulted if you are playing with BOTS/CPU/AI having banned perks. All heights must be recorded CM only.

9. Conduct & Fair Play

Zero Tolerance: For bullying, racism, harassment, or discrimination. Offenders face bans, including permanent bans for serious infractions.

Reporting: Must include proof and full context.

Twitter Requirement: All teams must have a Twitter account for promotional purposes.

10. Servers & Communication

All matches must be played on European servers.

External Issues: PFL does not intervene in incidents outside of the game unless they involve racism, discrimination, or harassment.

11. Cheating & Penalties

Reporting Deadline: Cheating claims must be submitted by 11 PM UK on matchday.

Penalties Include:

Player bans

Goal removals

Warnings

Prohibited: Use of lag glitches or any exploit.

12. Defaults & Bans

Default Score: 3-0

Issued By: Deputies and League Admins only

Ban Lengths:

Team Folding: 3 seasons (as player) + permanent management ban. If a team folds during mid season the completed games remains same and new manager continues from position.

Racism/Discrimination: Permanent ban

Multiple Accounts: Ban

13. Payments & Refunds

Entry Fees: Non-refundable. Funds go toward prize pools and operational costs.

Payment Methods: PayPal, bank transfer, and others supported.

For any specific situation which is not listed in the Rules, the relevant Admin Team is entitled to take a decision based outside of the rules.

✅ By following these rules, you help maintain a fair, competitive, and enjoyable environment in the PFL Europe league.