Terms and conditions – Are you breaching them?
If you’re one of the millions of fans who live and breathe Fantasy Premier League (FPL), you probably spend your weekends obsessing over player stats, transfers, and team line-ups. But how often do you read the fine print? Spoiler alert: FPL’s terms and conditions are full of quirks and rules you might not know about, but probably should. So, whether you’re a seasoned manager or a newcomer just trying to beat your mates in your mini-league, here are five things hidden in FPL’s T&Cs that might just surprise you!
1. No Prizes for Under-18s (Sorry, Young Managers!)
If you’re under 18 and dreaming of cashing in on your FPL prowess, you might want to sit down for this one. Even if you’re dominating the league, you’re not eligible for any cash prizes. And it’s not just about winning money; any prize you win requires your parent or guardian’s permission. They must agree to your participation, the awarding of the prize, and accompany you for any prize-related travel. Plus, there’s a separate parental permission required just to register and play if you’re under 13. So, if you’re underage, make sure you get the necessary approvals before you start planning your victory lap.
2. No Commercial Mini-Leagues Allowed
Got a great idea to make some money with a mini-league? Maybe you’re thinking of charging your mates to join or tying league entry to some sort of purchase. Think again. FPL strictly prohibits using mini-leagues for any commercial purposes. If the Premier League sniffs out that your mini-league is being used to make a profit, they have the right to delete your league and even suspend or delete the accounts of the players involved. So, keep it fun and friendly—after all, bragging rights are priceless, right? Click here for some FPL tips
3. One Account Per Player, Please!
You might think you’re clever by setting up multiple accounts to hedge your bets or sneak in a few extra chances to win, but FPL isn’t having it. According to the terms and conditions, you’re only allowed one registration per person, even though multiple accounts can exist within the same household or organization. Sharing your account with a friend or giving someone else access is also a big no-no. Basically, it’s one account, one player. So, no cheating the system! Stick to playing fair, or you could find yourself booted out of the game.
4. Monthly Prizes: Timing Is Everything
FPL doesn’t just reward the overall champions; they’ve got some sweet monthly prizes up for grabs, too. Each month, the top player on the leaderboard can snag a bundle that includes goodies like a laptop or smartphone, Premier League gear, and an EA SPORTS FC™ game. But there’s a catch: the timing of when a winner is selected is entirely up to the Premier League. So, while you might be gunning for that top spot, remember that it’s at their discretion when the prizes are actually awarded. There are also prizes for second place and for those finishing between third and twentieth—because in FPL, consistency pays off! You can check the overall rankings here
5. Weekly Prizes Come With a Twist
Fancy yourself a weekly winner? FPL awards a prize each week to the player who tops the weekly leaderboard. The prize includes some awesome swag like a club shirt, an EA SPORTS FC™ game, and more. But here’s where it gets tricky: you need to be registered for the game either before the start of the season or at least two gameweeks before the week in which you top the leaderboard. Also, if you’ve used certain chips like Bench Boost, Free Hit, Triple Captain, or Wildcard during that week, you’re automatically ineligible for the weekly prize. So, it’s not just about picking the right players—you’ve got to play your chips wisely if you want to cash in!
Play smart, play fair
The world of FPL is full of strategy, drama, and, let’s face it, a bit of luck. But behind all the fun lies a set of terms and conditions that can make or break your fantasy season. Whether it’s making sure you’re eligible for prizes or keeping your mini-league on the up and up, it’s worth knowing the fine print. So, as you tinker with your transfers and strategise your next captain pick, keep these lesser-known terms in mind. Play smart, play fair, and who knows—you might just end up at the top of the leaderboard! Wanna read the full terms and conditions? You can find them here.