STANDINGS, RESULTS & FIXTURES

Welcome to the inaugural FC25 Online Tournament! Please read these rules carefully to ensure a fair and competitive environment for all participants. Adherence to these rules is mandatory.

1. Tournament Overview

Game: EA Sports FC25

Platforms: PlayStation 5 (PS5) and PC (Steam/EA App)

Format: League-style tournament, similar to the English Premier League, followed by a knockout stage (if applicable, based on number of participants).

2. Player Eligibility & Requirements

Account: Each participant must own a legitimate copy of FC25 on either PS5 or PC.

Webcam: A functioning webcam is mandatory for every player. The webcam must be active and show the player's face throughout the match. This is to ensure fair play and prevent impersonation.

Communication: Players must be available on the designated communication platform (e.g., Discord) for match coordination and announcements.

3. Match Scheduling & Punctuality

Match Timings: All matches will have pre-scheduled kick-off times.

Lateness Policy: Players are expected to be online and ready to play at the exact scheduled time. A grace period of five (5) minutes will be allowed from the official match start time. If a player is not ready to begin their match after this 5-minute grace period, their opponent will be awarded a walkover victory (3-0 scoreline). Repeated lateness may lead to disqualification from the tournament.

4. Connection Stability & IP Test

Stable Connection: It is the responsibility of each player to ensure they have a stable and reliable internet connection before, during, and after their matches. Consistent disconnections due to poor internet may result in a forfeit or disqualification at the discretion of the tournament organizers.

Live IP Test: Before the start of each match, both players must perform a live IP test as instructed by the tournament organizer or an automated system. This test is to verify connection stability and geographical location. Matches will not commence until both players have successfully completed this test. Failure to complete the IP test within the 5-minute grace period will be treated as lateness (see Rule 3).

5. Gameplay Rules (English Premier League Format)

Match Settings:

Half Length: 6 minutes (default for competitive play)

Game Speed: Normal

Squad Type: Online Squads (unless otherwise specified for custom squads)

Injuries: On

Offsides: On

Handball: Off

Defending: Tactical Defending (mandatory)

Goalkeeper Controls: Manual (mandatory)

Team Selection: Players may use any club team available in FC25. Specific restrictions on certain teams (e.g., International Teams, All-Star Teams) may be announced prior to the tournament start.

League Table:

Points System:

Win: 3 points

Draw: 1 point

Loss: 0 points

Tie-breaking Criteria (in order):

Goal Difference (GD)

Goals Scored (GS)

Head-to-head record between tied teams

Fewest Red Cards

Coin Toss (as a last resort)

Substitutions: Up to 5 substitutions are allowed per match.

Pausing: Players may only pause the game when the ball is out of play (e.g., throw-in, goal kick, free-kick, corner, or during a stoppage for a foul) or when they have possession in their own half and are not under immediate pressure. Excessive or unsportsmanlike pausing will not be tolerated.

Disconnections:

If a player disconnects within the first 10 in-game minutes and no goals have been scored, the match will be restarted.

If a player disconnects after the first 10 in-game minutes or after a goal has been scored, the remaining time will be played, with the score standing. If the opponent cannot be reconnected, the player who disconnected will forfeit the match.

Repeated disconnections by the same player may result in a forfeit or disqualification.

Fair Play: All participants are expected to play fairly and respectfully. Exploiting glitches, unsportsmanlike conduct, or harassment of other players will result in warnings, match forfeits, or immediate disqualification from the tournament.

6. Reporting Results

Both players are responsible for reporting the match score to the designated tournament official or system immediately after the match. Screenshots of the final score screen are highly recommended as proof.

7. Tournament Organizers' Discretion

The tournament organizers reserve the right to make final decisions on any disputes, rule interpretations, or unforeseen circumstances that may arise. Their decision is final.

Rules may be updated or amended as necessary throughout the tournament, with prior notice given to all participants.

By participating in this tournament, all players agree to abide by these rules. Good luck, and have fun!