FPL Rules 2025/26 — Complete Scoring & Mechanics Guide
Every rule in Fantasy Premier League explained — scoring by position, bonus points, price changes, transfers, and more.
Understanding FPL rules gives you an edge over casual managers. This page covers every scoring action, the Bonus Points System, auto-substitution logic, price change mechanics, and squad constraints for the 2025/26 season.
Complete Scoring Table
| Action | GK | DEF | MID | FWD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Playing up to 60 mins | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Playing 60+ mins | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Goal scored | 10 | 6 | 5 | 4 |
| Assist | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Clean sheet | 4 | 4 | 1 | — |
| Every 3 saves (GK) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Penalty save | 5 | — | — | — |
| Penalty miss | -2 | -2 | -2 | -2 |
| Bonus points | 1-3 pts to top performers per match (based on BPS) | |||
| Yellow card | -1 | -1 | -1 | -1 |
| Red card | -3 | -3 | -3 | -3 |
| Own goal | -2 | -2 | -2 | -2 |
| Every 2 goals conceded | -1 | -1 | — | — |
Bonus Points System (BPS)
The BPS uses 32 match statistics to calculate a score for every player in every match. The top three players in each fixture receive bonus points: 3 points for the highest scorer, 2 for second, and 1 for third. If players are tied, they share the same bonus.
Key BPS actions include: goals (+24 for GK/DEF, +18 for MID, +12 for FWD), assists (+9), key passes (+3), successful tackles (+2), clean sheets (+12 for GK/DEF), saves (+2 for GK), successful dribbles (+1), and penalties for fouls committed (-3), being caught offside (-1), and missing big chances (-6).
Auto-Substitution Rules
Auto-subs activate when a starting player records 0 minutes. The system checks your bench in order (1st, 2nd, 3rd sub) and brings on the first eligible player who played and maintains a valid formation. A valid formation requires at least 1 GK, 3 DEF, and 1 FWD.
Important: Auto-subs only happen after all matches in the gameweek are complete. If a player comes off the bench for even 1 minute, they won't be substituted — even if they score 0 points. Always set your bench order before the deadline.
Price Change Mechanics
Player prices change based on net transfer activity relative to the player's ownership. The exact thresholds are not published, but the community has reverse-engineered reliable models. Key facts:
- Prices can change by £0.1m per day, up to a maximum of £0.3m per gameweek
- Price changes happen overnight (usually around 2:30 AM GMT)
- When selling a player, you keep only half the profit (rounded down) — e.g., buy at £6.0m, price rises to £6.3m, you sell for £6.1m
- Wildcard and Free Hit transfers do not affect price changes
- Players are price-locked for a short period after a price change
Captain & Vice-Captain Rules
Captain (2x Points)
Your designated captain earns double points. If they play even 1 minute, the captaincy sticks — there's no minimum threshold. Choose players with high ceilings in favourable fixtures.
Vice-Captain (Backup)
If your captain records 0 minutes, the vice-captain receives the 2x multiplier instead. Always pick a vice-captain who is nailed to start, ideally from a different match.
Squad Constraints
- Budget: £100.0m total squad value at the start of the season
- Squad size: 15 players — 2 GK, 5 DEF, 5 MID, 3 FWD
- Team limit: Maximum 3 players from any single Premier League club
- Starting XI: 11 players in a valid formation (at least 1 GK, 3 DEF, 1 FWD)
- Valid formations: 3-4-3, 3-5-2, 4-3-3, 4-4-2, 4-5-1, 5-2-3, 5-3-2, 5-4-1
Transfer Rules
- Free transfers: 1 per gameweek, rolls over if unused
- Max banked: Up to 5 free transfers can be accumulated
- Hit cost: Each additional transfer beyond your free ones costs 4 points
- Deadline: All transfers must be confirmed before the gameweek deadline
- Wildcard: Unlimited free transfers for one gameweek (2 per season — one each half)
- Free Hit: Temporary unlimited transfers for one GW; squad reverts after
Related
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points for a goal in FPL?
How does the FPL Bonus Points System work?
What triggers a price rise in FPL?
How do auto-subs work in FPL?
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