Rules

Squad selection

You may enter one fantasy football squad consisting of 11 starting players, 1 coach and 3 substitutes. Your starting line-up must play one of the following formations:

Your 3 substitutes can be from any position. They should be selected carefully as a substitute will only be bought into your team if your formation stays valid. For example, if you choose a 3-4-3 formation with 3 forwards as substitutes, the substitute forwards can only replace your starting forwards as there is no legal formation with more than 3 forwards.

You can select up to 3 players from any one team. The coach is included in this limit.

Each player and coach has been given a value between 1 and 10 units. The total value of your squad must not exceed 110 units. The value of each player was fixed to the August 08 - FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking. Click here to go to the August 08 - FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking.

Player values are fixed for the duration of the game.

Selections must be made for all 14 players and 1 coach, you can't leave any empty.

Matchdays

The game is divided into 17 matchdays. A matchday could last several days. Your team must be entered by the matchday deadline to score points for that matchday. Any substitutions, captain changes or transfers made after the deadline will become active at the next deadline.

The deadline for Matchdays is 6 hours before the start of the first match to kick-off.
The provisional matchdays are as follows:

All deadlines displayed in GMT.

Substitutions

Use the My Team page to select eleven players to form your team for the next Matchday. Your formation will automatically change based on the players you have chosen.

Your substitutes do not score points. However, the following automatic adjustments will be made at the end of the matchday when all the matches have been played:

If any of your players play no part in the matchday, then the computer will try to substitute the inactive player for one of your replacements. This is done by replacing him with your highest priority substitute who actually played in the matchday and doesn't break the formation rules.

You can change your substitution priorities on the My Team page. Any changes you make to your substitution priorities will become active at the next deadline.

Captains

You nominate a member of your team to be captain. This player will score double the number of points they would usually have been awarded that matchday.

If your captain does not play then the bonus will be lost. Another player will not take over the captaincy in their place.

Scoring

During the qualifying tournament, the fantasy football players will be allocated a score after each game, based on their performances in the matches. Actions occurring in extra time count but penalty shoot-outs do not. Points are awarded as detailed in the table below.

Only games played in the designated matchdays will be included in the scoring. You can find a full list in the matchdays section.

* A clean sheet is defined as conceding 0 goals and playing 61+ minutes.
** Coach points are doubled for a result against a higher ranked national team. This according to the most recent FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, which can be view by clicking here.

Please note that scores may be updated as and when FIFA official match reports are processed and/or corrected.

In addition, you will be awarded a manager score based on how many players in your starting 11 (after any automatic substitutions) play in the matchday.

For example, if ten of your starting 11 play on an individual matchday, you will be awarded an additional 19 points.

Transfers

Unlimited squad transfers can be made without penalty. Players from teams who aren't playing in the next matchday won't be available for selection.

You can't make transfers during a matchday, any transfers will be active for the next matchday. You can prepare for future matchdays using the matchday planner.

Leagues

Each player will compete in a number of leagues. These leagues are:

• The global league involving all registered players
• A league for fellow managers from your country
• A league for fellow managers from your confederation
• A league for managers starting the same matchday as you
• A league for supporters of your favourite team
• Private leagues with your friends and colleagues (maximum of 10)