ACL Official Rules

Updated: 1/27/2026

 

Z , Freddie, Ivan, Jo’ Di Dadz, Henry, Chris, Odi, Tone, Juan, Texas

 

PC PLAYERS ARE ALLOWED

All decisions are subject to admin discretion and all admin decisions are final.

Roster Size/Minimum Players

1. All Clubs can have a maximum of 20 players on their roster(except for premium).
2. Each club in Division 1/2/3 shall have a minimum number of 8 players to play a match. A full 11 is preferred.
3. Players are eligible not to play for an East and West team at the same time. A player may play only East or West.
4. If a club has more than the maximum on the roster or less than the match minimum, the matches shall be subject to forfeit.
5. Managers caught with players over the roster limit are subject to suspension/forfeit (will forfeit the games played and will be suspended for two games.) (It is up to the team manager to keep track of the number of players on their team.)

Match Connection Rules

1. Start Time: Matches occur every Tuesday and Thursday. Eastern division matches start at 9:30 PM EST. Western division matches start at 9:30 PM PST.
2. Matches must start at the scheduled time. There is no grace time(except premium), and the Admin Team must approve all exceptions to this rule. Manager premium gives exactly 5 minutes after the scheduled game time to connect to the game.
3. To be eligible for a forfeit, the club must send a match invitation on stream and provide time stamps showing the conversation they attempted to play. (The Admin Team can deem this unnecessary based on the situation or make an exception in case of a game error.). A reasonable attempt must be made to play the game.

Forfeit/Backout/Match Issue:

• Match Issues: Teams who call for a forfeit beforehand and then play the match will lose the right to call a forfeit instead of waiting for an admin ruling.
• Backout Rules: Each club shall be allowed to quit the match before 10 minutes. No justification is needed. When a club quits a game in the opening 10-minute period, it is illegal to substitute (in or out) human players. Quitting after 10 minutes shall result in an automatic loss (Video Proof Required.) If connectivity issues exist between both clubs, they should return to their backup clubs and attempt to play the match. Admins need to be notified immediately of the situation. Failure to do so could result in both teams vacating the game.
• Substitutions: There will be no substitutions upon backouts or disconnects. The number of players you go into the first game with is the number of players you play the actual game with. If a team is found in violation of this rule, or is attempting to stall, the match will be a forfeit loss. The substitution feature added in EA FC 26 will NOT be allowed in league gameplay. Any team caught substituting players using this feature will automatically forfeit the match. Substitutions/changing players is allowed between matches, but never in the match itself.
• Backout Goals: Backout goals no longer count unless it is determined the team intentionally backed out after being scored on
• Game Glitches: In recent EA FC iterations, there have been instances where the game will kick all players from the match at Halftime or during the match. It is required to play the extra half of the match in a new friendly.

Restrictions

• 1. Only 3 of the defenders (LWB,LB,CB,RB,RWB) can be a maximum of 6’2 OR 189cm. These 3 players are the only ones able to use Aerial+.
• 2. All outfield positions can only have a max height of 6’0 OR 184cm (apart from the CBs mentioned above)
• 3. No restrictions on Goalkeepers
• 4. CB’s with Aerial Fortress are not allowed to play in any attacking position (ST, CAM, RW/LW, RM/LM)

Managers are responsible for checking player builds of their team at halftime, recording proof of builds, and must produce proof at admin request****

• Teams found responsible in violation of these rules will forfeit the relevant match.
• Managers looking to claim a forfeit for their opponent violating these rules must request the opposing manager’s stream within 12 hours of the completion of the match. Opposing managers must then provide proof of stream by the stat deadline of those games (9:30pm local time).
• When checking player builds, the clip must contain all players’ heights and playstyles (including playstyle+). The stream also must clearly include both teams’ names for the proof to be considered valid.
• Managers will have a maximum of five (5) incorrect claims per season. Any request after five incorrect claims will result in the claim being ignored, and the manager serving a one (1) game suspension.

Gameplay Rules

• GK/Defender Interference: It is forbidden to intentionally push, block, or interfere with the defending goalkeeper or defender in the penalty area during corner kicks and throw-ins. All claims must prove that there is an attempt to interfere intentionally. If it is decided that a club scored due to interference, the goal shall be disallowed. (Video Proof Required.)  The goalkeeper kicking the ball into a defender after catching the ball and then trying to perform a pass will not be considered interference because they can choose a direction where the defender is not facing.
• Red Cards: A player who receives a red card during the first match won’t be able to play the second match. A player who receives a red card will be enforced on the next ensuing game.The rule applies to the regular season and playoffs. A red card from the final league game of the season will not carry into playoffs.
• Ineligible Players: A match featuring an ineligible player shall result in a forfeit. A player’s gamertag must match the one listed on the VirtuaLeagues site. Any deviations can result in a forfeit and suspension for both player and manager. Admins will determine whether we can validate the player and whether the username error is reasonable.  Playing with an unregistered player is forbidden, as unregistered players are considered ineligible. In the instance a player’s name is similar to what is known on the VirtuaLeagues site (Admin_12 vs. Admin12), the player will be subject to a two game suspension. In the instance a player’s name is not similar to what is known on the VirtuaLeagues site (Admin_12 vs. ACL_1), the player is subject to a two game suspension and any results are forfeited.
• Hacking: Using third-party programs or glitches to alter the game’s play will result in an immediate and permanent ban from the platform. If it can be determined when the issue began, the games the player played will be forfeited. If the manager is determined to have known about the problem, the entire team will be banned. The admin team reserves the right to decide what is or isn’t constituted as a glitch.
• “Any”: An “any” is mandatory unless an entire team of 11 players enters the match. If the game begins and a player drops after a full team enters, this will not be deemed a forfeit. If a team enters with less than 11 players and no “any,” the game will be considered a forfeit (excluding premium). If you are playing as an “any” and the glitch occurs, you will not be exempt from the current rules for backing out. If ANY disconnects after the 10th minute and a club backs out, that club shall receive a 1-0 forfeit loss.  Quitting after 10 minutes shall result in an automatic loss. (Video Proof Required.)
• Goalkeeper build is not allowed to be used for outfield players.

League Rules

• Streaming:  All matches must be streamed. The stream needs to start at least five minutes before the official game time. Managers found not to be streaming their match will be suspended for two games and the team will receive a forfeit. Streamed matches must be archived for a minimum of two weeks. Failure to provide a stream upon request shall result in a two-match suspension for the manager.  The captain in the lobby should be the one streaming the match. It is not mandatory, but if the captain isn’t streaming, they lose the right to defend themselves in case of a forfeit call (Determined by Admins), or if they are calling for a forfeit, they lose the right to that forfeit since it isn’t backed by video evidence of a send (Admin Call).  For all divisions, party audio is optional. If your audio is on, and something happens that the Administrative Team considers inappropriate, the team and players involved shall be subject to discipline determined by the Admins.
• Club Name Rules: Team Names must be close or matching to the team name provided to the Admins on the VirtuaLeagues website. For example, if the Team Name provided on the site is “Admins Are Great” and the team name is “1Admins Are Great,” that is a valid team name. If the team name would instead read “EA FC Is Bad,” this would be in violation of the Club Name Rule. Managers found in violation of this rule are subject to a two (2) game suspension in the league. This rule does not apply in the event of lobby glitches where teams may need to move to a new club to attempt to play the match.
• Scoring: Each match is worth 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss.If two or more clubs tie with points, the overall standing shall be decided in order by:

                1. Goal difference.

                2. Total head-to-head score

                3. Total goals scored

                4. Away goals scored in head-to-head

                5. Coin flip.

• Transfers: The transfer window opens once during the season. Transfers for Divisions 1, 2, and 3 are determined at a time during the season. If a player is caught trying to switch clubs illegally, that player shall be suspended from ACL.
• Free Agents: Free agents can join a club at any time during the season. Clubs must have an open roster space to sign a free agent. (This is cut off before the playoffs at an Admin-determined time.) Players can only be removed when the window is open. Once a player joins a club, they can only join another during the transfer window (except premium). Managers must make transfer requests three hours before match time.
• Premium: Admins are eligible for Manager Pro premium for any team they play on, with 1 Premium Admin user per team.
• Automatic Relegations: Four (4) forfeits, whether by not playing the match, or not completing stats, is subject to an automatic relegation to the next lowest league at Admin discretion. (ex: Four forfeits in D1 East will automatically relegate the team to at least D2). Teams must also make an attempt to play through the end of the season to retain their place in the division, or be subject to an automatic relegation.

PC RULES

PC Players will be allowed for this season of EA FC 26. Any hacks or cheats done by any player, especially PC players, are strictly forbidden. Any players caught cheating will be banned from ACL for the remainder of EA FC 26 and the team they are playing with will be suspended for the remainder of the season. Upon completion of the suspension, the team will be relegated to the lowest division possible if they choose to return the following season.

1. Gameplay: All PC players must show their build with all stats prior to entering the match. All managers with PC players must also ensure they are checking builds/stats at halftime. PC Streams must go into first 10 minutes of game and must clearly show relevant team names.
2. Reporting: Opposing teams that believe a PC player is hacking or cheating must submit a ticket within 12 hours of the game played for Admin Review.

Stats

• Reporting: Managers are responsible for submitting the results at the end of each match. D1/D2/D3 East managers have until 9:30 PM EST the day after the game to submit all the stats, and D1/D2 West managers have until 9:30 PM PST the day after the match to submit all the stats. If a manager fails to submit scores before the deadline, they shall be suspended for one match.If a manager reports false stats, the offending manager shall be suspended for four games. If stats are not reported before the deadline, the both matches from that match day shall be forfeited 1-0. The player’s stats shall count. Only the final score shall be adjusted. If a mistake is made while reporting the stats, the manager needs to notify an admin right away. Failure to do so shall result in a 4-match suspension. Managers are not subject to forfeiting results or suspensions for missing stats on the final matchday due to potential playoff seeding implications.
• Forfeit Claims: Any manager seeking to report a stat or other violation against the opposing team must report it directly to the admins via discord ticket, rather than publicly, to give the admin a chance to view and confirm the result. The admin must log in to the site and confirm the missing statistics. Failure to follow the proper procedure shall result in a forfeiture of the right to an altered result. If stats are not submitted on time, all league matches played that night will result in a forfeit. Managers have 24 hours to submit any claims. After and during a claim, managers cannot publicly complain about the resolution. If they have questions, they should be directed privately to the admins. Managers who violate this rule shall face a ban determined by the admins. Players that violate this rule shall face a 2-match ban. Managers have until the stat deadline to submit a claim to the ACL Admins if the opposing club breaks a rule.  All claims must be submitted with video evidence to prove the infraction where relevant. It is imperative that managers complete stats even in games they are calling for a forfeit. In the event the forfeit claim does not get awarded, managers then run the risk of forfeiting their own game due to a stats violation and receiving a suspension.

Admin Team

Rulings: The Admin team will determine the suspension of any direct slander towards ACL or other affiliated VirtuaLeagues leagues related to a stat discrepancy. The ACL Administration has the right to punish and remove any players or clubs found to be using foul, abusive, aggressive, and racist language during the competition. (Proof Required). The administrators of Virtualeagues reserve the right to change the rules at any time.  If a user engages in an activity that is not specifically against the rules as written but is designed to manipulate or circumvent the rules, then that user shall receive a penalty determined by the admins based on the severity of the infraction at their discretion.  Admins reserve the right to remove a club from the ACL at any time. Admins are assumed to work in good faith. Managers who continually argue with opposing managers and disrespect admins are subject to having their club folded for the season.

Harassment: Racist/Bullying/Derogatory audio comments are not allowed on streams. Managers and streamers are accountable for their teammates’ audio. Following the administrator’s review and decision, the offender, streamer, and manager are all subject to a four-match suspension. Harassment of ACL admins and defamation of the league will result in an automatic ban from ACL. Racist/Derogatory comments on the VirtuaLeagues Facebook page, VirtuaLeagues Discord group, VirtuaLeagues chats, and Virtualeagues streams can result in a ban. Admins shall take this on a case-by-case basis.

Managers/Clubs/Players

Managers 

All managers are required to be listed on the VirtuaLeagues website. A manager or co-manager shall not join another club during the transfer window. Managers who abandon their clubs shall be suspended from ACL for an entire season.  If a club decides to quit ACL, none of the players, including managers, shall be able to join another ACL club (excluding premium).

Clubs 

Club managers are required to read the rules.  If a D1 club folds during the offseason, admins can promote clubs from the top five of D2 based on the previous season’s table. The admins can also replace the club that folded with the highest-ranking relegated D1 club. All ACL clubs shall have a non-offensive name listed as their stadium name. Failure to do so shall result in a manager suspension for two matches for the first offense, four for the second offense, eight for the third offense, and the season for the fourth offense. In the offseason, a club can only be handed off to the club’s co-manager.  ACL admins must approve any club handoffs for D1. Admins reserve the right to veto any club handoffs. Founding managers are allowed to return to the club to manage. They are not required to have played the previous season. Selling your club publicly is strictly forbidden and will result in the loss of the team. Division 1 clubs that forfeit more than three matches during the season due to insignificant players shall be automatically relegated to Division 2. Clubs can be subject to removal from the league for failure to follow essential responsibilities (stats, rules, etc.) A club cannot have a secondary club in ACL. ACL has a one-club maximum. If a manager attempts to subvert this rule, it shall be a one-season suspension. In cases where the exact name isn’t available, the ACL club names in “EA FC” must be as close as possible to those in “EA FC.” This rule doesn’t apply in cases where clubs must play on secondary clubs because of game glitches.

Players

Players are required to read the rules. A player may not have multiple accounts on VirtuaLeagues. Any violation of this rule will result in a suspension. Clubs caught fielding a player on a second account are subject to disqualification. If a player’s Gamertag is banned by their respective platform, then they must submit a VirtuaLeagues edit request to an ACL admin so their Gamertag on-site matches their new PSN. A player’s Gamertag must match the Gamertag on the VirtuaLeagues site. A player may not have multiple accounts on VirtuaLeagues. Any violation of this rule shall result in a suspension. Clubs caught fielding a player on a second account are subject to disqualification. Admins shall take this on a case-by-case basis.

ACL Playoff Rules

• The club that finishes with the most points 1-8 from Divisions 1, 2, and 3 (East & West) shall make the playoffs for their respective Division.
• The matchups for the First Round of the playoffs shall be as follows: – 1st vs 8th – 2nd vs 7th – 3rd vs 6th – 4th vs 5th
• ACL follows the standard bracket. No reseeding.
• Division 3 format shall have the top 8 teams making playoffs (1vs8, 2vs7, ETC)
• All playoff matches shall be Home and Away.
• All playoff matches, including the final, shall be played on the regular ACL schedule. Rescheduling games are not permitted unless admins deem it necessary.  
• The final match of the ACL playoffs shall be Home and Away.
• The final match of ACL will be between the winner of the East Division and the winner of the West Division.
• Clubs are not allowed to sign any players during the playoff matches.
• There is no Away Goal rule in the playoffs.
• Global Score applies to the ACL playoffs. Higher number of goals scored over both legs advances to the next playoff round.
• Any game forfeited by a team in the playoff shall receive a 3-0 loss per leg. Any team who forfeits the second leg while winning will automatically be removed from playoffs.
• During a playoff match (including the final), if two clubs finish both the Home and Away matches in a draw or if the global score is a draw, a third match will be played to decide the winner.
• If the admins determine a reasonable effort has not been made to play the game, the admin team can choose to vacate the fixture and advance to a fellow playoff/eliminated team.
• If the clubs draw after the third match, they will play extra time. If the score is tied after extra time, the clubs will go to penalty kicks.
• GK is mandatory for all playoff clubs. If a club fails to use a GK, it forfeits the match. (The opposing club must provide video proof.)
• An “ANY” cannot be the GK simultaneously.  If “ANY” plays as the GK, he shall get suspended for one match. (Video proof required by the opposing club)
• The higher seed will send the game invite if the series goes to game 3.
• Admins will review roster disputes, and an admin vote will determine the appropriate punishment.
• Admins reserve the right to any ruling regarding replay or forfeit if a rule has been broken.
• “Any” is required. It will be deemed a forfeit if you don’t have an “Any” and there are fewer than 11 players at any time during the match.

Promotion System

The regular season determines playoff seeding. The playoff finalists determine the first, second, and third seeds.

Division 1/2/3 Promotion/Relegation System

D1.  The bottom two teams, determined by the league standing at the end of the season, shall be relegated to Division 2. The third team from last place will play the third-place team from Division 2 in a play-in match to see which team will be promoted or relegated.

D2. The top 2 teams will advance to D1. The third team from last place will play the third-place team from Division 2 in a play-in match to see which team will be promoted or relegated.

D3. The top 2 teams will advance to D2