EA SPORTS FC PRO OPEN 26

EVENT RULES 

1. OVERVIEW

These Event Rules govern the FC Pro Open as part of the FC Pro ecosystem, as defined in Section 1 of the FC Pro 26 Official Rules. These Event Rules are hereby incorporated by reference into, and shall be read together with, the FC Pro 26 Official Rules. In the event of any conflict, inconsistency, or ambiguity between the two, the provisions of these Event Rules shall supersede and control.

2. DEFINITIONS

For purposes of these Event Rules, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

2.1. Governing Documents

• Official Rules: The FC Pro 26 Official Rules, which apply to all FC Pro competitions and are incorporated herein by reference.

• Event Rules: These Event Rules governing the FC Pro Open (the “Event”).

2.2. Competition Structure

• Event: A competitive tournament conducted as part of the FC Pro ecosystem, governed by both these Event Rules and the Official Rules.

• Live Event: A physical, in-person Event conducted at a designated venue as part of the FC Pro ecosystem.

• Group Stage: A phase of competition where Competitors are divided into groups and compete in a round-robin format, playing every other Competitor in their group.

• Double Round Robin: A tournament format in which each Competitor plays every other Competitor in their group twice.

• Single Elimination Bracket: A tournament format in which Competitors are eliminated after a single Match loss.

• Tiebreaker: A procedure established by Event Officials to resolve a tie in Swiss standings when Competitors’ records are identical.

• Media Day: The designated day prior to a Live Event reserved for media appearances, interviews, content capture, and promotional obligations.

2.3. Roles

• Competitor: Any individual who is registered for, and actively participating in, gameplay within an Event.

• Coach: Any individual designated to provide strategic or logistical assistance to a Competitor during an Event.

• Event Participant: Any individual competing in or officially supporting a Competitor during an Event, including but not limited to Competitors and Coaches. Event Participants are subject to all obligations and restrictions set forth in these Event Rules and the FC Pro 26 Official Rules.

• Event Official: Any individual authorized by Electronic Arts to administer the Event and to make final and binding decisions regarding Event operations, rule interpretation, and enforcement.

• Player Care Team: The designated staff responsible for event-related logistics, player services, and communications, including through Discord.

• Competition Broadcast Crew: The designated staff responsible for producing live coverage of the Event, including interviews and content capture.

2.4. Platforms and Tools

• EA Account: A game account provided by Electronic Arts for the sole purpose of competitive play in Events. EA Accounts may only be used as directed by Event Officials, in accordance with these Event Rules and the Official Rules.

• Draft Website: The official online platform (https://draft.fcpro.com/) where Competitors must log in to create and submit their Drafted Squad for the Event.

• Discord: The third-party online communication platform designated for official Event communications and support, including communication with the Player Care Team.

2.5. Match and Discipline Terms

• Match: A competitive fixture consisting of one (1) leg of gameplay, with two (2) halves of nine (9) minutes each, played within EA SPORTS FC 26.

• Drafted Squad: The squad built by a Competitor using the Draft Website, including the starting eleven (11), substitutes, squad order, and formation, which must then be replicated in-Game.

• Hosting: The designation of which Competitor is assigned to act as the in-game host for a Match, determined by Event Officials based on seeding.

• Match Area: The designated area of the venue specifically reserved for competitive play, as determined by Event Officials.

• Forfeit: The loss of a Match or advancement opportunity due to a Competitor’s failure to appear, failure to comply with Event Rules, or other determination made by an Event Official.

• No Show: A Competitor’s failure to appear for a scheduled Match within the time designated by Event Officials.

• Disqualification: The removal of a Competitor from an Event by an Event Official, whether for misconduct, rule violations, or other grounds as provided herein.

3. ELIGIBILITY

3.1. General Eligibility

Eligibility to participate in the Event shall be determined in accordance with the FC Pro 26 Official Rules.

3.2. Qualification Requirement

Competitors qualify for this Event through the pathways set forth in Section 4.2.3 of the FC Pro 26 Official Rules. These include:

• Direct invitations for Competitors who finished 1st - 4th during the FC Pro Open 25 Finals;

• Competitors who finished 1st - 4th during the FC Pro World Championship 25;

• and the highest non-qualified player on the FC Pro World Rankings.

• Sixteen (16) Competitors qualified via the Global Qualifiers

4. EVENT FORMAT

4.1. Schedule

The Event shall be conducted over six (6) weeks, with each week representing a set of scheduled Matchdays.

Competitors shall be divided into four (4) groups of six (6).

All Matches in the Group Stage will be played in a Double Round Robin format, where each Competitor plays every other Competitor in their group twice.

4.1.1. Group Stage

Group Stage Matches will be played over six (6) weeks.

Each Match in the Group Stage shall consist of one (1) leg.

The Group Stage shall operate in a Double Round Robin format, where each Competitor plays every other Competitor in their group twice, once as the home player (host) and once as the away player.

Event Officials will determine and communicate hosting designations prior to each Matchday to ensure that all Competitors host an equal number of Matches (five total) across the Group Stage.

Matches will follow the in-game settings and Match Rules set forth in Section 5.

Points will be awarded as follows:

• Win: 3 points

• Draw: 1 point

• Loss: 0 points

4.1.1.1. Tiebreakers

If Competitors are tied on points, the tiebreaker will be resolved by the following methods, in descending order of priority:

• Greater number of goals scored in all group matches

• Best head-to-head record (if only two (2) Competitors are tied)

• Greater goal difference in group matches among the tied Competitors

• Great number of goals scored among the tied Competitors

• Rematch between tied Competitors

A rematch will include extra time and penalties if Competitors are still tied.

4.1.2. Advancement

The top three (3) Competitors from each group after the Group Stage (twelve total) will advance to the Single Elimination Bracket.

Within each group:

• The 2nd and 3rd place Competitors will play each other in the First Round of the Single Elimination Bracket.

  • The winner of that Match will advance to face the 1st place Competitor from another group in the Second Round (Quarterfinal stage).

• The four (4) winners of the Second Round will progress to the Semifinals, followed by the Final.

In case of tied rankings affecting advancement positions, the tiebreakers listed in Section 2 (Group Stage) will be applied in order.

4.1.3. Knockout Stage (Single Elimination Bracket)

The Single Elimination Bracket will consist of twelve (12) Competitors advancing from the Group Stage.

Bracket structure:

• First Round: 2nd vs. 3rd from each group (four Matches).

• Second Round: 1st place from each group vs. First Round winners (four Matches).

• Semifinals: Four remaining Competitors.

• Final: Two remaining Competitors play to determine the Event Champion.

Each Match will consist of one (1) leg only.

In the event of a draw after regular time, standard in-game tiebreaker rules (Extra Time and Penalties, if required) shall apply.

4.2. Draft Requirements

Competitors must log into the Draft Website and create a Drafted Squad by the deadline communicated by Event Officials.

A Drafted Squad must include starting eleven (11), substitutes, squad order, and formation.

Any Competitor who fails to submit a Drafted Squad by the deadline shall be assigned a default squad.

For each Match, Competitors must build their in-Game squad to replicate their Drafted Squad.

4.3. Seeding

The pre-qualified players will be seeded into the four (4) groups based on their FC Pro World Ranking placement prior to the FC Pro Global Qualifier. 

Competitors qualifying from the FC Pro Global Qualifier will perform a draw from which they will pick a group from a bowl to randomly select their position.

Event Officials shall have sole discretion to resolve any disputes or anomalies in seeding, provided such determinations are applied consistently and fairly.

5. MATCH RULES

5.1. Match Setup

5.1.1. Game Settings

All Matches shall be played using EA SPORTS FC 26 using the settings below.

5.1.1.1 Basic Settings

• Data Center: Direct

• Start Time: 0

• Home Score: 0

• Away Score: 0

• Leg: First

5.1.1.2. Advanced Settings

• First Ball Possession: Home

• Game 1 Tiebreaker: Extra Time

5.1.1.3. Default Gameplay Settings

• Half Length: 9 minutes

• Stadium: UT Stadium

• Ball: FC Pro Ball

Event Officials may amend or adjust settings as necessary.

5.1.1. Hosting

In the Group Stage, each Competitor will host one (1) Match against every other Competitor in their group to ensure balanced hosting assignments. Hosting designations will be pre-determined by Event Officials and communicated before the start of each Matchweek. In the Knockout Stage, the higher-seeded Competitor will host the Match. Competitors must follow the hosting designation provided by Event Officials. Failure to comply with hosting assignments may result in penalties, including but not limited to a Match restart or Match loss, at the discretion of Event Officials.

5.1.1. Kit Selection

In the event of an in-game kit clash, the host shall have priority in kit selection. Competitors must comply with Event Officials’ instructions to resolve kit clashes promptly. Failure to comply may result in penalties under Section A6 of the FC Pro 26 Official Rules.

5.2. During Play

5.2.1. Match Procedure

Competitors must be ready to play at the scheduled time.

Disputes must be raised on-site with Event Officials without delay.

5.2.2. Pauses

Each Competitor is permitted to pause the game a maximum of three (3) times per half. Pauses will only activate when the ball is out of play, and may not be abused for time-wasting or gamesmanship. Event Officials shall have discretion to issue penalties for improper or excessive pausing.

5.2.3. Technical Issues and Disconnects

In the event of technical issues (e.g., console, display, or network failures), Event Officials will determine whether the Match shall be restarted, resumed, or otherwise resolved.

Event Officials shall have sole discretion to determine whether a Match must be replayed, resumed, or forfeited in the event of disconnection, system error, or other technical issue.

5.2.4. Forfeits and No Shows

A Competitor who fails to appear for a scheduled Match shall be deemed a No Show and shall Forfeit the Match.

A Forfeit shall result in the awarding of a win to the opposing Competitor. The scoreline for a Forfeit shall be recorded as determined by Event Officials.

Multiple No Shows or repeated Forfeits may result in Disqualification from the Event.

5.2.5. Disputes

Any dispute regarding a Match must be reported immediately to an Event Official on-site.

A Match’s final score shall stand if play continues beyond the first half with incorrect settings before an Event Official is contacted.

If Event Officials determine that a Competitor has violated the Official Rules and an automatic Match loss is applied, the opponent shall be awarded a win for that Match with either:

• a three (3) goal differential, or

• the goal differential (if the opponent was leading) at the time the issue was reported, whichever is greater.

False or bad-faith reporting may result in penalties under Section A6 (Penalties) of the FC Pro 26 Official Rules.

5.3. Equipment and Environment

5.3.1. Controllers

All controllers must remain wired at all times; wireless use is not permitted.

Competitors are encouraged to bring their own controllers for use during the Competition.

All controllers must be reviewed and approved by Event Officials prior to use during an Event.

The use of macros, turbo functions, or any hardware or software modifications that provide a competitive advantage is strictly prohibited.

Any controller suspected of malfunctioning, tampering, or providing an unfair advantage may be inspected, tested, or disallowed by Event Officials at their sole discretion.

Competitors are solely responsible for ensuring their controller is functioning properly prior to the start of each Match.

5.3.2. Personal Devices

Competitors may not possess personal communication devices (including smartphones, tablets, or any items capable of mobile communication) while actively engaged in a Match.

An exception is permitted if the device is used solely for listening to music via in-ear monitors (see “Headphones and IEMs” below).

Event Officials will provide a storage area for all personal items.

Failure to comply with this rule may result in penalties under Section A6 of the FC Pro 26 Official Rules.

5.3.3. Match Area

While inside the Match Area, Competitors and Coaches may only interact with equipment approved for gameplay (controllers, peripherals, or devices expressly permitted by Event Officials).

Competitors are not permitted to interact with any member of the audience or event crew for the purpose of gaining a competitive advantage.

Food and drink are prohibited in the Match Area. Only water, in Event Official–provided vessels, is permitted.

Competitors must treat all Event-provided equipment with care, including consoles, monitors, controllers, headsets, chairs, desks, and any other hardware or furniture placed in the Match Area by Event Officials.

Deliberate damage, tampering, or negligent breakage of any such equipment may result in penalties under Section A6 of the FC Pro 26 Official Rules.

Possession or use of unauthorized devices in the Match Area may result in penalties under Section A6 of the FC Pro 26 Official Rules.

5.3.4. Headphones and In-Ear Monitors (IEMs)

Competitors may use personal in-ear monitors (“IEMs”) solely for the purpose of listening to music.

If IEMs are used, Competitors must cover them with an Event Official–provided pair of headphones, if such headphones are provided.

Failure to comply with this rule may result in penalties under Section A6 of the FC Pro 26 Official Rules.

5.4. Oversight

5.4.1. Officials' Authority

Event Officials shall oversee the conduct of all Matches and shall have full authority to interpret these Match Rules, resolve disputes, and impose penalties.

All decisions of Event Officials relating to Match outcomes, technical issues, or application of these rules shall be final and binding.

5.4.2. Communication

All match-related issues must be communicated immediately to Event Officials on-site. Competitors are required to raise disputes, technical issues, or rule concerns without delay so that they may be resolved promptly

All event-related communication (including schedules, logistics, travel, or player services) shall be directed to the Player Care team.

Discord will serve as the primary tool for Player Care communication. Competitors must ensure they are connected to the designated Event Discord server and remain reachable throughout the duration of the Event.

Failure to follow the proper communication channels may result in delays to match play or, in severe cases, penalties under Section A6 of the FC Pro 26 Official Rules.

6. EVENT PARTICIPATION OBLIGATIONS

Competitors competing in a Live Event are required to adhere to the following:

• Be available to the media during each Live Event.

• Attend Media Day prior to each Live Event.

• Comply with all pre-match obligations as communicated by Event Officials, including, but not limited to, media appearances, interviews, or further discussion of match matters.

• Join the relevant Discord server for certain tournaments, as designated by Event Officials, and remain accessible to Event staff.

• Be available for an interview with the Competition broadcast crew for at least thirty (30) minutes following the end of each Live Event day.

• Winners from a Live Event may also be required to participate in a media session for up to one (1) hour following the end of the competition.

• Attire Requirements: Competitors must wear full-length trousers and closed-toe shoes during the Event. Shorts and open-toe shoes are strictly prohibited. Failure to comply with attire requirements may result in penalties under Section A6 of the FC Pro 26 Official Rules.

6.1. Coach Limitations

Each Competitor may be accompanied by one (1) Coach throughout the Event. The Coach may be changed once throughout the course of the Event from the submission deadline set at the start of the Competition. This change can only be made outside of Match Days.

Coaches must adhere to all rules and requirements outlined for Event Participants and are subject to the same penalties for misconduct under Section A6 of the FC Pro 26 Official Rules.

Coaches are permitted to enter the Match Area only at times designated by Event Officials and must vacate the area when instructed.

Coaches may not use communication devices, including mobile phones or headsets, within the Match Area unless explicitly authorized by Event Officials.

Violation of these limitations may result in penalties for both the Coach and the associated Competitor under Section A6 of the FC Pro 26 Official Rules.

6.2. Flags

Competitors and Coaches acknowledge that they are not permitted to display the flags of any countries anywhere on their person, including on clothing and apparel.

Physical flags may not be brought into the tournament venue.

Any physical flags attempted to be brought to the tournament venue will be confiscated, and any displays of flags otherwise will be covered up by the Event Officials.

6.3. Account Usage

Competitors will be provided with EA Accounts for competitive play, for the sole purpose of taking part in Events.

Competitors may not:

• Use a provided account outside of active event days.

• Use the account for any function outside of playing a Match in the Event or creating and/or editing their squad for upcoming Matches in the Event.

• Share the account, login details, or information with any other individual(s), including but not limited to Coaches or other Competitors.

Prior to the event days, Competitor accounts will have access to their respective EA account which they may only use for practice ahead of the Event.

The accounts provided will be limited with items from a Competitor’s Drafted Squad. The player items from EA shall only be used by Competitors in the in-Game Ultimate Team game mode in the dedicated 1v1 FC Pro Mode. If these items are used by a Competitor in any other mode, they will be removed from the account and such items will not be reissued.

It is the Competitors’ responsibility to configure their account to their preferences, including the creation of their squad and account settings.

Competitors must ensure they do not access accounts that have not been given to them specifically.

7. PLAYER CONDUCT

7.1. Incorporation of Official Rules

All standards of player conduct, integrity, and fair play set forth in the FC Pro 26 Official Rules shall apply in full to this Event.

7.2. Event-Specific Requirements

In addition to the FC Pro 26 Official Rules, Competitors must comply with all Event-specific requirements outlined in these Event Rules, including but not limited to:

• Communication protocols under Section 5.11 (Communication).

• Hosting requirements under Section 5.10 (Hosting).

• Obligations under Section 6 (Event Participant Obligations).

7.2. Authority of Event Officials

Event Officials shall have authority to enforce the Player Conduct provisions of the FC Pro 26 Official Rules and these Event Rules, and to impose penalties as set forth in Section A6 (Penalties) of the FC Pro 26 Official Rules.

8. GENERAL PROVISIONS

8.1. Amendments

Event Officials, in their sole discretion, may amend, update, or supplement these Event Rules at any time to ensure fair play and competitive integrity. Any such amendments shall be effective immediately upon publication and shall be communicated to Competitors through official channels.

8.2. Interpretation and Authority

Event Officials shall have final authority to interpret these Event Rules and to resolve any matters not specifically addressed herein. All such determinations shall be final and binding.

8.3. Governing Law

These Event Rules shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the same governing law provisions set forth in the FC Pro 26 Official Rules.

8.4. Severability

If any provision of these Event Rules is found to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

8.5. Language

In the event of any discrepancy between translations of these Event Rules, the English version shall prevail and control.

APPENDIX A - Event Schedule

APPENDIX B - Prizing

Prizing for the FC Pro Open shall be awarded as set forth in Appendix C2 of the FC Pro 26 Official Rules. For convenience, the prize breakdown is reproduced below. In the event of any conflict, the FC Pro 26 Official Rules shall govern.

Total Prize Pool: $532,000