0. Relationship to Other Documents; Interpretation; Conflict Priority

These Official Tournament Rules (these “Rules”) operate together with the Terms and Conditions and the Privacy and Publicity Consent Policy (collectively, the “Documents”). The following priority applies:

• Tournament-specific matters—including competition format, eligibility, prizes, match administration, scoring, forfeits, refunds as expressly stated in these Rules, and dispute resolution for Tournament-related claims—are governed by these Rules.
• Privacy, publicity, and personal data-use matters are governed by the Privacy and Publicity Consent Policy.
• General platform, account, website, and non-Tournament use of the Platform (as defined in the Terms and Conditions) are governed by the Terms and Conditions.
• If there is a direct conflict between Documents on the same subject matter, the more specific Document controls over the more general Document.
• Section 10 of these Rules works together with the Privacy and Publicity Consent Policy; if there is a conflict as to privacy, publicity, or data use, the Privacy and Publicity Consent Policy controls.

1. Nature of Tournament

Each Tournament is a skill-based competition. Outcomes are determined solely by each Participant’s individual performance in the EA SPORTS FC 26 video game. No element of chance determines winners, and there is no wagering, betting, or lottery.

2. Organizer and Contact Information

Organizer: The Organizer identified on the Tournament webpage.

Address: The mailing address identified on the Tournament webpage for official correspondence only.

Support Email: The support email identified on the Tournament webpage.

3. Eligibility

3.1 Age

Participants must be at least eighteen (18) years of age as of the start of the Tournament. Proof of age may be required. Minors may not participate.

3.2 Residency

Participation is open to legal residents of the United States, except residents of Connecticut and any state or territory where participation in this Tournament would be unlawful. Organizer may refuse, limit, or cancel participation from any jurisdiction as needed to comply with applicable law.

3.3 Account and Platform Requirements

Participants must own or have access to a valid EA account, PlayStation Network (“PSN”) or Xbox account, as applicable, and a copy of EA SPORTS FC 26 on the appropriate platform. Participants must have an active internet connection and any current subscription required for online play. Participants are responsible for any platform fees, subscription costs, and equipment requirements.

4. Registration and Entry Fee

4.1 Entry Fee

Participants may register by paying an entry fee of US$10.00 per Tournament. The entry fee is charged for participation in the Tournament and to cover Organizer’s tournament administration and operating costs. Refunds, if any, are governed by Section 9.

4.2 Registration Procedure

Participants must complete the online registration form before the advertised deadline and provide accurate, complete information, including legal name, gamertag, contact email, and state of residence. Participants must also maintain accurate contact information on the Platform, including a valid mobile telephone number capable of receiving SMS for tournament-related communications as described in Section 4.4. Inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading information may result in rejection of registration or disqualification.

4.3 Entry Fee Refunds

Entry fee refunds are governed exclusively by Section 9 (Refund Policy).

4.4 Tournament-Related SMS Communications

By registering, each Participant agrees to receive tournament-related text messages (SMS) at the mobile telephone number the Participant provides in connection with registration or maintains on the Participant’s Platform account profile. These messages are for tournament administration and operations only—not for marketing or unrelated promotional purposes. Messages may include, without limitation: group-stage assignments; opponent and pairing information; match times, deadlines, and scheduling changes; check-in or readiness reminders; score reporting instructions; results-related logistics; and other time-sensitive or operational details. Important logistical information may be communicated by SMS in addition to, or instead of, postings on the Organizer’s website or other channels; Participants should not assume that all such information will be fully repeated in these Rules, on the website, or in email. Message and data rates may apply according to the Participant’s carrier plan. Each Participant is solely responsible for providing and maintaining a valid mobile telephone number capable of receiving SMS messages at the number on file.

5. Prize Schedule

5.1 Prize Schedule

Each Tournament will have a prize amount announced in advance on the Tournament registration page before registration opens. The advertised prize for a Tournament may vary based on the number of confirmed Participants only if the applicable prize tiers are fully disclosed in advance.

5.2 Standard Prize Tiers

Unless Organizer publishes different prize tiers for a specific Tournament before registration opens, the following prize schedule will apply:

• (a) Fewer than 8 confirmed Participants: Organizer may cancel the Tournament and refund all entry fees, or reschedule the Tournament in Organizer’s sole discretion.
• (b) 8 to 15 confirmed Participants: First Place receives US$50.00.
• (c) 16 to 23 confirmed Participants: First Place receives US$100.00.
• (d) 24 to 31 confirmed Participants: First Place receives US$150.00.
• (e) 32 confirmed Participants: First Place receives US$200.00.

5.3 Prize Lock

The applicable prize tier for a Tournament will be determined based on the number of confirmed Participants when registration closes. Once registration closes, the applicable prize tier is locked and will not be increased or decreased after the Tournament begins.

5.4 Prize Characteristics

The Tournament prize is a pre-announced amount determined by the applicable published prize tier. The amount of the prize will not be changed after registration closes.

5.5 Taxes

Winners are solely responsible for any federal, state, and local taxes associated with any prize. Organizer may require completion of an IRS Form W-9 before releasing a prize and may issue any required tax form where applicable.

5.6 Prize Payment Timing; Winner Cooperation

Subject to verification, tax, payment-processor, and compliance requirements, prizes will ordinarily be paid on the Monday immediately following the conclusion of the Tournament. If verification, tax withholding, payment processing, or compliance review is still pending, payment will be made as soon thereafter as reasonably practicable once those requirements are satisfied. Each prize winner must provide any information, documentation, or cooperation reasonably requested by Organizer to complete payment, identity verification, tax reporting, or other lawful requirements. Failure to provide such information within a reasonable time after request may delay or forfeit payment in Organizer’s sole discretion, subject to applicable law.

6. Tournament Format

6.1 General Structure. Each Tournament will consist of two phases: (a) a Round Robin Group Stage, followed by (b) a Single-Elimination Playoff Stage. The default group structures and playoff field sizes for each confirmed Participant count are set forth in Section 6.2, subject to Organizer’s authority to adjust for operational, fairness, or integrity reasons as stated in these Rules. The Tournament will include no more than thirty-two (32) Participants. Organizer may publish the final group assignments, schedule, and playoff bracket after registration closes.

6.2 Bracket Structures by Confirmed Participant Count. Unless Organizer publishes a different structure for a specific Tournament before registration opens, the following defaults apply based on the number of confirmed Participants at the close of registration:

• (a) Eight (8) Participants: two (2) groups of four (4); the top two (2) from each group advance; Playoff Stage is a four (4)-Participant single-elimination bracket comprising semifinals and a final.
• (b) Nine (9) to ten (10) Participants: two (2) groups of five (5); the top two (2) from each group advance; Playoff Stage is a four (4)-Participant single-elimination bracket comprising semifinals and a final.
• (c) Eleven (11) to twelve (12) Participants: three (3) groups of four (4); the three (3) group winners plus the best second-place finisher among all groups (runner-up) advance; Playoff Stage is a four (4)-Participant single-elimination bracket comprising semifinals and a final.
• (d) Thirteen (13) to sixteen (16) Participants: four (4) groups of approximately equal size; the top two (2) from each group advance; Playoff Stage is an eight (8)-Participant single-elimination bracket comprising quarterfinals, semifinals, and a final.
• (e) Seventeen (17) to twenty (20) Participants: four (4) groups of approximately equal size; the top two (2) from each group advance; Playoff Stage is an eight (8)-Participant single-elimination bracket comprising quarterfinals, semifinals, and a final.
• (f) Twenty-one (21) to twenty-four (24) Participants: six (6) groups of approximately equal size; the six (6) group winners plus the two (2) best runners-up among all groups advance; Playoff Stage is an eight (8)-Participant single-elimination bracket comprising quarterfinals, semifinals, and a final.
• (g) Twenty-five (25) to twenty-eight (28) Participants: seven (7) groups of approximately equal size; the seven (7) group winners plus the best runner-up among all groups advance; Playoff Stage is an eight (8)-Participant single-elimination bracket comprising quarterfinals, semifinals, and a final.
• (h) Twenty-nine (29) to thirty-two (32) Participants: eight (8) groups of approximately equal size; the top two (2) from each group advance; Playoff Stage is a sixteen (16)-Participant single-elimination bracket comprising a Round of sixteen (16), quarterfinals, semifinals, and a final.

6.3 Unequal Groups; Comparison of Runners-Up and Wild-Card Candidates. Where groups differ in size or where one or more Participants must be selected from among non-automatic qualifiers (including, without limitation, “best runner-up” or other wild-card positions described in Section 6.2), Organizer will compare candidates using the following criteria, in this order, applied on a per-match basis where applicable: (a) points per match; (b) goal difference per match; (c) goals scored per match; (d) fewest forfeits or administrative losses; (e) random draw conducted by Organizer. Organizer may apply these criteria in a manner that preserves competitive fairness where multiple candidates or multiple rounds of comparison are required.

6.4 Group Stage. Participants will be placed into groups of approximately equal size, except where a structure in Section 6.2 expressly provides otherwise. Each Participant will play one (1) match against every other Participant in that Participant’s group, unless Organizer announces a different format in advance. The Group Stage is intended to determine playoff qualification and playoff seeding. All Group Stage matches must be completed within the deadlines announced by Organizer.

6.5 Group Stage Match Scoring. For Group Stage standings, points will be awarded as follows: Win: 3 points; Draw: 1 point; Loss: 0 points. Organizer may require Participants to submit match scores through the designated reporting system immediately after each match, along with screenshots or other proof if requested.

6.6 Group Stage Tiebreakers (Within-Group). If two or more Participants in the same group finish the Group Stage level on points, standings among those tied Participants will be determined using the following tiebreakers, in this order: (a) head-to-head points among tied Participants; (b) head-to-head goal difference among tied Participants; (c) head-to-head goals scored among tied Participants; (d) overall goal difference in all Group Stage matches; (e) overall goals scored in all Group Stage matches; (f) fewest forfeits or administrative losses; (g) random draw conducted by Organizer. If more than two Participants are tied, Organizer may apply the above criteria repeatedly as needed to break the tie.

6.7 Advancement to Playoffs. The number of Participants who advance from each group to the Playoff Stage, and the method for selecting any wild-card or runner-up qualifiers, will conform to Section 6.2 unless Organizer announces a different method before the first Group Stage match begins. Playoff seeding will be based on Group Stage finish, points earned, and applicable tiebreakers, subject to Organizer’s sole discretion for bracket integrity.

6.8 Playoff Stage. The Playoff Stage will be conducted as a single-elimination knockout bracket. A Participant who loses a Playoff match is eliminated from the Tournament. Organizer may determine playoff seeding in its sole discretion using Group Stage performance, including: (a) finishing position within the group; (b) total points; (c) goal difference; (d) goals scored; and (e) other applicable tiebreakers.

6.9 Playoff Match Results. If a Playoff match ends level at the end of regulation: (a) extra time will be played if available in the selected game settings; and (b) if still level, the match will be decided by penalty kicks. There are no draws in the Playoff Stage.

6.10 Scheduling and Self-Scheduling. Participants are responsible for scheduling each match directly with their opponent within the match window, deadline, or other scheduling framework published or communicated by Organizer for that round or match (including an assigned match day, where applicable). Organizer will publish or communicate the applicable match window, deadline, or assigned match day for each Group Stage round and each Playoff round, as well as any overall Tournament scheduling parameters shown on the Tournament webpage.

For any match assigned to a particular calendar day, each Participant must initiate contact and respond to the opponent’s scheduling communications no later than four (4) hours after 12:00 p.m. (noon) local time on that assigned day, unless Organizer specifies a different response time in writing for that Tournament or match. A Participant who fails to meet that response obligation may be declared to have forfeited the match or may receive an administrative loss, in Organizer’s sole discretion. If a Participant responds after the response deadline, the opponent is not required to accommodate the late response or to accept a proposed time that does not reasonably fit within the published match window. Organizer may award a forfeit or administrative loss to the Participant who responded timely, even if the non-responsive or late Participant later becomes available. Organizer retains full discretion to resolve scheduling disputes, edge cases, and suspected bad-faith conduct, including by imposing forfeits, administrative results, or other penalties consistent with these Rules.

Each Participant is also responsible for: (a) monitoring Tournament communications; (b) being available during the scheduled match window; (c) cooperating in good faith to finalize a start time; and (d) completing matches before the applicable deadline. Failure to complete a match in accordance with these Rules may result in a forfeit, administrative result, or disqualification, in Organizer’s sole discretion.

6.11 No-Shows and Unplayed Matches. If a Participant fails to appear for a scheduled match within ten (10) minutes of the scheduled start time agreed by the Participants (or set by Organizer), Organizer may declare that Participant to have forfeited unless Organizer determines that an extension is warranted. Unless Organizer decides otherwise, a forfeited match will be recorded as: (a) a 3-0 win for the non-offending Participant; and (b) a 0-3 loss for the offending Participant. If both Participants fail to cooperate, fail to schedule in good faith, or otherwise fail to complete a match by the deadline, Organizer may: (a) assign a double forfeit; (b) assign no points to either Participant; (c) assign an administrative draw; or (d) take any other action Organizer considers fair and appropriate.

6.12 Participant Withdrawal During Group Stage. If a Participant withdraws, is removed, or is disqualified during the Group Stage, Organizer may, in its sole discretion: (a) void that Participant’s unplayed matches; (b) void all of that Participant’s prior results; (c) keep completed results in the standings; or (d) apply administrative results to remaining scheduled matches. Organizer will choose the method that best preserves competitive fairness for the group as a whole.

6.13 Disconnects; Connection Quality; Lag; Evidence; and Match Interruptions. Wired Ethernet or comparable wired local area network (“LAN”) connection to the internet is strongly recommended for all matches. For Playoff Stage matches, wired Ethernet or LAN is mandatory unless Organizer grants a written exception in advance. A single screenshot of a speed test or similar metric is not, by itself, automatic proof that a fault lies with any particular Participant or connection.

If a disconnect, server failure, or comparable technical issue occurs before halftime, the match will ordinarily be replayed in full unless Organizer directs otherwise. If the interruption occurs after halftime, Organizer may order: (a) a full replay; (b) a partial replay from a recreated scoreline if reasonably possible; (c) the score at interruption to stand; or (d) any other fair corrective action.

If a Participant claims that an opponent’s connection or network conditions materially affected the match, that claim must be raised with Organizer immediately during the match or promptly after the match ends; undue delay may be grounds to deny relief. Organizer may require any Participant accused of contributing to unfair lag or instability to submit, within ten (10) minutes of Organizer’s request, a single continuous video recorded on a phone or other device showing, in sequence: (a) the Participant’s console account or gamertag; (b) the console network settings screen; (c) whether the Participant is using a wired or wireless internet connection; and (d) the console’s built-in connection test or network statistics screen. If Organizer requests such evidence and the Participant refuses or fails to provide it within the stated time, Organizer may impose an administrative loss, forfeit, or other penalty on that Participant. If Organizer determines, after review, that a Participant’s unstable or inappropriate connection materially affected fair play, Organizer may order a replay, a partial replay if appropriate, an administrative result, or a forfeit loss. Repeated connection issues traceable to the same Participant may result in a requirement to use wired internet for future matches; failure to comply may result in disqualification or administrative loss. Organizer may prohibit mobile hotspots, unstable connections, or other non-standard configurations that threaten competitive integrity.

Participants may be required to provide screenshots, additional video, or other proof in any dispute. Repeated technical failures caused by one Participant’s setup may be treated as forfeits or administrative losses.

6.14 Anti-Manipulation Rules. Participants may not intentionally alter competitive integrity, including by: (a) deliberately losing for seeding purposes; (b) colluding to produce a preferred result; (c) manipulating scorelines to affect tiebreakers; (d) refusing to play in order to help another Participant qualify; or (e) engaging in any coordinated conduct that undermines fair competition. Organizer may disqualify any Participant or group of Participants for suspected manipulation.

6.15 Organizer Authority Over Format Issues. Organizer has the sole authority to interpret and apply this Tournament format, including all issues relating to: (a) standings; (b) tiebreakers; (c) qualification; (d) seeding; (e) forfeits; (f) replays; (g) administrative results; and (h) bracket corrections. All Organizer decisions are final and binding.

7. Decisions and Disputes

7.1 Organizer Authority. Organizer has sole authority to interpret these Rules, administer the Tournament, determine eligibility, and resolve disputes. All decisions are final and binding.

7.2 Reporting Results. Participants must report match scores through the designated platform or reporting method within thirty (30) minutes of match completion. Opponents must confirm results if requested. Organizer may request proof of result.

7.3 Dispute Resolution. Any dispute that cannot be resolved through Organizer’s internal dispute process shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration as specified in Section 15, read together with the coordinated dispute provisions in the Terms and Conditions.

8. Cancellation or Modification

Organizer reserves the right to cancel, suspend, postpone, or modify a Tournament or any part of it, for any reason including fraud, technical failure, insufficient participation, platform outages, or legal compliance. If a Tournament is canceled before any matches are played, entry fees will be refunded, subject to Section 9.

If a Tournament is postponed or rescheduled but not canceled, your registration generally remains valid for the new dates; entry fees are not refunded solely because of a schedule change unless Organizer elects otherwise in writing or cancels the Tournament under this Section.

9. Refund Policy

General. Tournament registration entry fees are non-refundable except as expressly stated in this Section 9 and in Sections 5.2 and 8.

Refund requests more than 48 hours before competition start. You may receive a refund of your entry fee if you submit a refund request to the support email listed on the Tournament webpage more than forty-eight (48) hours before the published start time of the first scheduled Tournament match or the first official Tournament match window, whichever is earlier or applicable as identified on the Tournament webpage (the “Refund Deadline Clock”).

Requests within 48 hours of the Refund Deadline Clock. If your withdrawal or refund request is received within forty-eight (48) hours of the Refund Deadline Clock described above, you are not entitled to a refund.

No-shows and disqualification. If you fail to appear for scheduled play without Organizer approval, or you are disqualified, you are not entitled to a refund.

Tournament canceled before play. If the Organizer cancels the Tournament before any matches are played, entry fees will be refunded as described in Section 8.

Rescheduling. If the Tournament runs on revised dates (including where Organizer reschedules under Section 8), your fee ordinarily applies to the rescheduled Tournament; you are not entitled to a refund solely because dates change unless Organizer cancels the Tournament under Section 8 or notifies Participants otherwise in writing.

Duplicate charges and billing mistakes. If you believe you were charged twice or in error for the same Tournament entry, contact the support email listed on the Tournament webpage promptly with the details. Verified duplicate or erroneous charges will be corrected.

Timing and questions. Refunds owed under these Rules are processed as soon as reasonably practicable after a qualifying cancellation or approved refund request. For any refund question, contact the support email on the Tournament webpage.

10. Publicity and Use of Data

10.1 Gamertags and Results. Participants consent to Organizer’s use of their gamertag, bracket placement, and match results for purposes of administering the Tournament and publicly posting brackets, standings, and results on Organizer’s website and social media.

10.2 Streaming and Tournament Content. Organizer may stream matches or post clips, recaps, screenshots, and related Tournament content on its website, social media, or streaming channels. Participants grant Organizer a worldwide, perpetual, royalty-free license to broadcast and otherwise use their name, voice, gamertag, gameplay, and other Tournament-related identifying information for promotional, operational, and archival purposes related to the Tournament.

10.3 Personal Information. Organizer collects registration information solely to administer the Tournament, communicate with Participants, distribute prizes, enforce these Rules, and comply with legal obligations. Personal information will not be sold.

10.4 Cross-Reference to Privacy and Publicity Consent Policy. Detailed commitments regarding collection, use, disclosure, retention, security, choices, and publicity rights appear in the Privacy and Publicity Consent Policy. If there is a conflict between this Section 10 and the Privacy and Publicity Consent Policy as to privacy, publicity, or data use, the Privacy and Publicity Consent Policy controls.

11. Limitation of Liability and Release

11.1 Release. By participating, each Participant releases and holds harmless Organizer, EA, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Microsoft, and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses arising out of participation, except to the extent arising from Organizer’s willful misconduct.

11.2 Disclaimer. Organizer provides the Tournament “as is” and disclaims all warranties, express or implied. Organizer does not guarantee continuous, uninterrupted, or secure access to Tournament services.

11.3 Limitation. In no event will Organizer’s liability exceed the greater of (a) the entry fee paid by the Participant, or (b) US$50. Some jurisdictions do not allow limitations of liability, so these may not apply.

12. Indemnification

Participant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Organizer from any third-party claims arising from Participant’s breach of these Rules, misuse of the Tournament platform or reporting system, or violation of law.

13. Relationship to EA and Platforms

This Tournament is not sponsored by, endorsed by, administered by, or affiliated with Electronic Arts Inc., Sony Interactive Entertainment, Microsoft Corporation, Instagram, Twitch, YouTube, or their respective affiliates. All EA SPORTS FC trademarks are property of Electronic Arts Inc. EA’s published content policy also says not to imply endorsement or affiliation.

14. Governing Law

These Rules and any disputes are governed by the laws of the State of Connecticut, without regard to conflict-of-laws principles.

15. Arbitration Agreement

15.1 Agreement to Arbitrate. Any dispute or claim arising out of this Tournament or these Rules that cannot be resolved informally must be resolved by binding arbitration administered by JAMS under its Streamlined Arbitration Rules.

15.2 Class Action Waiver. Proceedings will be conducted only on an individual basis. No class or collective actions are permitted.

15.3 Forum. Arbitration will take place in Hartford County, Connecticut, unless otherwise agreed.

15.4 Pre-Arbitration Notice. Before initiating arbitration, a party must provide written notice of the dispute and attempt informal resolution.

15.5 Coordination with Terms and Conditions. Tournament-related claims are subject to this Section 15 and Section 11.2 of the Terms and Conditions. Platform-only claims are subject to Section 11.3 of the Terms and Conditions, which incorporates this arbitration framework.

15.6 Courts; Entry of Award; Injunctive Relief. Judgment on any arbitration award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. Except where prohibited by applicable law, either party may seek temporary injunctive or equitable relief in a court of competent jurisdiction to preserve the status quo pending arbitration. Nothing in this Section 15 creates an agreement to litigate covered disputes in court in the first instance.

16. Severability

If any provision of these Rules is held to be unlawful or unenforceable, that provision shall be severed, and the remainder shall remain in full force.

17. Entire Agreement

These Rules constitute the entire agreement regarding the Tournament and supersede all prior communications on the same subject, read together with the Terms and Conditions and the Privacy and Publicity Consent Policy as described in Section 0.

18. Contact Information

For questions, contact the support email listed on the Tournament webpage.