All the Big FPL Rule Changes for the 2025/26 Season

All the Big FPL Rule Changes for the 2025/26 Season are finally here – and they’re set to shake things up. From how assists are awarded to new features like updated chips and clearer points rules, Fantasy Premier League managers will need to adjust their strategies if they want to stay ahead.

In this article, we’ll break down every major update so you know exactly what’s different before building your team for the new campaign.

1. New Points for Defensive Contributions

This season, FPL will now reward outfield players for defensive work – not just clean sheets.

Defenders will earn two bonus points when they make 10 combined defensive actions in a match. These include clearances, blocks, interceptions, and tackles (CBIT).
Midfielders and forwards have a slightly higher threshold. They need 12 combined actions, which include the same four stats plus ball recoveries (CBIRT).

Expect defensive centre-backs and deep-lying midfielders to benefit the most from this change, adding a new layer of value to traditionally overlooked picks.

2. Double Chip Allocation

FPL has doubled the number of chips available this season. Managers now get two sets of the four main chips:

Wildcard
Free Hit
Triple Captain
Bench Boost

You’ll have one set for each half of the season, giving you eight chips total to use. However, there’s a catch: your first four chips must be used before the Gameweek 19 deadline (30 December, 18:30 GMT). You can’t carry them over into the second half of the season.

Note: The Assistant Manager chip has been removed.

3. Qualification for Elite Global Leagues

FPL has introduced two new global leagues to recognise top-performing managers:

One for those who finished in the top 1% globally last season
Another for those who placed in the top 10%

If you made the cut, you’ll compete against other elite players this year. These leagues also offer a new target for current managers aiming to qualify next season.

4. Simplified Assist Rules

FPL has refined its definition of an assist to make the system clearer and fairer. Previously, a deflection that interrupted the intended path of a pass could disqualify a player from earning an assist.

Under the new 2025/26 assist rules, a broader range of attacking contributions now count. If these rules had been in place last season, players would have received 41 more assists than they did.

This change will help managers more accurately predict and track points for creative players.

5. Extra Transfers for AFCON

With the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled mid-season, FPL has added a one-off transfer boost to help managers cope.

To prepare for players who may leave early for the tournament, FPL will top up all managers’ transfers to a maximum of five ahead of Gameweek 16. The key here is to spend any banked transfers beforehand to receive the full benefit.

Remember to check out our FPL Complete Guide for 2025/26 ahead of the new campaign!