Breaking Down the Latest FPL Rule Changes for the 25/26 Season

(Before we start this can we just appreciate the best prompt I have ever given chat gpt was to create the image above.)

FPL towers has introduced a host of changes this season that may change the way we build our squads and plan our strategies. 

The two biggest changes are the changes to the chip system (doubling them) and the introduction of defensive contributions.

This article is about the other changes. From reclassified player positions to tweaks in the bonus point system, and even new rules around assists and international tournaments, there’s a lot to digest. In this article, we’ll break down all the key updates and what they mean for your FPL team, helping you stay ahead of the curve as you prepare for the season kickoff.

Position Reclassifications

Several players have been reclassified in their positions:

Most of these will make no difference to you or I as we won’t own these players but a couple are interesting, as is the trend. 

Cody Gakpo, Mattheus Cunha and Omar Marmoush have shifted from forwards to midfielders. Its often hard to categorise these more attacking midfielders so I understand the decision. Similarly, Jarrod Bowen’s shift in the opposite direction (from midfielder to forward) probably reflects the fact that he spent a lot of time playing as the striker last year.

I don’t really care about their real life positioning I just want to know there are a decent number of options at a different price brackets in different FPL positions. So, I am slightly nervous we lost three forwards and only gained one.

Bonus Point System Tweaks

The changes here are tweaks rather than wholesale changes.

Goalkeeper saves now earn more BPS depending on shot location – three points for shots inside the box, two for outside – while penalty saves now total 11 BPS. Goalline clearances have tripled in value from 3 to 9 points. Penalty goals now award a flat 12 BPS to all players regardless of position. Lastly, tackle scoring has been simplified: each tackle won now earns two BPS points, making defensive actions more consistently rewarded.

From my quick initial read the winners of these changes are goalkeepers and defenders with penalty takers being the losers. I don’t expect it to make a huge difference though.

Five Free Transfers for AFCON

Another notable update this season revolves around the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will take place between Gameweeks 17 and 22. Historically, AFCON has been a tricky period for FPL managers, as it often means key players are unavailable for several weeks.

This creates challenges in squad planning, as managers might hesitate to bring in African internationals who will miss several fixtures, or may need to plan transfers carefully to cover their absence. While some experienced managers might see this as an opportunity to gain an edge, it can also lead to a lot of frustration and repetitive team templates

The gift of five free transfers in gameweek 16 removes this headache. I can understand those that plan being annoyed that they lose their edge from this. But, I quite like this change. After all, it means our options don’t narrow as we get closer and closer to AFCON which should increase variety of team selection.

I think it makes gamewek 15 a really interesting moment because you should use as many transfers as possible at that moment to exploit this free gift. That could make things messy or fun.

Changes to Assist Rules: More Points for Creators

The definition of a fantasy assist has been broadened. There’s lots of explanation in the official FPL piece but basically there will be more assists this season than last.

If they had used these rules last year there would have been 41 more assists from the 980 that there were. That’s about a 4% increase in assists. That isn’t nothing but it’s also not game changing so I don’t think that changes who I might pick.

Elite Global Leagues: Bragging Rights and Exclusive Prizes

FPL has introduced so-called elite global leagues for the top 1% and top 10% of managers from the previous season. 

If you finished in these elite tiers last year (above 114,319 or above 11.43 million), you’ll automatically be entered into these leagues, where you can compete for “exclusive” prizes like official Premier League merchandise, replica shirts, EA Sports FC games, and more. Doesn’t sound that great to me given the odds but at least you can be smug about it to your mates.

First Price Reveals: Evaluating the New Values

It’s hard to judge without seeing the full set but so far I am pleased.

Alexander Isak has been priced at £10.5 million, a reflection of his consistent top-tier performances over the past couple of campaigns. If he isn’t the second best out and out striker in the world then he certainly is in this league so that is fine with me.

Similarly Jordan Pickford, now at £5.5 million, reflects his status as one of the top-scoring goalkeepers in recent seasons. Though many managers, myself included, are likely to prefer to save funds in that position.

Ait-Nouri comes in at £6.0 million. That might feel expensive but if you couple Manchester City’s defensive strength with his attacking potential, he could become a go-to asset if he nails down a starting spot. 

Perhaps one of the more intriguing price reveals is Florian Wirtz at £8.5 million. His Bundesliga stats are pretty good (22 goal involvements last year) but the thing tat makes it most shocking is Liverpool just spent £100m on him, I personally think it is weird if he priced the same as Luis Diaz and Gakpo and I would have had him at 9.0 or 9.5 but then I don’t have to make these decisions.

That’s It.

Hope you found that useful. Check back for more content soon!