What happens to FPL points if a game is abandoned?

In the rare instance a Premier League match is abandoned, the approach to handling fantasy points can vary, reflecting the unique nature of each incident and the specific rules set by FPL. The recent abandonment of a match between Bournemouth and Luton, where a player suffered a medical emergency, brought this issue into focus.

Following the incident, FPL decided to void all points earned from this particular game, stating that the match would be replayed at a later date. This decision aligns with the guidelines for handling abandoned matches, where the primary concern is the well-being of players and staff, followed by the fair resolution of fantasy points distribution.

Tweet from official FPL twitter account

FPL Rules on Abandoned Matches

FPL’s official regulations offer a framework for dealing with abandoned matches, though they might not detail every potential scenario explicitly. Typically, points earned during the match are subject to being voided, and the fixture is either rescheduled to be played in full at a later date or, in rare instances, the outcome is determined based on the league’s discretion. The regulations state:

  • Player and team points are usually updated live during matches and finalised shortly after the day’s last match concludes.
  • Points can be adjusted up to an hour after the day’s final match, with further changes possible under extraordinary circumstances, indicating flexibility in response to unforeseen events like match abandonments.

Impact on Fantasy Teams

For fantasy managers, an abandoned match can significantly impact, particularly if they have players involved who were performing well or expected to score high points. FPL aims to address these situations by ensuring fairness and clarity in their rulings, often leading to the voiding of points from the abandoned match and adjustments to fantasy teams’ scores as necessary.

Comparison with Other Fantasy Football Formats

Other major fantasy football platforms have their own sets of rules for handling abandoned matches. For instance:

  • Telegraph Fantasy Football (TFF) explicitly state that points from abandoned matches will not count towards competition scoring.
  • Sky Sports Fantasy Football may not have direct rules for abandoned matches but has shown flexibility in adjusting points retrospectively, particularly in cases where matches are replayed.

Final Thoughts

The management of abandoned matches in FPL underscores the balance between maintaining competitive integrity and ensuring the wellbeing of all involved. While the voiding of points from such matches may disappoint some fantasy managers, the decisions are made with a broader context in mind, ensuring fairness and respect for the unpredictable nature of sporting events.

Bournemouth vs Luton

In the particular case of the Bournemouth vs. Luton match, the sudden health emergency of a player led to the game’s abandonment. FPL’s reaction was to void points from this match, recognising the significance of real-world events over fantasy sports. This decision reflects FPL’s commitment to sensitivity and fairness, prioritising the health of players and the integrity of the game over fantasy points. The fixture is to be replayed, with fantasy points to be allocated based on the outcomes of the rescheduled game, providing a clear way forward for fantasy managers affected by the abandonment.