Fantasy Premier League managers should prepare for several rule changes ahead of the 2025/26 season, which could significantly impact scoring and strategy. The changes include new defensive points, simplified assist rules, a revised chip system, and extra transfers to account for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Defenders will now earn two extra points if they achieve a combined total of 10 clearances, blocks, interceptions, and tackles (CBIT) in a single match. Midfielders and forwards can also earn two points for defensive contributions, but they must reach 12 clearances, blocks, interceptions, tackles, and ball recoveries (CBIRT).
Assist rules have been simplified to reduce subjectivity. An assist will be awarded if the goalscorer receives the ball inside the penalty box, with only one defensive touch before the goal, regardless of the intended destination. However, no assist is given if the defensive touch is a pass, if the goalscorer loses and regains possession, or if there are two defensive touches. If the ball is received outside the box, intended destination remains a factor. Assists will also be awarded for defensive errors involving attempted passes, and for handballs leading to free-kicks or penalties, provided no other defensive touch occurred.
The chip system has been overhauled: managers will now have two sets of chips (Wildcard, Free Hit, Triple Captain, and Bench Boost) to use in each half of the season. The first set must be used before the Gameweek 19 deadline on 30 December 2025, and chips cannot be carried over. The Assistant Manager chip, introduced last season, has been removed.
To help managers cope with the Africa Cup of Nations (21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026), extra free transfers will be available in Gameweek 16, with the total topped up to the maximum possible number. This aims to ease squad planning during the tournament.
