Rules of the League

The league season runs from 1st August 2025 through to 31st May 2026. To keep the calendar balanced, fixtures are organised into three blocks across the year. This ensures teams aren’t overloaded in one period and gives us room to accommodate cup competitions alongside the league.

All fixtures will be confirmed and published on 7th July 2025, including which block each game belongs to. Fixture blocks also play a role in cup rankings, so every result matters.

To maintain fairness and transparency, all players must be registered digitally before appearing in any game. Registration requires basic details such as name, email, passport-style selfie, team, and proof of eligibility.

Eligibility is open to current Man v Fat members, former members within 18 months, and players who meet BMI requirements. Players must be registered by 8pm on the Thursday before matchday. There is no cap on squad size.

Transfers are only permitted within the official window of 15th December to 15th January. During this time, players can move clubs once their registration is updated.

Individual player transfers will be considered during the season during the close of the transfer window under exceptional circumstances, on a case by case basis and conditions may be attached to this transfer.

Clubs may nominate five First Team players who are eligible to drop down and represent the Development team. However, only two of these players may feature in any single Development fixture.

These crossover players must be pre-registered for transparency, and their participation is tracked in our online system to ensure fairness across the league.

Development teams are designed to provide opportunities for players to progress. Any registered Development player may be selected for the First Team, provided they are registered for the First Team also through the online player registration form, by Thursday of game week.

To maintain balance, a maximum of three Development players may be included in a First Team matchday squad. If a Development player is selected for three consecutive First Team fixtures, they are considered permanently transferred and cannot drop back down unless re-registered in the next transfer window.

There is no limit to squad size on a matchday, and substitutions are unlimited on a roll-on, roll-off basis. Matches are played over 90 minutes (2×45), with additional water breaks agreed by both sides if required.

Any cancellation made within five days of a scheduled match will result in a 3-0 forfeit. Rearranged fixtures must be agreed promptly and communicated with league officials.

Following each match, teams must submit electronic records within 48 hours. This includes goalscorers, bookings, a team sheet, and a squad photo (taken by the opposition). Results are checked against registrations, and unregistered players will result in forfeits.

Failure to submit information will lead to progressive sanctions: a warning for first failure, a club fine for the second, and potential forfeiture for repeat offenders.

Discipline is taken seriously to protect the integrity of the league. A straight red card carries a two-match ban, while two yellow cards result in a one-match ban. Each incident is also subject to a £20 league fine.

The MFFL operates a zero-tolerance policy on fat-shaming, abuse of officials, and personal attacks. Any report of ill-discipline will be formally investigated with evidence required.

To support league operations, clubs pay a £60 registration fee. This funding helps maintain systems, support online platforms, and provide venues for finals days at the end of the season.

Day-to-day running of leagues is handled by regional coordinators, who act as the first point of contact for clubs. A central admin team supports fixtures, disputes, and league-wide matters to ensure smooth operation.