Competition Regulations 2026/27<

MFFL exists to protect the spirit of fitness football. The league is not intended to be a platform for high-level non-weight-loss footballers. All rules are designed to protect player welfare, competitive fairness, and the integrity of the competition.

The League Committee reserves the right to make decisions where these regulations do not expressly provide for a situation. Such decisions will be made in the interests of fairness, player welfare and the integrity of the competition.

The League Committee may investigate any matter affecting the integrity, fairness or reputation of the competition, regardless of whether a specific regulation has been breached.

• Final decision: League Committee decisions are final unless an appeal route is expressly provided.
• Evidence: The league may request supporting evidence at any stage.
• Club accountability: Clubs are responsible for the conduct and eligibility of their players and officials.

All players must be registered digitally before taking part in any fixture. Registration requires basic details, including name, email address, player photo, club and proof of eligibility where required.

A player may be eligible to register if they satisfy one of the following routes and meet all other league requirements.

All eligibility routes are subject to all other league requirements being met. This includes registration deadlines, identity checks, disciplinary status, footballing eligibility, Step 6 restrictions and any other conditions set by the League Committee.

Recognition of Weight Loss Programmes (Route 1)

Route 1 is intended for players who are actively participating in a structured weight loss programme. Recognition of any programme outside of Man v Fat Football is at the discretion of the League Committee.

To be recognised for Route 1 eligibility, a programme must demonstrate all of the following:

• Regular weigh-ins: Members must be weighed using physical scales on a regular basis, with a minimum expectation of weekly weight recording.
• Weight tracking: The programme must maintain records of member weight and progress over time.
• Attendance monitoring: The programme must be able to demonstrate ongoing participation by members.
• Membership structure: The programme must operate an ongoing membership, subscription or organised participant model.
• Primary purpose: The primary purpose of the programme must be weight loss, weight management, fitness improvement or obesity reduction.
• Evidence availability: The programme must be able to provide supporting evidence if requested by the league.

The League Committee may request evidence at any time, including example weigh-in records, attendance records, tracking systems, membership information or other documentation considered relevant.

Programmes that cannot demonstrate compliance with these requirements may not be recognised for Route 1 eligibility. Players from unrecognised programmes may still register through another eligibility route where applicable, including Route 3 (BMI Eligibility).

The League Committee’s decision regarding programme recognition and player eligibility is final.

• Registration deadline: Players must be fully registered by 8pm on the Thursday before matchday.
• Identity: Players must register under their correct legal name.
• False registration: Using another person’s name, photo or identity is a serious disciplinary offence.
• Eligibility checks: The league may request supporting evidence at any point.
• Squad size: There is no squad size cap, provided all players are correctly registered.

To preserve the standard, fairness and purpose of the competition, players who are currently playing, or who have appeared for or been registered with a club at Step 6 of the National League System or above within the previous two seasons are not eligible to participate.

This restriction exists because MFFL is designed for players whose primary focus is improving their health and fitness through football, rather than those currently competing at a high level of the football pyramid.

Individual cases may be reviewed where compelling evidence demonstrates that participation would be consistent with the aims and ethos of the league. Any exemption will be reviewed by the League Committee, whose decision will be final.

• Approved exemptions: Any exemption may be recorded on the player portal.
• Evidence: The league may request supporting information before approving or maintaining registration.
• Revocation: Registration may be refused or revoked if eligibility or league ethos is in doubt.

Before kick-off, both clubs must complete a player card check using the league registration portal. The portal will show registered opposition players, including player photo, name, eligibility route and any relevant status notes.

Status notes may include approved exemptions, Step 6 review status, current suspension or other relevant league conditions.

• Pre-match check: Clubs are expected to check the opposition squad before the game starts.
• Team photo: A team photo must be taken by the opposing team before kick-off wherever possible.
• Unverified players: If a player is not visible on the portal, is suspended, or cannot be verified, they should not play unless league approval has been given.
• Club responsibility: Clubs remain responsible for ensuring they only field eligible, registered players.
• Failure to check: Failure to complete reasonable checks may limit a club’s ability to dispute player eligibility after the match.

Transfers are permitted within the official transfer window of 15th December to 15th January. Players may represent a new club once their registration has been updated and approved by the league.

Transfers outside this window will only be considered under exceptional circumstances and may be approved subject to conditions set by the League Committee.

First Team → Development Team

Clubs may nominate five First Team players eligible to represent the Development team. However, only two nominated players may feature in any single Development fixture.

Development Team → First Team

Any registered Development player may be selected for the First Team, provided they are registered for the First Team through the online player registration form by Thursday of game week.

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, including cup fixtures, they are considered permanently transferred and cannot drop back down unless re-registered in the next transfer window.

Clubs With Multiple Teams

Where a club has two teams within the same league structure, those teams are treated as separate individual sides.

First Team and Development Team crossover rules do not apply between two sides competing at the same level. Player movement between those teams is only permitted during official transfer windows, unless exceptional approval is granted by the League Committee.

Cup Tied Players

Players are cup tied once they have represented a club in a cup competition. A cup tied player may not represent another club in the same cup competition during that season, even if they later transfer clubs.

Fixtures are organised and published by the league. Clubs are expected to make every reasonable effort to fulfil fixtures as scheduled.

• Fixture changes: Any proposed reschedule must be agreed by both clubs and confirmed with league admins.
• Ground or venue changes: Must be communicated to the opposition and league admins as early as possible.
• Kick-off times: Clubs should agree kick-off times in advance and communicate promptly if anything changes.
• Late arrival: If a team is delayed, clubs should communicate early. The league may apply discretion.

Any cancellation made within five days of a scheduled match may result in a 3-0 forfeit, unless exceptional circumstances apply.

Exceptional circumstances may include weather, pitch closure, referee failure, serious welfare concerns or other matters accepted by the League Committee.

Matches are played over 90 minutes, consisting of 2 x 45-minute halves. Water breaks may be agreed by both sides where required.

• Squad size: There is no limit to matchday squad size.
• Substitutions: Substitutions are unlimited on a roll-on, roll-off basis.
• Respect: Clubs must act in good faith, respect opposition and support match officials.
• Kit clashes: Teams should bring an alternative kit colour or bibs if needed.
• Captains: Captains are expected to support referees and help manage player behaviour.

If a match is abandoned, the League Committee will determine the outcome based on the circumstances, score at the time, reports received and any relevant evidence.

Following each match, teams must submit electronic match records within 48 hours. This includes the final score, goalscorers, bookings, matchday squad and any required supporting photos.

Results and player participation may be checked against registrations, card checks, team photos and disciplinary records.

• Ineligible players: Using an unregistered, suspended or ineligible player may result in a forfeit and/or sanctions.
• Suspended players: Fielding a suspended player will normally result in a 3-0 loss and further disciplinary review.
• Non-submission: Progressive sanctions may apply for repeated failure to submit match information.
• Accuracy: Deliberate misinformation may trigger disciplinary action.

Discipline is taken seriously to protect player welfare and the integrity of the league. MFFL uses an FA-style discipline structure, but remains an independently operated private league.

Automatic On-Field Sanctions

Zero Tolerance

MFFL operates a zero-tolerance policy on body shaming, discrimination, abuse of officials, threats, intimidation and personal attacks. This includes mocking or criticising a player’s body, weight, appearance or weight-loss journey, regardless of intent.

Indicative Sanction Guidance

• Two yellow cards: 1 match
• Straight red: 2 matches
• Violent conduct: 3–6 matches
• Repeat violent conduct: 5+ matches or season suspension
• Abuse of officials or threatening behaviour: 3–5 matches
• Discrimination or body shaming: 2–4 matches minimum
• Serious discriminatory abuse or intimidation: 4+ matches or season suspension
• Repeat offences: Sanctions may be increased

Club Responsibility For Fines

Discipline fines are applied on a card basis and are payable by the player’s club. Non-payment may result in player suspension, club sanctions, points deductions or removal from competition.

Reporting Misconduct

• Who can report: Club admins, match officials or league admins.
• Timeframe: Reports should be submitted within 48 hours where possible.
• Evidence: Video, written statements or supporting information should be provided where available.

Retrospective Review

The league may review incidents retrospectively where there is a report of serious foul play, violent conduct, threatening behaviour, discrimination, abuse of officials or actions believed to endanger player safety or undermine league standards.

This may occur whether or not the incident was sanctioned on-field.

Video Evidence

• Video evidence: Video may be considered by the league.
• Edited footage: Edited footage may carry less weight than full or unedited footage.
• Multiple angles: The league may consider multiple sources before reaching a decision.
• Standard of proof: Decisions will be made on the balance of probabilities.

Disciplinary Process

1. Notification: The club admin will be notified in writing of the allegation and offence being considered.
2. Evidence window: Both clubs may submit relevant evidence within a stated timeframe.
3. Statement opportunity: The player or club may submit a written response before a decision is made.
4. Panel review: A neutral disciplinary panel will determine whether an offence occurred and the appropriate sanction.
5. Written outcome: The decision and reasoning will be issued in writing, including appeal rights where applicable.

Appeals

• Deadline: Appeals must be submitted in writing within the stated timeframe, normally 72 hours.
• Grounds: Appeals should be based on procedural fairness, new evidence or proportionality of sanction.
• Independent appeal panel: Appeals will be reviewed by neutral representatives not involved in the original decision.
• Outcome: The panel may uphold, vary or overturn the decision.
• Finality: Appeal outcomes are final under MFFL internal processes.

Clubs are expected to resolve minor disputes respectfully where possible. Where that cannot happen, the league can step in to support fair outcomes.

• Match disputes: Should be raised with league admins within 48 hours, with supporting information.
• Behavioural complaints: Will usually be handled through the disciplinary process.
• Social media: Clubs and players should avoid public escalation. Serious breaches may be treated as misconduct.
• Bringing the league into disrepute: Serious conduct damaging the league’s reputation may result in sanctions.

Player welfare is a priority. Clubs are responsible for arranging pitches and match officials and should ensure appropriate safety measures at their venue.

• First aid: Clubs are strongly encouraged to have access to basic first aid provisions on match day.
• Risk assessment: Clubs are responsible for ensuring venues and pitches are suitable and safe.
• Emergency procedures: Clubs should know how to access emergency support if needed.
• Insurance: MFFL does not provide individual player injury insurance. Players participate at their own risk.
• Serious injuries: Serious injuries should be reported to the league so welfare support can be offered and patterns can be monitored.
• Inclusion: Players must be treated with respect regardless of size, fitness level, background or stage of weight-loss journey.

To support league operations, clubs pay a £65 registration fee. This funding supports systems, online platforms, admin costs and end-of-season events such as finals days.

• Fees and fines: Clubs are responsible for paying fines incurred by their players or officials.
• Non-payment: Persistent non-payment may result in sanctions, including player suspension, points deductions or removal from competition.
• Communication: Club admins are expected to respond promptly to league communications.
• Withdrawal: Clubs withdrawing from competition may be subject to league review before future re-entry.
• Removal: Clubs may be removed from competition for serious or repeated breaches of league regulations.

MFFL is community-led. Admins are volunteers. Please respect response times and keep communications clear and constructive.