Fantasy Premier League Forfeits: From Ronaldo Haircuts to Taylor Swift Dates

A Fantasy Football participant informed BBC Sport that the individual finishing last in their private league is required to adopt the hairstyle of Brazilian footballer Ronaldo. For certain Fantasy Premier League players, the stakes extend beyond mere pride, as they are keen to evade the much-feared forfeit. Several FPL players have implemented penalties for those who finish at the bottom of their private leagues, such as escorting a cardboard cutout of Taylor Swift on a date, performing at an open mic comedy event, and attending an occasion dressed in a complete football kit. During the previous week’s Fantasy 606 podcast, presenter Alistair Bruce-Ball pledged that, should he conclude this season at the bottom of the 606 league, he would publish a photograph of himself in a school rugby team formation, featuring “long, wavy hair, held back by a headband”. The podcast additionally invited listeners to submit instances of forfeits from their respective mini leagues. A selection of the most notable responses has been compiled from the 606 email inbox, alongside replies to a post on BBC Match of the Day’s X account, which featured activities like busking and consuming a pint from a work boot. Many football enthusiasts are acquainted with the comparison of a season to a marathon rather than a sprint. This expression might hold greater significance for 606 listener Luke. He communicated to the podcast that he and his housemates participated in a university mini-league and had consented last season, “that the end-of-season forfeit would be to run an official UK marathon”. Luke elaborated that Arsenal forward Kai Havertz’s decisive late goal against Everton on the season’s concluding day caused their mini league’s current champion, described as “a man who had spent most of the season in the top half,” to unexpectedly finish at the bottom of the league and “with a marathon to run”. A different listener sent an email stating that the individual who lost their mini-league last season was compelled to perform “seven viral TikTok dances and film them”. This listener also noted that the penalty established for finishing last in the league this season is to “enter a hobby horse tournament,” adding that “with any luck they will progress through the rounds of the tournament and we can make a day of it”. Listener Nico submitted a comment stating: “This year the loser of our Fantasy Premier League league has to participate in a bodybuilding competition.” It is uncertain whether weekly spreadsheet analysis and captain selection constitute optimal preparation for a strength-focused competition. Last week, several FPL players posted on X to inform BBC Sport about penalties in their leagues, such as adopting the classic haircut of Brazilian footballer Ronaldo, which involves shaving the entire head except for a small tuft at the front. @cuskinlee: “loser has to perform at an open mic, with an act written by the winner.” @joe_weaver2: “Had to go on a date with a cardboard Taylor Swift and order food/talk etc.” @ben_deverill: “Loser has to walk out as a mascot at a local game.” @stevemarriott14: “Loser turns up to the pub for FA Cup Final in full kit of an involved team – shin-guards and boots included.” @jamesdownes1991: “Group of three last season, the loser had to drink a pint from the winner’s work boot.” @benjaminalsop2: “Busk until you get £10” @z.cruchley08: “R9 trim for last.” Weekly, a listener participates in the 606 podcast to manage an FPL team within a mini-league that features presenters Bruce-Ball, Statman Dave, and former Premier League striker Chris Sutton. In the previous week, listener Will accumulated 59 points for gameweek 13, positioning the listeners’ team 28 points clear at the summit of the 606 league. Will further disclosed his friendship with Statman Dave, noting that the presenter still owed him a meal, a year after Will won a personal Fantasy Football wager. The listener humorously remarked that he could “no longer listen to the podcast” until the matter was settled.