Football Sleuths FAQ

Your Questions Answered

Got questions about our cosy armchair football hunts? You're in the right place.

We've gathered the answers to the most common queries below — from free entry details and clue delivery to how winners are chosen and prizes paid.

If something's missing, just drop us an email: Here — we're real people running this fun project and always happy to help!

Is Football Sleuths free to enter?

Yes — every free hunt, including our current free pilot, is 100% free to enter, with no payment required at all. We may also periodically offer additional free hunts in the future, so you can always join in without spending a penny and still have a full chance to win. Paid hunts are £2.50 per entry. As the group grows, so will the prize money on offer.

How do I enter a hunt?

It's super simple! Just click on one of the prominent "Enter Free Hunt" or "Enter Now" buttons you'll find around the site

When do clues get sent?

Clues are delivered in stages.The 1st clue will be sent out via email exactly 15 minutes after entries close. The 2nd clue will arrive 30 minutes after the 1st clue.The 3rd clue and final clue will arrive 30 minutes after the 2nd clue. All clues arrive via email and are sent to every entrant at the same time.

How is the winner chosen?

The first person to correctly name the exact hidden celebrity wins. Judging is based on accuracy and timestamp — fully skill-based, no random chance involved.

What happens if nobody gets it right?

We craft every hunt to be solvable, and we aim to crown a winner each time. If no fully correct entry is received by closing time, the prize may roll over to the next hunt or be awarded to the closest correct answer at our discretion.

How and when do winners get paid?

Winners are announced publicly (anonymized) within 24–72 hours of closing. Prizes are paid via PayPal within the same timeframe. We share proof of payment (screenshots) to show everything is transparent and real. The winners will be notified by email.

Do I need to live in the UK to enter?

No — hunts are open to everyone aged 18+ only (due to prize payment and legal simplicity). International entries are welcome.

Are the hunts really skill-based (not gambling)?

Yes — success depends on your ability to decode cryptic clues using knowledge, research, and deduction. There is no element of chance. This makes them genuine skill competitions under UK law (no Gambling Commission licence required).

What if I need a hint or have a question during the hunt?

Join our Facebook group — we may post general hints there (no direct answers to avoid unfair advantage).

How do you protect my personal information?

We do not sell, rent, or share your data with third parties for marketing.

We share minimal data only when necessary:

With PayPal (for prize payments to winners only)

With Meta/Facebook (for group functionality if you join our private group – see Meta’s privacy policy)

Can I enter more than once?

No. Only one entry allowed per person and email address

What happens after a hunt ends?

We announce the winner, share the solution/explanation in the Facebook group, on our website, pay the prize, and start planning the next mystery. Past winners and proof are posted on the Winners page.

Still Have a Question?

Message us on Facebook or email us: Here

We're real people running a fun hobby project, and we reply quickly!

Ready to Start Sleuthing Football?

Ready to put your football knowledge and deduction skills to the test?

Our cosy armchair football hunts are designed for pure fun from home — with cash prizes for the sharpest minds who crack our cryptic clues about players, managers, transfers, hidden stats, iconic moments, etc, or juicy match details.

No travel, just your wits!

See full details in our Rules page

Join fellow sleuths for hints, discussions, and community chat, in our Facebook group

Not quite ready to dive in?

Register below for email updates — be the first to hear about new celebrity hunts, prize details, and launch announcements.

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