Football Sleuths Rules
Fair Play & Hunt Guidelines
These rules apply to every Football Sleuths armchair soccer mystery hunt.
We run genuine skill-based prize competitions under UK law — success depends entirely on your ability to decode the cryptic clues about footballers, managers, matches, transfers, or iconic moments, not chance. No element of luck is involved.
No purchase is necessary. Free entry, when available, is just as valid as any paid option.
By entering any hunt, you agree to these terms — please read them carefully to ensure fair play for everyone.
These guidelines keep things transparent, fun, and fully compliant. Scroll down for full details on entry, clues, judging, prizes, and more.
How to Enter
Entrants must submit their answer via the secure link provided in the clue emails we send, before the published closing time.
Free Hunts: No payment required - enter via one of the "Enter Free Hunt" buttons on the site.
Paid Hunts: Pay the stated entry fee (e.g., £2.50) via the secure PayPal button on the "Enter Hunt" form, then submit your answer via the link in the clue email.
Only one entry per person. Each participant must use their own unique email address.
All entries judged equally regardless of method.
Clues & Delivery
Each hunt consists of 3 cryptic clues leading to one secret soccer legend, stadium, match, etc — through hints about their career, hidden stats, famous goals, iconic moments, transfers, kit numbers, personal quirks, or other juicy football details.
Clues delivered exclusively via email (never posted publicly on Facebook or elsewhere to keep it fair).
All valid entrants receive:
Clue 1: Exactly 15 minutes after entries close.
Clue 2: 30 minutes after Clue 1.
Clue 3: 30 minutes after Clue 2.
Everyone receives clues at the same time for fairness.
Closing Date & Time
Each hunt publishes a clear final closing date/time for entries (e.g., Sunday 15 March 2026 at 23:59 UK time).
No entries accepted after this.
Answer must be submitted by the final deadline (e.g., 48 hours after Clue 3 or as stated). Late entries disqualified.
Judging & Winner Selection
Prize awarded to the first fully correct entry (exact name of the soccer legend, manager, match, transfer, or moment named with correct spelling and wording) received and verified before the deadline.
Judging based solely on accuracy and timestamp — 100% skill-based, no chance involved.
The hunt runs for the full published duration. Clues are sent on schedule to all valid entrants, regardless of early correct submissions.
We aim for a winner every time.
Runner-up Prize (if applicable)
Runner-up Bonus (eg: £25) goes to the second-fastest correct entry by timestamp.
Paid via PayPal within 48 hours, with full proof shown in the Winners section.
Prize Payment
Prize is the cash amount stated for that hunt.
Paid via PayPal within 48 hours of announcement.
Winners provide valid PayPal email (international accepted where possible).
Winner Notification & Claim
Winners notified via entry email.
Must claim and provide PayPal details within 7 days, or replacement winner selected.
Questions about how a hunt works?
Email by clicking: Here or check out our FAQ.
We're happy to clarify hunt mechanics!
For eligibility, entry methods, prize claiming, data handling, liability, and full legal terms, please see our separate Terms & Conditions page.
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
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