EA has fixed the deep free kick exploit that has been ruining FC 27 matches this week. The fix arrived overnight in Live Update #1, and you need to restart your game for it to take effect.
EA confirmed the fix on Thursday morning, less than 36 hours after it first said it was investigating. On Tuesday evening EA described “an exploit that allows players to score goals from deep free kicks in specific circumstances” and promised a fix within a couple of days. It kept that promise, and by EA’s standards that is fast.
What’s in FC 27 Live Update #1
According to EA’s official tracker, the update does one thing:
- Resolved an exploit where players could score from deep free kicks in specific circumstances.
It is FC 27’s first Live Update. EA uses Live Updates to push smaller tuning changes without a full Title Update. The new settings only apply after you close and relaunch FC 27 when the in-game message appears. If you have had the game running since yesterday, restart it before your next Rivals or Champs match.
This was the first real test of FC 27’s Live Update system, and it worked.
Why the free kick glitch mattered
The exploit spread fast across social media in the days before the fix. NepentheZ, one of the biggest FC creators, called it “one of the most game-breaking glitches we’ve ever had” in his video on Monday. He also admitted he hesitated to cover it at all, because more attention would mean more players abusing it. In the end he did, betting that the extra attention would push EA to act faster.
The timing made it worse: the exploit was live while FUT Champions was running. Players who conceded goals to it over the past few days will not get those results back. It also raises the question of how something this easy to repeat got through testing in the first place.
Also fixed: Clubs “Data Mismatch” error (partly)
In the same round of updates, EA rolled out a change that should make the Data Mismatch error in Clubs League matches much less common. A full fix is promised in a future update.
Other FC 27 bugs EA is still investigating
The free kick fix doesn’t mean FC 27 is bug-free. These Ultimate Team and gameplay issues are still listed as “Investigating” on EA’s tracker:
- Custom tactics: players can be moved out of position, and custom tactics may fail to save.
- Wrong kit colours: you may see your opponent’s ball, net colour and pitch line colour during matches.
- Opponent line-up graphic: the starting XI screen may show the wrong positions for some formations.
- Evolution previews: Pathway Evolution previews can show the wrong attributes as upgraded. This is visual only.
- Pack labels: the Tradeable indicator may be missing on Premium Pass packs.
- Replays: some replays fail to load and show players standing still.
The custom tactics bug is the one to watch if you play Rivals or Champs. Double-check your tactics after saving until EA confirms a fix.
What EA said in its Launch Feedback Update
Two days before the fix, EA published its FC 27 Launch Feedback Update, covering the community’s biggest talking points two weeks after launch:
- Manual defending is the most-discussed topic. EA says its match data shows a learning curve, and players who have adapted to the new defending mechanics are doing better.
- FUT Champions matchmaking: a bug made matchmaking broader than intended after the first Champs weekend. A fix went live on 9 October.
- Fullbacks dropping too deep is still under investigation. EA says it wants to be careful, because fullback positioning affects overall balance.
- Kick-off goals, low driven shots near the post and foul calls are all being monitored.
EA’s overall message is that it will be measured with core gameplay changes. The quick free kick fix shows that it will act fast when something is clearly broken.
While you’re here, don’t miss our breakdown of the leaked FC 27 Future Stars Team 2 that hits packs on Friday, and our guide to the best FC 27 camera settings.
FC 27 free kick exploit: FAQ
Is the FC 27 free kick exploit fixed?
Yes. EA fixed the deep free kick exploit in Live Update #1 on 15 October 2026. Restart FC 27 to make sure the fix is applied.
Do I need to download an update?
No full download is announced. Live Updates change tuning without a full Title Update, but the change only applies after you close and relaunch the game when the in-game message appears.
What is a Live Update in FC 27?
A Live Update is a smaller update EA can push without a full Title Update. It lets EA make tuning changes faster and more often while it works on game balance.
Spotted the exploit still working after a restart? Let us know on X @FUTFC_GG. We will update this article if EA follows up. More patch news: all FC 27 updates.
Sources: EA SPORTS FC Direct Communication, EA SPORTS FC Tracker and Launch Feedback Update, and NepentheZ.
