Interesting developments - i played the same player today at 19:18 as my friend did yesterday. Exactly the same thing happened. He did not have enough players turn up for the match and i was awarded 3 points.

I am not convinced that Trying NOT to get promoted, to strengthen their teams is the answer, The Manager of Team was in 2nd place -(due to the latest two results he is now in 4th) and only lost 2 games up until that point, Hes trophy room is average with 3 first places and one 2nd place - his last 3 seasons he has been 7th, 6th and 6th respectively and therefore been promoted each year - This does not seem to be a manager who is seeking to better his team otherwise i would have thought he would have made sure he did not get promoted. but it is genuine contender as a solution.