hi ron
I also had the same question and in this post (it saying that higher q players count for the draw, even if they are out of contract).
https://forum.topeleven.com/top-elev...changes-2.html
#15 I asked about it but didn't get any answer yet.
I also asked two devs (blue letters) with pm, one of them answered that he didn't know but suppose that priority is to have 14 eligible players and then the draw.
So, I suppose first gives you the veterans and the next sec is the draw.
If you 're 100 % aiming for the cup, I suggest to renew the contract of your players, both high and low q.
So to have (for example) 8 high q and 6 low q with contracts and get no veteran in the new season.
Because in both cases (higher or lower q players with no contracts), they will replace in the calculation, the lower q players.
Personally I 'm finished with the cup as I won 10 trebles and don't care much anymore as I got the lv3 (highest) treble achievement.
I still keep some low q academy players but I prefer not to renew their contract and get some 3* veterans in the new season.
Now that we can have 25 players, they are pretty useful to use them in daily training and get the bonus.