Is it permissible to play an electronic football game that involves buying players and equipping stadiums with virtual money, and obtaining virtual funding, money, and rewards through it, or is that considered gambling?

If the game involves paying money to the winner, then it is forbidden gambling. Even if it is merely play and amusement, it is impermissible due to the illusion it creates of taking Allah's verses in jest and treating them lightly, and it contravenes His statement, the Exalted: "That [is so]. And whoever honors the sacred rites of Allah – it is better for him in the sight of his Lord." However, if it is free of gambling and forbidden elements, then the original ruling is that it is permissible to play it.