Seasons: Continental Cup qualification

Hello together, I have a general question regarding the qualifiing of the different cups in the „season“ mode, so its not the FUT.

I am playing at the moment in Division 2, so I‘m qualified for EA shield (everyone can play this cup), EA Cup, Continental Cup and and Premier Cup. 
So I was playing the Contintenal Cup and reached the final. But there I was wondering my speed was very slow although my internet connection was at 10ms.

I lost the final because I quitted the game (frustration) before the the first half was finished.

I wanted to know who was my enemy. So I had a look on it. I could the see that he is league 10 without any game. How is this possible? I could also see that he is was playing by computer, not on PS or XBox. So I think this is a evidence of cheating the game.

How can players reach the final od a cup without beeinh qualified for it?

I only know that it is possible to win the EA shield without beiing qualified for any other Cup.

thanks in advance for feedback.