The invention relates to a fuel element (4) for a pressurised water nuclear reactor. A plurality of fuel rods (10) extending in an axial direction are guided into a plurality of quadratic spacers (12) which are arranged at a distance from each other and are grid-shaped. The edge thereof is formed, respectively, by four edge web pieces (14a, b). At least one spacer (12) has at least two edge web pieces (14a, b) which are different from each other and which are used to produce a force (F) acting upon flowing cooling water (K) on the fuel element (4) on the plane of said spacer (12) in a transversal manner in relation to the axial direction. As a result, a systematic, predetermined deformation of a core (5), comprising said fuel elements, is produced and is taken into account in the configuration thereof .