Editorial Standards

Provocative is not the same as careless. These standards apply to everything we publish.

Independence and purpose

We exist to ask who football is really being run for. We are not affiliated with, funded by or endorsed by FIFA, UEFA, the Premier League or any club. Our loyalty is to supporters and to the evidence.

Evidence and attribution

• Factual claims are supported by sources we link to wherever possible.
• We prefer primary documents — accounts, rulebooks, official statements — over second-hand reports.
• We never invent quotes, sources, statistics, votes or authors.
• Anonymous sources are used only when necessary, and we explain why.

Reporting, opinion and satire

Every piece carries a label so you always know what you're reading:

• INVESTIGATION Reporting — every factual claim is sourced
• EXPLAINER Analysis — explains documented facts
• OPINION Opinion — the author's argument, not news reporting
• FAN VOICE Supporter perspective — a personal account
• SATIRE Satire — fiction. Nothing here is a factual claim

Corrections and updates

When we get something wrong, we correct it promptly and say so at the foot of the article, with the date. Significant updates are noted the same way.

Fairness and allegations

• Allegations are reported as allegations, never as established fact.
• People and organisations we criticise are offered a reasonable chance to respond before publication.
• Responses are reflected fairly in the article.

Contact the editorial team

Spotted an error, want to exercise a right of reply or have a story? Contact us.