PlayerSwitch.com Editorial Policy

Last Updated: 2/10/25

1. Mission Statement

PlayerSwitch.com exists to provide football fans worldwide with accurate, timely, and transparent coverage of transfer news and rumours in the UK football market. Our goal is to separate credible reports from speculation, offering readers a trusted hub for transfer-related content.

2. Core Principles

• Accuracy First: We verify information against multiple reliable sources before publishing.
• Transparency: We clearly distinguish between confirmed transfers, strong reports, and speculative rumours.
• Neutrality: We do not favour specific clubs, players, or agents.
• Accountability: Errors are corrected promptly and openly.
• Global Accessibility: Content is tailored for an international audience while staying grounded in UK football coverage.

3. Sources and Verification

Tiered Reliability System:

• Tier 1: Official club announcements, governing bodies (FA, FIFA, UEFA), player statements.
• Tier 2: Established, reputable media outlets (BBC, Sky Sports, The Athletic, etc.).
• Tier 3: Well-known transfer journalists (e.g., Fabrizio Romano) with proven track records.
• Tier 4: Local journalists, emerging outlets – used with caution, always cross-checked.
• Tier 5: Fan blogs, social media accounts – only reported when relevant and always labelled as unverified.

Cross-Verification: At least two independent sources are required before a rumour is classified as credible.

Anonymous Sources: Used sparingly and only when vetted by editors. Their anonymity must serve the public interest, not convenience.

4. Content Labelling

Every story is tagged to clarify its status:

• Confirmed – Officially announced.
• Highly Credible – Multiple reliable outlets confirm.
• Developing – Reported by at least one reputable outlet, awaiting confirmation.
• Speculative – From less reliable sources, clearly marked as such.

5. Corrections and Updates

• Corrections: Errors are acknowledged in the article with a correction note at the end.
• Updates: Stories are updated in real-time as more information becomes available, with timestamps for transparency.
• Archiving: Outdated rumours remain accessible but are marked as “no longer active.”

6. Ethical Guidelines

• No Clickbait: Headlines must reflect the content accurately.
• Respect for Privacy: We avoid publishing personal details unrelated to football transfers.
• No Conflicts of Interest: Editors and writers must disclose any affiliations with clubs, players, or agents.
• Diversity of Coverage: While focusing on the UK, we also cover significant global transfers when relevant.

7. Editorial Oversight

• Editor-in-Chief: Holds final responsibility for content integrity.
• Fact-Checkers: Dedicated staff ensure accuracy before publication.
• Review Process: All stories pass through at least one editorial check before going live.

8. Community Engagement

• Reader Feedback: We encourage readers to flag inaccuracies or provide additional insights.
• Social Media Standards: Posts follow the same accuracy and transparency rules as articles.
• Comments Policy: We promote respectful discussion; abusive or misleading content will be moderated.

9. Commercial Independence

• No Sponsored Rumours: Advertising or partnerships will never influence editorial decisions.
• Disclosure: Any paid partnerships or sponsorships will be clearly labelled.

10. Continuous Improvement

We review this editorial policy quarterly to reflect changes in the media landscape, football industry, and audience expectations.