Ethics Policy

Trust is the only asset a news site really owns. This page sets out the ethical rules everyone writing for Football Instant works under.

Honesty

We do not fabricate, exaggerate or launder rumours into news. Speculation is labelled. Sourcing language means what it says: “confirmed” means confirmed.

Independence

No writer may cover a club, agency or company in which they hold a financial interest. Gifts, junkets and paid access do not buy coverage, and any provided access is disclosed in the piece.

Betting

Writers may not bet on matches or markets they are covering, and nothing we publish is framed to serve a wager. Where betting content appears on the site it is clearly labelled and aimed at informed adults.

Conflicts and fandom

Everyone here loves the game and supports clubs; pretending otherwise would be dishonest. The rule is transparency in analysis and fairness in reporting, whoever is playing.

People first

Players are people. We report on performance, transfers and conduct relevant to the sport, and we stay out of private lives absent clear public interest. We take particular care with young players and academy stories.

Plagiarism

Passing off another outlet’s work as our own is a firing offence. Credit and links are given where reporting builds on others’ journalism.