Fact-Checking Policy

# Scope

Every article is fact-checked before publication. The depth of the check depends on the piece — a breaking-news alert gets a rapid check, while a long-form feature gets a deep check that can run to several days.

# Rapid check (breaking news)

• Primary source confirmation (league press release, official wire, verified account).
• Second independent source within 10 minutes of publication.
• Explicit Developing story label until the piece is fully verified.

# Standard check (features and analysis)

• Every number, date, name, and place checked against primary sources;
• Every quote checked against its recording, transcript, or the source's sign-off;
• At least one independent expert contacted for analysis pieces;
• Internal style and fairness review.

# Sources we trust

• Official league, federation, and governing-body publications;
• Peer-reviewed academic research for science and performance claims;
• Named on-the-record interviews;
• Verified government and court records for off-field reporting.

# Sources we are wary of

• Anonymous social-media accounts, even verified ones;
• Aggregator sites without original reporting;
• Press releases treated as fact without independent confirmation;
• Betting-odds movement as evidence of a result.

# Corrections

If a fact-check fails after publication, see our Corrections Policy.