MatchWire is a non-profit football news wire and match reference committed to providing accurate, verified information for UK, Irish and international readers. Our editorial independence ensures that coverage serves readers, not commercial interests, and that every story meets the standards set out below.
Our editorial mission
MatchWire’s mission is to deliver wire-service-speed football news with reference-grade verification. As a non-profit operated by Northgate Sports Publishing Ltd., we prioritise factual reporting on matches, teams, players, competitions and statistics. We do not carry advertising, affiliate links or sponsored content, and editorial decisions are made independently by our editorial team.
Sourcing and verification standards
All information published on MatchWire is sourced from reputable channels: official club communications, league and federation statements, verified press conferences, direct quotes from named spokespeople, and multiple independent confirmations. Where a single source is used, that source must have a proven track record of accuracy and be clearly identified in the story. We do not rely on fan forums, unverified social media posts or third-party aggregators without corroboration.
Pre-publication review and accuracy checks
Every article, match report, statistic and data point is subject to a formal review process before publication. The editor responsible for the topic area — whether the UK Football News Editor, Match Coverage Editor or Sports Data & Statistics Lead — verifies the content. Sensitive items, including those involving disciplinary matters or personal information, are flagged to the Standards & Fact-Checking Lead for additional scrutiny before release.
Corrections and updates
If an error is identified after publication, we correct it promptly and transparently. A correction note is appended to the article explaining what was wrong and when it was fixed. Readers can report potential errors via corrections@matchwire.org. Our full corrections process is detailed on the Corrections & Accuracy page.
Handling disputed football information
When conflicting claims arise — for example, over a goal, a refereeing decision, a transfer fee or a contractual clause — we present the positions of all relevant parties in a balanced manner. We do not adjudicate disputes but report them factually, attributing each claim to its source. Where an official body (such as a league or federation) issues a ruling, that ruling is treated as the authoritative reference.
Standards for transfers, injuries, contracts and rumours
Transfer news, injury updates and contract details are reported only when confirmed by at least two independent sources or an official club or player announcement. Rumours are clearly labelled as such and are only included if they originate from a journalist or outlet with a demonstrable record of reliability. We do not publish speculative odds, betting tips or unsubstantiated gossip.
Disciplinary matters and personal information
Reports on disciplinary proceedings — including red cards, bans, fines or legal cases — are based on official statements from the governing body or court. Personal information about players, staff or officials is restricted to what is already in the public domain through official channels. We do not publish private addresses, contact details, family information or health data without explicit consent or a clear public interest justification.
Reporting on public figures
Players, managers, referees and administrators are public figures in the context of their professional roles. MatchWire reports on their on-field and official off-field statements and actions. We do not intrude into private lives unless the information is directly relevant to football governance, integrity or safety. Where criticism is warranted, it is based on verifiable facts and attributed to named sources.
Anonymous and unofficial sources
Anonymous sources are used only in exceptional circumstances — typically when the source faces a genuine risk of reprisal and the information is of clear public interest. In such cases, the reason for anonymity is explained in the article. Unofficial sources (e.g., leaked documents, off-the-record briefings) are corroborated with at least one additional independent source before publication. The editor-in-chief must approve any story relying primarily on anonymous material.
Conflicts of interest
All editorial staff and contributors are required to disclose any personal, financial or professional relationships that could influence coverage. Journalists with a direct connection to a club, player or agent are recused from reporting on that subject. No editorial staff may accept gifts, hospitality or payment from any football organisation or individual they cover. Our conflict-of-interest policy is overseen by the Responsible Publisher, Declan Moriarty.
Contact us
If you have a question about this policy or wish to raise a concern, please contact the editorial team via editorial@matchwire.org or the Responsible Publisher directly at declan.moriarty@matchwire.org. Full team contacts are on our About page.