Scope of this policy
This policy applies to editorial articles, explanatory copy, match previews, analysis, predictions, headlines and other written material published by Soccermatchtoday. It also explains the distinction between editorial work and structured football data.
Scores, fixtures, tables, events, statistics and lineups are primarily data products. They are processed from provider feeds and local records. Articles and analysis are editorial products and should be assessed using source, attribution, accuracy and fairness standards.
Sources and verification
We aim to rely on the strongest source reasonably available for the claim. The source hierarchy normally favours:
- Primary official material: competition organisers, clubs, federations, governing bodies, official match documents and direct statements.
- Specialist structured data: recognised football-data providers used for scores, fixtures, standings and statistical records.
- Direct evidence: press conferences, published interviews, official social accounts and attributable documents.
- Reputable independent reporting: established publications with identifiable authorship and a record of corrections.
Rumours, anonymous social posts and unattributed claims should not be presented as confirmed facts. Where a report cannot be independently confirmed but is relevant, its status and source should be made clear.
Match-data standards
Our data system stores compact local records and checks provider responses before replacing successful information. Incomplete lineup shells, one-sided statistics and unexpected empty responses should not be treated as confirmed complete data.
- Live data is labelled according to the latest stored status.
- Finished results are preserved unless stronger corrected information is received.
- Times are displayed using the visitor’s selected timezone preference where supported.
- Season selections should show the chosen season rather than silently substituting another one.
- Unavailable information should be described honestly instead of being fabricated.
Because feeds update at different speeds, a short delay can occur between an event on the pitch and its appearance on the website.
Editorial standards
Automated systems may help ingest, organise, compare or display structured sports data. Automated output is not presented as eyewitness reporting, and editorial material should be reviewed for accuracy, clarity and source support before publication.
Editorial independence and advertising
Commercial relationships should be disclosed where they could reasonably affect a reader’s understanding. Advertisers and partners do not receive permission to change factual match records, remove legitimate criticism or prevent a correction.
Sponsored or paid material should be labelled clearly. Affiliate links, where used, may generate revenue, but payment does not guarantee a positive assessment or a predicted sporting outcome.
Predictions, probabilities and odds
Predictions are assessments based on available information, not statements of fact. Football is uncertain, and injuries, selection decisions, weather, tactical changes and random events can invalidate a reasonable forecast.
Odds may be delayed, differ between operators or change after publication. They are provided for general information and comparison only. Nothing on the website guarantees a profit or should be treated as financial, legal or professional gambling advice.
Updates, corrections and complaints
Routine updates may be made as a story develops or a data provider supplies newer information. A material factual change should be handled under our Corrections Policy, including an explanatory note where the original meaning materially changed.
Editorial concerns can be submitted through our Contact page or by emailing info@soccermatchtoday.com. Include the page URL, disputed statement and supporting evidence.