Football brings plenty of opinions with it, and Touchline is no exception. But readers should be able to tell the difference between something we know, something we’ve observed and something we’re arguing.

This page explains how Touchline approaches reporting, scouting assessments, corrections and commercial relationships. Touchline is an independent publication founded and edited by James Callan.

Accuracy and sourcing

We aim to check names, dates, results, financial figures and other material claims before publication. For reporting involving club finances, ownership or legal matters, we look to original documents, official announcements and identifiable reporting wherever possible. We distinguish confirmed information from estimates, interpretations and opinion.

Anonymous sources may be used when there is a sound editorial reason to protect someone’s identity, but anonymity isn’t a substitute for verification. We won’t present allegations as established facts merely because someone has passed them on.

Tactics, scouting and analysis

Tactical pieces and scouting reports combine match observation with statistical evidence and editorial judgement. Data has its limitations: roles, competitions, playing time and providers can all change the picture. We aim to explain those limitations, particularly when comparing players across teams or leagues.

A scouting recommendation is an assessment, not a guarantee about a player’s ability or future career. Reports should be grounded in observable football behaviour. We avoid unsupported claims about a player’s personality, private life or character.

Corrections and updates

We want the record to be right. If a factual error is brought to our attention, we’ll review the evidence and make a correction where warranted. Substantial corrections will be explained on the article so readers can see what changed. Smaller spelling or formatting edits may be made without a separate notice.

When a story develops, we may update an article with new information and indicate a meaningful update. We won’t change publication dates simply to make an old story appear new.

Opinion and independence

Touchline publishes both reporting and analysis. Opinion should be recognisable as opinion, and criticism should be fair, specific and supported by the material being discussed. We may speak to clubs, agents, players and other people working in football, but access does not mean approval of our coverage.

Partnerships and conflicts of interest

If a piece is sponsored, produced as part of a commercial arrangement or includes a relevant financial relationship, we will disclose that clearly. Paid promotion will not be presented as independent reporting. Where an involvement with a club, organisation, player or representative could reasonably affect how readers assess a piece, we will disclose it or avoid the assignment as appropriate.

Images, quotations and other material

We aim to use photographs, graphics, statistics and other material with appropriate permission, licensing or attribution. Material supplied by others should not be presented as our own original work. Quotations should reflect what a person actually said, with relevant context retained.

Use of AI tools

Digital tools, including AI-assisted tools, may be used to help with research organisation, editing or production. They are not a substitute for checking facts or making editorial judgements. We will not knowingly publish invented quotes, fabricated sources or synthetic material presented as genuine reporting. Where AI-generated or substantially altered imagery is used, it should be identified clearly.

Contacting Touchline

To raise an issue, request a correction or contact the editor, visit the Contact page. Please include the article link and the details of any concern so it can be checked properly.