The EFL has written to clubs calling for a halt in reputationally damaging social media posts disguised as ‘banter’ – believing the line has been blurred when it comes to regulatory matters.
The letter expressed concern over a ‘growing pattern of posts that use disputes, disciplinary matters, alleged wrongdoing or rival Clubs as material for public “banter”.’
A letter, seen by Daily Mail Sport, has been sent by EFL chief executive Trevor Birch to club chairs and executives following a board meeting.
‘While any one post may be viewed as an isolated lapse, taken together they risk creating a culture in which short-term engagement is prioritised over judgement, responsibility and long-term reputation,’ the letter read.
‘This is not about removing humour, personality or rivalry from Club channels. It is about recognising when content becomes disparaging, prolongs a dispute, targets an individual, or calls the integrity of a Club or the competition into question.
‘The impact extends beyond the Clubs directly involved. Repeated public exchanges can inflame relationships, undermine confidence in the fairness and professionalism of our competitions, and weaken the collective EFL brand.
The EFL have called for clubs to halt ‘banter’ social media posts. Pictured: Wrexham owners Rob Mac (left) and Ryan Reynolds (right) spoofed Southampton’s Spygate case in September. Source: X/Wrexham_AFC
Wrexham were among the clubs to mock the case by putting a not to ‘check training ground for unauthorised visitors’ prior to their match with Southampton on fixture release day. Source: X/Wrexham_AFC
Birmingham City also referenced the case by revealing the date for their fixture by showing the club badges cut into hedges and visible through binoculars. Source: X/BCFC
‘Recent media interest in perceived public disputes between Clubs illustrates how quickly individual posts can become a wider reputational issue.’
Daily Mail Sport understands the EFL are keen to avoid being seen as killjoys. Rather, they are taking a preventative approach to posts that could end up breaching FA or EFL rules.
The Southampton ‘Spygate’ scandal is among the most prominent disputes that have been referenced by clubs in social media content in recent months.
Both Birmingham City and Wrexham shared posts on the Championship fixture release date in June, using the case to highlight the dates of a fixture with Southampton.
Birmingham’s official X account posted a graphic of both clubs’ badges cut into hedges which were viewed through binoculars. The account added: ‘One of the other key fixtures to keep an eye on…’
Wrexham’s calendar for their matches in September included a reminder to ‘check training ground for unauthorised visitors’ two days before they played Southampton. An image of a man behind a tree was included in the Southampton badge.
The club also included their Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac in a spoof video in the build-up to the match. The actors were seen behind a tree similar to one which Southampton intern William Salt was caught spying near ahead of their play-off semi-final with Middlesbrough.
Following the revelations by Daily Mail Sport, Southampton were eventually thrown out of the play-offs.
Last week, Blackburn hit back at a video of West Ham manager Scott Parker declaring he ‘didn’t see a Blackburn fan’ by showing images of their supporters celebrating goals in their 2-1 win over the Hammers.
Blackburn hit back at West Ham boss Scott Parker last week after he declared he ‘didn’t see a Blackburn fan’, with the club then showing supporters celebrating goals. Source: X/Rovers
The EFL reminded clubs in their letter that regulations called for clubs to ‘to act towards one another with utmost good faith’. The organisation called for clubs to consider whether their content is ‘punching down’ or ‘targeting a specific Club or individual’, adding they would likely cross the threshold if it does.
The organisation stressed that its preference is for ‘engagement and prevention’ and was not requesting clubs to make ‘bland or risk-free’ content.
However, the EFL warned it is prepared to take ‘proportionate and consistent action’ where ‘conduct which doesn’t meet the standards we expect is repeated or serious.’
Clubs have been asked to ensure a senior leader owns the standard applied to the club’s content, as well as formalising approval arrangements, briefing relevant people and exercising restraint.
