World Cup Got You Clueless? Call ‘Emergency Football Hotline’ To Get Up To Speed

With the world’s biggest sporting event about to take place, you may be worried about not being up to date with all the ins and outs of the sport. After all, how are you supposed to know everything about the 32 teams?

To help casual fans learn more about soccer, sports publication The Athletic, together with communication firm Harbour, has launched the first-ever ‘Emergency Football Hotline’, so you can get all the information you need to follow the tournament. 

Be it an explanation of the rules (what exactly is offside?), a breakdown of tactics and key players, or the urgent need to settle a family debate, the hotline will answer any and all of your soccer-related queries, with experts on hand to help. 

If you’re one to show off your sports knowledge, this helpline is a great way to brush up on everything you need to know about the World Cup. In fact, 42% of fans admitted to the site that they “crammed” before a game to be “in the know.” 

Big names, including manager Mauricio Pochettino and England legend Alan Shearer, are part of the campaign, and will be sitting alongside The Athletic’s group of experts to answer fans’ questions.

The hotline will be open seven days a week, beginning November 14 to December 18, 2022, from 1 pm to 9 pm (GMT), though hours will be adjusted depending on match times. 

Fans in the UK can contact The Athletic at 0800 0 433 433 for free, while international callers can reach out at +44 20 3282 8156 with a fee. 

[via LBB Online and The Athletic, cover image via The Athletic]