Baller League football is coming to the UK with the likes of Gary Lineker and KSI joining a further line-up of football legends.
A spectacular announcement was made on Monday declaring the indoor football tournament was coming to the UK and the USA. The combination of footballing icons like England striker turned Match of the Day host Lineker, Chelsea icon John Terry and former Real Madrid and Barcelona winger Luis Figo, with internet sensations such as KSI and Chunkz, was an unlikely event.
The six-a-side game has been a huge success in Germany where ex-Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski and Mats Hummels had set it up. Now, KSI will be the president of the UK strand, with streaming star IShowSpeed leading the American version. Brazil World Cup winner Ronaldinho will also be involved in the US.
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Felix Starck, Baller League CEO, has said: “Baller League is a brand new way to consume football. We’re redefining how the game is played by bringing an exhilarating and authentic approach to football, and one that will appeal to current fans along with future generations.
“Baller League is all about forward-thinking, aggressive, hyper-exciting football. We’re about creating a version of the game that’s impossible to ignore – thrilling, bold and packed with excitement.”
(Image: @BallerLeagueUK)
But with all this commotion, people have been left curious as to what Baller League even is. The Daily Star has collected all the information you need.
What is Baller League?
Baller league is a six-a-side indoor football tournament played on a weekly basis. 12 teams play across 11 matchdays, with the top four advancing to the final playoff in May where a champion will be crowned.
The league is set to include footballing stars and YouTube icons as managers. This includes the Match of the Day crew of Lineker, Micah Richards and Alan Shearer. This will also be Lineker’s first new role since he announced he would be leaving the flagship football show.
Trials are already taking place in London and Manchester for players. These can include retired pros, free agents, futsal players or footballers released from an academy.
The matches will be streamed live with Chunkz set to be the host of a weekly show. Due to the announcement video receiving millions of views in 24 hours and fans having a positive reactions to the league, further broadcasting announcements could follow.
(Image: @BallerLeagueUK)
What are the Baller League rules?
It will be six-vs-six matches on a small 29 x 50 metre pitch. Each half will be 15 minutes. The final three minutes of each half will involve some twist rules. These can involve a three-vs-three format, goals scored from the back two thirds of the pitch (long shots) counting as double, and goalkeepers not allowed to use their hands.
When is it coming to the UK?
It has been announced that Baller League will come to the UK in March 2025.