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Lesser-Known Facts about the Premier League The Premier League, also known as English Premier League (EPL), is undoubtedly one of the most popular and followed football (soccer) leagues in the world. Established in 1992, the competition has been acclaimed for its quality of play, competitiveness, and drama. However, despite its fame, there are still many lesser-known facts and mysteries surrounding the Premier League that are worth exploring. In this article, we will delve deeper into these intriguing secrets to uncover the essence of the EPL.
1. The Premier League Trophy is Not Really a Trophy One of the iconic features of the Premier League is the silverware that the winners receive at the end of the season - the Premier League trophy. However, it may surprise you to know that the trophy is, in fact, not a trophy at all. Instead, it is a sculpture made of brass and stainless steel designed by the English artist, Silas Rhodes. The “trophy” is only about 75 centimeters tall and weighs about 5 kilograms.
2. There are No "Official" Premier League Referees Unlike other football leagues, the Premier League does not have a panel of “official” referees. Instead, the league employs approximately 18-20 professional referees, who are assigned to games on a rotating basis. The referees are chosen based on their experience, performance, physical fitness, and professionalism.
3. The Premier League is a Lucrative Business The Premier League is not only a major entertainment industry, but it is also a lucrative business. In the 2018-19 season, the total revenue of the Premier League was a staggering £
5.2 billion, which included broadcasting rights, commercial deals, matchday revenue, and prize money. The most successful clubs share the highest proportions of the revenue, leading to a stark financial divide between the “big six” clubs and the rest of the league.
4. The Premier League has Never Had a Winter Break … Until Now The harsh winter conditions in England have long been a source of concern for football players, coaches, and fans, and there have been calls for a winter break for years. However, until the 2019-20 season, the Premier League did not have a scheduled winter break. The league recently introduced a break of two weekends, giving players and managers some much-needed rest during the hectic season.
5. Covert Operations in the Premier League As with any high-profile industry, the Premier League has seen its fair share of espionage and covert operations. In one instance, the scout of an opposing club was caught spying on a team’s training. In another case, a former player confessed that his team was using hidden microphones in the opposition’s dressing room to gain a psychological advantage. While these incidents are far from common, they highlight the ferocity and competitiveness of the league.
6. The Premier League Gives Back to Communities The Premier League has a vast outreach program that aims to promote education, health, and social inclusion through football. The league and its clubs invest in a variety of programs that support disadvantaged communities and provide opportunities for young people, women, and disabled players. For example, the Premier League Primary Stars program reaches over 18,000 primary schools in England, providing resources and training for teachers to incorporate football and physical education into their curriculum. In conclusion, the Premier League may be one of the most well-known football leagues, but there are still many lesser-known facts and mysteries surrounding it. From the true nature of the Premier League trophy to covert operations, the league has its fair share of surprises. But regardless of these secrets, one thing remains certain – the Premier League will continue to captivate fans and excite football enthusiasts worldwide for years to come.